Abstract: A modular system is designed to interface cell cultures to a shock tube (simulated blast) and/or drop tower (simulated blunt impact) for testing of helmet and helmet pad materials for mitigating cell injury. It includes a set of layers including helmet material, optionally helmet pad, simulated skin, simulated skull, and simulated bulk brain tissue.

Abstract: A system for testing a helmet includes a simulated skull comprising a cranial cavity; a brain surrogate disposed inside the cranial cavity; and a cell pack comprising at least one culture well suitable for three-dimensional growth of live neurons therein, the cell pack comprising a retaining plate having at least one opening exposing a portion of a flexible membrane containing the at least one cell culture well, the exposed membrane portion being substantially flush with an exterior surface of the retaining plate, wherein the brain surrogate is configured to closely surround the cell pack inside the simulated skull. Also disclosed is a method of using the system.

Abstract: A system for testing a helmet includes a simulated skull comprising a cranial cavity; a brain surrogate disposed inside the cranial cavity; and a cell pack comprising at least one culture well suitable for three-dimensional growth of live neurons therein, the cell pack comprising a retaining plate having at least one opening exposing a portion of a flexible membrane containing the at least one cell culture well, the exposed membrane portion being substantially flush with an exterior surface of the retaining plate, wherein the brain surrogate is configured to closely surround the cell pack inside the simulated skull. Also disclosed is a method of using the system.

Abstract: A modular system is designed to interface cell cultures to a shock tube (simulated blast) and/or drop tower (simulated blunt impact) for testing of helmet and helmet pad materials for mitigating cell injury. It includes a set of layers including helmet material, optionally helmet pad, simulated skin, simulated skull, and simulated bulk brain tissue.

Abstract: Described herein is a sealed cell pack with a permeable membrane for growth and manipulation of three-dimensional cell cultures. This allows a cell culture to be removed from the laboratory and subjected to real world insults before being returned to culture conditions for continued growth and study. One application is for use in the study of the direct effects of blast waves on neuronal cells and methods for mitigating this response.

Abstract: Body armor for ballistic protection of a user's extremities preferably comprising right and left arm protection units and/or right and left leg protection units. The units include a ballistic protection material which preferably covers most of the user's upper arm, elbow region, lower arm, shoulder, upper leg, knee region, and lower leg except for ventilation zones preferably located on the inner portion of the upper arm and the inner part of the upper leg. The back of the knee is preferably covered by a protective flap.

Abstract: An nstrumented thoracic model for measuring the effects of impacts is provided. The model has simulated skeletal components, simulated tissue, simulated internal organs, and sensors that are optimally placed in the simulated tissue and organs, said simulated organs and said simulated skeletal components. Simulated human tissue is made of a modified ballistic gelatin, comprising ordinance gelatin, chilled water and an antimicrobial agent in a desired volume or weight percentage. The resulting mixture is then poured into a container or mold having the desired tissue shape, and then chilled until the mixture has set. Simulated lung tissue is made of the modified ballistic gelatin, but also incorporates nicrospheres to approximate the density and modality of the lungs.