Abstract: A disclosed method of forming a ceramic article includes forming a pre-ceramic polymer article within a mold tool, and performing a first pyrolizing step on the initial pre-ceramic polymer article to form a ceramic article. The method further includes performing at least one pre-heat treatment polymer infiltration and pyrolizing (PIP) cycle on the ceramic article and an initial heat treatment cycle of the ceramic article after the at least one pre-heat treatment PIP cycle. Subsequent PIP cycles and heat treatment cycles are performed in combination to form a ceramic article including a desired density.

Abstract: A retention cuff is disclosed for retaining a fluid collection device or system in an orifice of a patient. The retention cuff has a body has a central opening and an inflationless cuff wall that includes an annular cuff wall and one or more side elements. The retention cuff is non-inflatable and has a self-deployed state or shape. The retention cuff can be coupled to a fecal collection device such that the central opening is in flow communication with a collection tube of the device and with the body of the retention device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing a crystalline ceramic material. In an example, the method includes providing a silicon-containing preceramic polymer material that can be thermally converted to one or more crystalline polymorphs. The silicon-containing preceramic polymer material includes dispersed therein an effective amount of dopant particles. The silicon-containing preceramic polymer material is then thermally converted to the silicon-containing ceramic material. The effective amount of dopant particles enhance the formation of at least one of the one or more crystalline polymorphs, relative to the silicon-containing preceramic polymer without the dopant particles, with respect to at least one of formation of a selected polymorph of the one or more crystalline polymorphs formed, an amount formed of a selected polymorph of the one or more crystalline polymorphs formed, and a temperature of formation of the one or more crystalline polymorphs.

Abstract: A retention cuff is disclosed for retaining a fluid collection device or system in an orifice of a patient. The retention cuff has a body has a central opening and an inflationless cuff wall that includes an annular cuff wall and one or more side elements. The retention cuff is non-inflatable and has a self-deployed state or shape. The retention cuff can be coupled to a fecal collection device such that the central opening is in flow communication with a collection tube of the device and with the body of the retention device.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a chromium-containing metal support, a ceramic electrode layer on the metal support and an electroconductive ceramic layer between the chromium-containing metal support and the ceramic electrode layer. The electroconductive ceramic layer includes a ceramic material selected from lanthanum-doped strontium titanate and perovskite oxides.

Abstract: A disclosed method of forming a ceramic article includes forming a pre-ceramic polymer article within a mold tool, and performing a first pyrolizing step on the initial pre-ceramic polymer article to form a ceramic article. The method further includes performing at least one pre-heat treatment polymer infiltration and pyrolizing (PIP) cycle on the ceramic article and an initial heat treatment cycle of the ceramic article after the at least one pre-heat treatment PIP cycle. Subsequent PIP cycles and heat treatment cycles are performed in combination to form a ceramic article including a desired density.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing a crystalline ceramic material. In an example, the method includes providing a silicon-containing preceramic polymer material that can be thermally converted to one or more crystalline polymorphs. The silicon-containing preceramic polymer material includes dispersed therein an effective amount of dopant particles. The silicon-containing preceramic polymer material is then thermally converted to the silicon-containing ceramic material. The effective amount of dopant particles enhance the formation of at least one of the one or more crystalline polymorphs, relative to the silicon-containing preceramic polymer without the dopant particles, with respect to at least one of formation of a selected polymorph of the one or more crystalline polymorphs formed, an amount formed of a selected polymorph of the one or more crystalline polymorphs formed, and a temperature of formation of the one or more crystalline polymorphs.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a chromium-containing metal support, a ceramic electrode layer on the metal support and an electroconductive ceramic layer between the chromium-containing metal support and the ceramic electrode layer. The electroconductive ceramic layer includes a ceramic material selected from lanthanum-doped strontium titanate and perovskite oxides.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a chromium-containing metal support, a ceramic electrode layer on the metal support and an electroconductive ceramic layer between the chromium-containing metal support and the ceramic electrode layer. The electroconductive ceramic layer includes a ceramic material selected from lanthanum-doped strontium titanate and perovskite oxides.

Abstract: A system and methods for betting on casino related games, events or actions. There is a present and recurring need for new bet types that may increase excitement for players and that may be advantageous to both the bettor and to the bet-taking establishment. According to one example, casino-related events may include casino game-related events and events related to other activities of the casino. For example, casino game-related events may include predicting the outcome of a particular game, predicting whether or not a given slot machine will pay out a jackpot in excess of a given amount (e.g., $5,000) within a given time period, predicting how many people will win more than a given amount at blackjack on a particular day or during some other time period, and many other events. Events associated with casino games may be related to any game played at the casino including, but not limited to keno, bingo, poker, blackjack, slots, baccarat, and roulette.

Abstract: A countermeasure system for use by a target to protect against an incoming sensor-guided threat. The system includes a laser system for producing a broadband beam and means for directing the broadband beam from the target to the threat. The countermeasure system comprises the steps of producing a broadband beam and directing the broad band beam from the target to blind or confuse the incoming sensor-guided threat.