Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for assessing the coupling between lung perfusion and ventilation in a patient who is mechanically ventilated or who is breathing spontaneously through a conventional artificial airway is provided. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise an adaptor configured to fit between the artificial airway and mechanical ventilator, a measuring chamber in constant fluid communication with the adaptor via one or more measuring chamber sampling ports, and a monitoring unit where data obtained from temperature and relative humidity sensors located in the measuring is calibrated, sampled, logged and analyzed together with anthropometric patient data to display a coupling index Qi and to enable ongoing diagnostic cardio-pulmonary monitoring of a patient by comparing changes in the patient's index during a monitoring interval.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for assessing the coupling between lung perfusion and ventilation in a patient who is mechanically ventilated or who is breathing spontaneously through a conventional artificial airway is provided. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise an adaptor configured to fit between the artificial airway and mechanical ventilator, a measuring chamber in constant fluid communication with the adaptor via one or more measuring chamber sampling ports, and a monitoring unit where data obtained from temperature and relative humidity sensors located in the measuring is calibrated, sampled, logged and analyzed together with anthropometric patient data to display a coupling index Qi and to enable ongoing diagnostic cardio-pulmonary monitoring of a patient by comparing changes in the patient's index during a monitoring interval.

Abstract: A compound membrane breathing tube for use in spirometric applications is provided. The compound membrane comprises a first sheet and a second sheet of flexible sheeting connected together along the periphery thereof, and each of the sheets has an opening cut therethrough to create a flap. The flap of the first sheet overlaps the flap of the second sheet so as to present a higher relative resistance to airflow through the breathing tube at lower airflows.

Abstract: A compound membrane breathing tube for use in spirometric applications is provided. The compound membrane comprises a first sheet and a second sheet of flexible sheeting connected together along the periphery thereof, and each of the sheets has an opening cut therethrough to create a flap. The flap of the first sheet overlaps the flap of the second sheet so as to present a higher relative resistance to airflow through the breathing tube at lower airflows.

Abstract: A lightweight block useful as a patio tile, a border piece or a landscaping component, which has a density of 800 to 1,200 kg/m.sup.3 and is made from a concrete mix comprising stabilized wood aggregates prepared by sterilization of wood chips by thermal treatment, followed by a chemical treatment with a calcium salt first and then with at least one soluble silicate, the concrete mix also comprising, based on 750 liters of the stabilized wood aggregates: from 200 to 350 kg of sand; from 200 to 350 kg of cement, such as silica fume or Portland cement; from 8 to 15 kg of polymer additive, preferably a melamine-based polymer; from 80 to 175 kg of water; and optionally, at least one pigment such as iron oxide. This block is particularly interesting in that it is lightweight, it has a high bending resistance; it has a pronounced and decorative texture; and it is very porous, thereby making it self-draining and efficient as a sound absorber.