DR. RICHARD DENNIS WASNICH, M.D.
Medical Practice at Kamakee St, Honolulu, HI

4829549, May 9, 1989

Nov 30, 1987

7/143681

John M. Vogel - Sacramento CA
Philip J. Manly - Wahiawa HI
Richard D. Wasnich - Honolulu HI

G01N 2300

378 55

The level of relative risk of osteoporosis in human subjects can be quickly determined by: measuring the bone mineral content of the os calcis (heel)--which is highly trabecular--and; assessing relative non-violent fracture risk at substantially all skeletal sites (both spinal and non-spinal) due to osteoporosis of the subject from the os calcis mineral content determination. The bone mineral content of a cortical bone site, such as the proximal radius (forearm), can also be determined. The densitometer apparatus includes a heel holding structure, or a forearm holding structure, which may be placed between a low energy source of gamma and/or x-rays, and a detector. The source and detector are mounted on a C-shaped yoke, which yoke can be moved horizontally and vertically during a rectilinear scan, and which can be rotated about a vertical axis when computed tomography (CT) capabilities are necessary.

4094317, Jun 13, 1978

Jun 11, 1976

5/694957

Richard D. Wasnich - Honolulu HI

A61M 1100

128194

A nebulization chamber, designed specifically for radioaerosols, for reducing mean particle size, increasing aerosol concentration, and minimizing dead space. Centrally and vertically disposed is a substantially cylindrical interaction chamber at the lower most portion of which is positioned a membrane-covered opening that serves as the liquid interface to a conventional ultrasonic nebulizer located thereunder. Positioned concentrically within the interaction chamber is an impaction sphere which acts to trap the nebulized aerosol bolus in a small, compact volume for efficient delivery to the patient. Larger aerosol particles are also impacted on the sphere to permit recovery thereof for re-nebulization. The upper end of the interaction chamber communicates with the patient's mouthpiece via a one-way valve. Positioned laterally and downstream of the interaction chamber is a valved air inlet which acts to assist movement of the aerosol bolus during initial inspiration by the patient, thereby improving delivery efficiency and minimizing dead space.