Patents by Inventor David C. Grana

David C. Grana has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4415311
    Abstract: A vertical shaft 11 has several equally spaced blades 14 mounted thereon. Each blade consists of an inboard section 15 and an outboard section 16 skew hinged (17) to the inboard section. The inboard sections automatically adjust their positions with respect to the fixed inboard sections with changes in velocity of the wind. This windmill design automatically governs the maximum rotational speed of shaft 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: David C. Grana, Spencer V. Inge, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4335206
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for detecting and enumerating specific microorganisms from large volume samples containing small numbers of the microorganisms wherein the large volume samples are filtered through a membrane filter 23 to concentrate the microorganisms and filter 23 is positioned between two absorbent pads 21 and 25 previously moistened with a growth medium for the microorganisms. A pair of electrodes 13 and 15 are disposed against filter 23 and the pad-electrode-filter assembly retained within a petri dish 17 by retainer ring 27. Cover 29 is positioned on base 19 of petri dish 17 and sealed at the edges thereof by a parafilm seal prior to being electrically connected via connectors 14 and 16 to strip chart recorder 11 for detecting and enumerating the microorganisms collected on filter 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Judd R. Wilkins, David C. Grana
  • Patent number: 4191893
    Abstract: An energy conversion apparatus is disclosed in which a stator, fixed relative to a watertight housing, is coupled to a rotor by a helical spring which suspends the rotor from the housing. Natural turbulence of a fluid, such as water or air, causes acceleration of the housing, and hence, acceleration of the stator. Inertia of the rotor, coupled to the stator through the helical spring and the housing, causes relative motion, both longitudinal and rotational, between the stator and the rotor, the rotational motion between the rotor, and the stator being used to generate electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: David C. Grana, Richard T. Wilem
  • Patent number: 4089209
    Abstract: A remote water monitoring system is described that integrates the functions of sampling, sample preservation, sample analysis, data transmission and remote operation. The system employs a floating buoy carrying an antenna connected by lines to one or more sampling units containing several sample chambers. Receipt of a command signal actuates a solenoid to open an intake valve outward from the sampling unit and communicates the water sample to an identifiable sample chamber. Such response to each signal receipt is repeated until all sample chambers are filled in a sample unit. Each sample taken is analyzed by an electrochemical sensor for a specific property and the data obtained is transmitted to a remote sending and receiving station. Thereafter, the samples remain isolated in the sample chambers until the sampling unit is recovered and the samples removed for further laboratory analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: David C. Grana, David P. Haynes