Abstract: Here presented is a series of Direct Connect Unifying Electrical Interface (UEI) based Cartridges (DC-Cartridges) or (DC-Outlets) created to deliver DC electricity originating from a DC-Homegrid System or any independent DC source. They offer a pathway for higher level DC delivery into a building. The DC-Cartridge series is constructed to unmistakably and easily be distinguished between other power delivery outlet formats used in other AC or DC arrangements. This series of cartridges is designed to offer higher DC power level output to a connected device as used in a home, commercial, and industrial applications. This would facilitate the integration of alternative energy supplies in the DC format for heavy load equipment, essential for the DC infrastructure of the future. The DC Cartridges can deliver power levels similar in fashion to the existing AC connectivity. Following in the standard set by the AC infrastructure, various DC levels are offered.

Abstract: A Direct Connect Homegrid (DC-Homegrid) system for Direct Current (DC) power control and delivery into a structure by way of Unifying Electrical Interface (UEI) platforms is here presented. By means of the Homegrid, multiple self-contained approaches are introduced to keep a structure powered with DC, either as a substitute or as a supplement to the conventional Alternating Current (AC) source. By the illustrated approaches contained herein, a new methodology permitting to retain power operation in the occurrence of a blackout, due to natural disaster, cyber-attack or any other conventional AC grid failure, is revealed. Such DC-Homegrid is envisioned to become the precursor in establishing the DC infrastructure of the future. The embodiments presented in this patent illustrate alternate methods for achieving power independence while increasing the value for adoption of renewable and sustainable energy.

Abstract: A Direct Connect Homegrid (DC-Homegrid) system for Direct Current (DC) power control and delivery into a structure by way of Unifying Electrical Interface (UEI) platforms is here presented. By means of the Homegrid, multiple self-contained approaches are introduced to keep a structure powered with DC, either as a substitute or as a supplement to the conventional Alternating Current (AC) source. By the illustrated approaches contained herein, a new methodology permitting to retain power operation in the occurrence of a blackout, due to natural disaster, cyber-attack or any other conventional AC grid failure, is revealed. Such DC-Homegrid is envisioned to become the precursor in establishing the DC infrastructure of the future. The embodiments presented in this patent illustrate alternate methods for achieving power independence while increasing the value for adoption of renewable and sustainable energy.

Abstract: The disclosed Unifying Electrical Interface presents a versatile connectivity platform having the merging capabilities permitting more than a singular voltage, level or type to be made available from an electrical outlet. When wired fully, the choice of AC and/or DC made available to the consumer is broadened. Direct Current (DC) provided via the UEI would originate from a locally based DC source access point obviating the need to use wall chargers or power supplies that wastefully consume energy even when in standby mode. By this approach, the UEI based system extends an avenue for renewable energy technology to be made readily available in a building; while offering a synergistic advantage for the end user, the energy provider and the environment by reducing energy waste. That power conservation and accessibility will result in greater choice and savings for the consumer and will reduce the need for excess production from electric providers.

Abstract: The disclosed Unifying Electrical Interface presents a versatile connectivity platform having the merging capabilities permitting more than a singular voltage, level or type to be made available from an electrical outlet. When wired fully, the choice of AC and/or DC made available to the consumer is broadened. Direct Current (DC) provided via the UEI would originate from a locally based DC source access point obviating the need to use wall chargers or power supplies that wastefully consume energy even when in standby mode. By this approach, the UEI based system extends an avenue for renewable energy technology to he made readily available in a building; while offering a synergistic advantage for the end user, the energy provider and the environment by reducing energy waste. That power conservation and accessibility will result in greater choice and savings for the consumer and will reduce the need for excess production from electric providers.

Abstract: The present discloses alternate constructions of water detector floats for fuel storage tanks. Embodiments show various techniques of altering the density of a sub-assembly floatation device while maintaining the system's efficient ability to detect water presence in conjunction with a Magnetostrictive probe. In the float's upward motion due to water presence or high density fuel in the tank, at some predetermined locations, its density is altered by way of strategically located free weights along its travel path.

Abstract: An alternate construction and method for a magnetostrictive probe intended to be used as a tank monitoring device. Height determination, either water or fuel, is referenced to an ultrasonic pickup assembly located inside the shaft at the foot of the probe. With this inverse approach, height measurement uses the relative geothermal stability of underground storage tanks, or the temperature stability offered by the thermal mass of the fuel, to facilitate a tank level determination. At that new location, the detection circuit is isolated from the effect of magnetic risers, large temperature swings and other undesirable phenomenon that often affect magnetostrictive probe measurements that are referenced to the canister. Aside from its primary use as referred to by this disclosure, this probe could be adapted for any application necessitating precise knowledge of height or distance measurement in relation to the foot of the probe without using a reference magnet.

Abstract: The present discloses an alternate construction and method for a magnetostrictive probe intended to be used as a tank monitoring device. Height determination, either water or fuel, is referenced to an ultrasonic pickup assembly located inside the shaft at the foot of the probe. With this inverse approach, height measurement takes advantage of the relative geothermal stability of underground storage tanks, or the temperature stability offered by the thermal mass of the fuel, to facilitate a more accurate tank level determination. At that new location, the detection circuit gains the added benefits of being isolated from the effect of magnetic risers, large temperature swings and other undesirable phenomenon that often affect magnetostrictive probe measurements that are referenced to the canister.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an alternate technique of water detection for fuel storage tanks. Embodiments show various methods of altering the density of a sub-assembly floatation device while maintaining its efficient ability to detect water presence in conjunction with a Magnetostrictive probe. In the float's upward motion due to water or high density fuel in the tank, at some predetermined locations, its specific gravity is altered by means of strategically located free weights along its travel path.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a phase separation float assembly, a phase separation detection system, and a method for detecting phase separation. One embodiment comprises a first float subassembly comprising a first float adapted for vertical travel along a fuel level probe shaft and a magnet. This embodiment also comprises a second float subassembly comprising a second float adapted for vertical travel along the shaft. The first float has a first density and the second float has a second density greater than the first density. The second float subassembly further comprises at least one stop feature which engages the first float subassembly when the first float subassembly travels vertically a predetermined distance along the fuel level probe shaft. The first float density is selected such that the first float subassembly travels vertically along the shaft to engage the at least one stop feature in the presence of phase separation.

Abstract: A fluid level probe for use in a tank containing a first fluid, including a probe shaft, a first float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft and adapted to float at the top surface of the first fluid, a second float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft beneath the first float and adapted to float within the first fluid, and electronics adapted to determine a first distance between the first magnet of the first float and the first magnet of the second float which is used to determine a first density of the first fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a phase separation float assembly, a phase separation detection system, and a method for detecting phase separation. One embodiment comprises a first float subassembly comprising a first float adapted for vertical travel along a fuel level probe shaft and a magnet. This embodiment also comprises a second float subassembly comprising a second float adapted for vertical travel along the shaft. The first float has a first density and the second float has a second density greater than the first density. The second float subassembly further comprises at least one stop feature which engages the first float subassembly when the first float subassembly travels vertically a predetermined distance along the fuel level probe shaft. The first float density is selected such that the first float subassembly travels vertically along the shaft to engage the at least one stop feature in the presence of phase separation.

Abstract: A fluid level probe for use in a tank containing a first fluid, including a probe shaft, a first float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft and adapted to float at the top surface of the first fluid, a second float with a first magnet that is slidably disposed for movement along the probe shaft beneath the first float and adapted to float within the first fluid, and electronics adapted to determine a first distance between the first magnet of the first float and the first magnet of the second float which is used to determine a first density of the first fluid.