Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated reinforcing fiber for use in Ceramic Matrix Composites, the method comprising pre-oxidizing a plurality of silicon-based fibers selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide (SiC) fibers, silicon nitride (Si3N4) fibers, SiCO fibers, SiCN fibers, SiCNO fibers, and SiBCN fibers at between 700 to 1300 degrees Celsius in an oxidizing atmosphere to form a silica surface layer on the plurality of silicon-based fibers, forming a plurality of pre-oxidized fibers; applying a rare earth orthophosphate (REPO4) coating to the plurality of pre-oxidized fibers; and heating the plurality of REPO4 coated pre-oxidized fibers at about 1000-1500 degrees Celsius in an inert atmosphere to react the REPO4 with the silica surface layer to form a rare earth silicate or disilicate. The pre-oxidizing step may be 0.5 hours to about 100 hours. The heating step may be about 5 minutes to about 100 hours.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated reinforcing fiber for use in Ceramic Matrix Composites, the method comprising pre-oxidizing a plurality of silicon-based fibers selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide (SiC) fibers, silicon nitride (Si3N4) fibers, SiCO fibers, SiCN fibers, SiCNO fibers, and SiBCN fibers at between 700 to 1300 degrees Celsius in an oxidizing atmosphere to form a silica surface layer on the plurality of silicon-based fibers, forming a plurality of pre-oxidized fibers; applying a rare earth orthophosphate (REPO4) coating to the plurality of pre-oxidized fibers; and heating the plurality of REPO4 coated pre-oxidized fibers at about 1000-1500 degrees Celsius in an inert atmosphere to react the REPO4 with the silica surface layer to form a rare earth silicate or disilicate. The pre-oxidizing step may be 0.5 hours to about 100 hours. The heating step may be about 5 minutes to about 100 hours.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method to fabricate a crack-free continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite by eliminating shrinkage stresses through a unique combination of freeze forming and a non-shrinking matrix composition. Cracks related to drying shrinkage are eliminated through freeze forming and cracks related to sintering shrinkage are eliminated by using a matrix that does not shrink at the given sintering temperature. After sintering, a crack-free ceramic composite is obtained.

Abstract: Lasing systems utilizing YAG and methods for producing a YAG suitable for lasing are provided. The lasing system comprises a laser activator and a laser host material is provided. The laser host material comprises a transparent polycrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet material defined by a low porosity of less than about 3 ppm.

Abstract: An adjustable, weight resistance exercise device and method for testing and/or strengthening muscles of the pelvic diaphragm comprising an elongated, semi-rigid tube and a resilient balloon member. The tube has a first end that is formed to accommodate a hose barb and a second end. The balloon member covers the second end approximately two inches to a sealed end. A syringe is connected to the hose barb allowing fluid or gas such as water or air to flow through a passageway of the tube into the balloon member. The balloon member expands under the pressure forming a reservoir of varying diameter, length, and weight.

Abstract: Methods of producing doped and undoped yttrium aluminum garnet and yttrium aluminum perovskite containing powders and the powders produced thereby are provided. Additionally, methods of forming doped and undoped polycrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet having a mean grain size of between about 1 ?m to about 3 ?m and the yttrium aluminum garnet produced thereby are provided. The doped and undoped polycrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet may be formed by sintering a compact and subsequently hot isostatically pressing the compact.

Abstract: Lasing systems utilizing YAG and methods for producing a YAG suitable for lasing are provided. The lasing system comprises a laser activator and a laser host material is provided. The laser host material comprises a transparent polycrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet material defined by a low porosity of less than about 3 ppm.

Abstract: Methods of producing doped and undoped yttrium aluminum garnet and yttrium aluminum perovskite containing powders and the powders produced thereby are provided. Additionally, methods of forming doped and undoped polycrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet having a mean grain size of between about 1 &mgr;m to about 3 &mgr;m and the yttrium aluminum garnet produced thereby are provided. The doped and undoped polycrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet may be formed by sintering a compact and subsequently hot isostatically pressing the compact.