Abstract: A method of forming a net shape preform for a high performance ballistic helmet includes preparing one or more full prepreg plies, preparing one or more filler prepreg plies, wherein a shape and orientation of one filler prepreg ply of the one or more filler prepreg plies is different from a shape and orientation of another filler prepreg ply of the one or more filler prepreg plies, layering the one or more full prepreg plies with one or more filler prepreg plies to form a ply stack and deforming a portion of the ply stack while constraining the ply stack by applying in-plane tensional force to the ply stack to form the net-shape preform.

Abstract: A volume-filling mechanical structure for modifying a crash including: a bolster system defined by an outer bolster and an inner bolster; a honeycomb celled material expandable from a dormant state to a deployed state, the honeycomb celled material disposed intermediate the outer and inner bolsters cooperatively positioned with the honeycomb celled material to cover surfaces defining the honeycomb celled material in the deployed and dormant states; a means for deploying the honeycomb celled material from the dormant state to the deployed state causing the outer bolster to translate away from the inner bolster; and a tether operably connecting one end of the honeycomb celled material to the means for deploying the honeycomb celled material from the dormant state to the deployed state.

Abstract: A volume-filling mechanical structure for modifying a crash includes a bolster system defined by an outer bolster and an inner bolster, a honeycomb celled material expandable from a dormant state to a deployed state, the honeycomb celled material disposed intermediate the outer and inner bolsters cooperatively positioned with the honeycomb celled material to cover surfaces defining the honeycomb celled material in the deployed and dormant states, and a means for deploying the honeycomb celled material from the dormant state to the deployed state causing the outer bolster to translate away from the inner bolster.

Abstract: A glare resistant display for automotive vehicles has a lens with horizontal grooves which deflect reflections of external light sources, such as sun light, away from drivers while allowing illumination from behind the lens to pass therethrough so as to be visible to drivers. Indicia is disposed on the front face of the lens and a pointer pivots behind the front face. The indicia and pointer are made distinct because they block or absorb portions of the illumination coming from behind the lens. By utilizing lenses which minimize reflection, dials of instrument panels can be moved further toward steering wheels and drivers, thereby releasing space behind the dials for other uses.