Patents Assigned to Via Christi Research, Inc.
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Patent number: 6472222Abstract: A simple screening method is provided for determining biological variations among individuals in a smoking cessation program so that a therapy regimen can be adjusted appropriately for each individual. The method includes the steps of having an individual intake a predetermined dose of nicotine, taking a saliva sample at a predetermined time subsequent to intake of the dose of nicotine, and measuring the nicotine and cotinine levels in the sample. Thereafter, a ratio is calculated which includes both the nicotine and cotinine levels as an indicator of the rate of nicotine metabolism of the individual being screened.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1999Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Via Christi Research, Inc.Inventor: W. Dale Horst
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Patent number: 6155991Abstract: A small volume blood collection apparatus and method. A capillary tube has an end cap on each end thereof. Each end cap has a passage formed therethrough, a plug for selectively closing the passage and a flexible arm extending between the plug and a base portion of the end cap. A Luer surface is defined on each end cap.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Via Christi Research, Inc.Inventors: Thomas R. Beat, Conrad H. Boettger, Joe A. Carrithers
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Patent number: 5827244Abstract: A quick-connect, needleless coupling assembly configured to shield its critical areas from contamination by environmental surfaces has a pair of interlocking, flow-through male and female components which may be used as part of a larger medicinal liquid therapy system. The male component has a generally rigid, blunt, open-ended cannula which is recessed with respect to a surrounding concentrically spaced collar so that the open end of the cannula is protected against contact from environmental surfaces which might otherwise contaminate the cannula. The female component has a socket which receives the male cannula to place the two components into liquid flow communication with one another.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Via Christi Research Inc.Inventor: Conrad H. Boettger
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Patent number: 5810793Abstract: A quick-connect, needleless coupling assembly configured to shield its critical areas from contamination by environmental surfaces has a pair of interlocking, flow-through male and female components which may be used as part of a larger medicinal liquid therapy system. The male component has a generally rigid, blunt, open-ended cannula which is recessed with respect to a surrounding concentrically spaced collar so that the open end of the cannula is protected against contact from environmental surfaces which might otherwise contaminate the cannula. The female component has a socket which receives the male cannula to place the two components into liquid flow communication with one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Via Christi Research, Inc.Inventor: Conrad H. Boettger
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Patent number: 5707126Abstract: A self-retracting, wall-mounted desk and chart holder especially useful as a decentralized nurses' station is provided having a slim profile, compact construction, and being specifically designed for mounting on walls outside patient rooms. The chart holder includes a body having structure for defining a side entry storage slot of sufficient width to receive a medical chart standing on edge and extending parallel to the wall on which the chart holder is mounted. The slot is shorter than the chart so that a portion of the chart may project out beyond the slot and above the slot to make it visible at-a-glance. The chart holder further includes a desktop which is swingably attached to the body for movement of the desktop between a horizontal open position for use as a work surface, and a vertical closed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Via Christi Research Inc.Inventors: Vida Jo Neufeld, Bill J. Hawks, Jr.
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Patent number: 5626318Abstract: A receptacle holder assembly (10, 76) for urinals (70, 78) is provided which allows mounting of the assemblies on a variety of differently configured support surfaces. The assembly (10, 76) includes a holder unit (12, 80) for supporting a removable urinal (70, 78) having a pair of spaced apart mounting legs (44, 46, 90, 92). An attachment member (14) is operatively coupled to each leg (44, 46, 90, 92) for independent pivoting movement thereof about the associated leg (44, 46, 90, 92). Each holder (14) is provided with either mating hook and loop strips (64, 68) or adhesive system (114), allowing the assembly to be secured to a variety of support surfaces (16, 74, 98).Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Via Christi Research, Inc.Inventors: Conrad H. Boettger, Bill J. Hawks, Jr.
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Patent number: D389187Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Via Christi Research, Inc.Inventor: Joe D. Gillespie
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Patent number: D395185Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Via Christi Research Inc.Inventors: Vida Jo Neufeld, Bill J. Hawks, Jr.