Abstract: A blast load simulation system includes a glass panel having two surfaces. The system also includes a membrane for covering at least one of the two surfaces of the glass panel. The system also includes means for delivering an impulse with a given characteristic to the glass panel through the membrane.

Abstract: A venting-membrane system for mitigating blast pressure generated from a blast force on a wall structure. The venting-membrane system having a framework including a plurality of parallel structural members defining a wall structure having an interior surface and an exterior surface. At least one inflatable enclosure attached to the interior surface of the wall; and at least one inflatable enclosure attached to the exterior surface of the wall wherein the at least one inflatable enclosure attached to the interior surface of the wall is in communication with the at least one inflatable enclosure attached to the exterior surface of the wall.

Abstract: A pulsating impeller system is provided for moving a body through a fluid medium. The pulsating impeller includes an enclosure mounted on a vessel or other body. The enclosure is provided with an inlet-outlet aperture to facilitate the flow of the fluid medium into and out of the enclosure. An expansible membrane is positioned in the enclosure. The volume of the expansible membrane is inflated and deflated on a regular cycle by a compressed air or other similar system in the vessel. When the enclosure is placed in a fluid, such as water, and the expansible membrane inside the enclosure is inflated, the volume of the membrane is increased, which results in the water being forced through the outlet hole in the enclosure to propel the vessel. This force will generate a reactive force which will thrust the enclosure and vessel in the opposite direction. The vessel may be provided with a plurality of enclosures, and each enclosure may have one or more expansible membranes.

Abstract: The device of the invention comprises a set of flat rings which can slide laterally on each other with a central rubber core and/or peripheral rubber cores. In this base isolator device the interfacial friction force acts in parallel with the elastic force in the rubber. It combines the beneficial effect of friction damping with that of the resiliency of rubber. The rubber cores distribute the sliding displacement along the height of the device and, due to rubber's resiliency, limit the maximum residual displacement at the base to a pre-specified value, thereby eliminating the need for any repositioning operation after earthquakes. Also, the resiliency of the rubber cores aid in reducing the high frequency effects attributed to friction isolators.