Abstract: Helmet retention systems including a dial adjustment mechanism for adjusting the effective length of a head band are described. The dial adjustment mechanisms include a separator to separate portions of the head band during adjustment.

Abstract: Helmet retention systems including a dial adjustment mechanism for adjusting the effective length of a head band are described. The dial adjustment mechanisms include a separator to separate portions of the head band during adjustment.

Abstract: The present application relates to helmet pads (120) comprising a ballistic protection layer (126). It also relates to a ballistic helmet (100) that comprises a helmet pad comprising a ballistic protection layer. Further, the present application also relates to a helmet pad replacement set wherein one or more of the replacement helmet pads comprises a ballistic protection layer.

Abstract: The present application relates to helmet pads (120) comprising a ballistic protection layer (126). It also relates to a ballistic helmet (100) that comprises a helmet pad comprising a ballistic protection layer. Further, the present application also relates to a helmet pad replacement set wherein one or more of the replacement helmet pads comprises a ballistic protection layer.

Abstract: A helmet includes a helmet shell including an edge and an edge trim receiving the edge. The helmet also includes a retention system including at least two points where the retention system is secured to the helmet and a releasable mechanical fastening system, wherein the mechanical fastening system includes a first mating portion and a second mating portion, which releasably mates with the first mating portion. The first mating portion is affixed to the points and the second mating portion is affixed to one of the helmet shell or the first mating portion. In addition, an attachment hook is provided for each point of the retention system extending from the edge trim through which each of the points pass through.

Abstract: A method and device for trimming components may include mounting a component in a fixture and providing a cutting tool having a cutting portion, wherein the cutting tool is displaceable in at least three axes relative to the fixture. Gas may be supplied through a supply tube to the cutting portion of the cutting tool and the supply tube may be cooled to a first temperature. The component may be cut with the cutting tool while supplying gas to the component.

Abstract: A system, machine and method of forming a composite structure. The composite may be placed between a first mold half and a second mold half and heated at a first temperature, T1, and held at a first pressure, P1, wherein the first pressure is applied to the structure through the first and second mold halves. In addition, the composite may be cooled at a second temperature, T2, and held at a second pressure, P2, wherein the second pressure is applied to the composite through the first and second mold halves, wherein T1>T2 and P1<P2. The composite may also be removed from the first and second mold halves, wherein the composite has a near-net shape.

Abstract: An intake manifold for an internal combustion engine including a manifold base portion and a manifold cover portion. The manifold cover portion and base portion are each formed from a thermoplastic composite material. The base portion includes several runners which may be coupled to respective intake ports of an internal combustion head. The manifold base portion and the manifold cover portion may be selected from a group of differing parts to provide a manifold having desired application or performance characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a formable hockey stick blade, the method comprising: (a) providing a core having a blade element with a thickness, the core being made of expandable foam having a Poisson ratio of at least 0.33; (b) forming a preformed stick blade by wrapping the core with a layer of fibers pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic material; (c) placing the preformed stick blade in a mold; (d) applying heat and pressure to the mold for bringing the thermoplastic material to its amorphous form and for compressing the preformed stick blade such that the thickness of the blade element of the core is reduced; (e) cooling the mold such that the thermoplastic material is set; and (f) removing the formable stick blade from the mold.

Abstract: An intake manifold for an internal combustion engine including a manifold base portion and a manifold cover portion. The manifold cover portion and base portion are each formed from a thermoplastic composite material. The base portion includes several runners which may be coupled to respective intake ports of an internal combustion head. The manifold base portion and the manifold cover portion may be selected from a group of differing parts to provide a manifold having desired application or performance characteristics.

Abstract: A method of making a formable hockey stick blade, the method comprising: (a) providing a foam core having a blade element with a thickness, the foam having a Poisson ratio of at least 0.33; (b) forming an uncured stick blade by wrapping the foam core with a layer of fibers pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic material; (c) placing the uncured stick blade in a mold; (d) applying heat and pressure to the mold for curing the uncured stick blade and for compressing the uncured stick blade such that the thickness of the blade element of the foam core is reduced; and (e) removing the cured stick blade from the mold.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for producing a preform. The apparatus includes a lay-up device and a distribution head coupled to the lay-up device. The lay-up device receives tow. The lay-up device has a plurality of sockets. The sockets removably and replaceably engage pins along a perimeter of a desired preform shape. The distribution head distributes tow. The distribution head loops tow around the pins to form the preform.

Abstract: Apparatus and process to form structural preforms from an electromagnetic energy activated binder and reinforcing material using low cost tooling. The apparatus includes one or more lay-up stations and forming stations.