Gary L Larson

US Patent:

7412235, Aug 12, 2008

Filed:

Sep 1, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/931945

Inventors:

Gary Larson - Waseca MN, US
Aaron Fitzgerald - Medford MN, US
Kris Stroda - Waseca MN, US

Assignee:

Itron, Inc. - Liberty Lake WA

International Classification:

H04Q 7/20
H04B 17/00

US Classification:

4554221, 4551151, 4554561, 455574, 4553435, 455423, 4552261, 455457, 455 677, 4553431, 455 6711, 4553432

Abstract:

A system and method for fast detection of specific on-air data rates are disclosed which, in one example embodiment, enable endpoint devices in automatic meter reading (AMR) systems to quickly determine the existence of over-the-air information that is specifically targeted to a unique class of AMR devices. An endpoint device utilizing the digital squelch circuit arrangement and algorithm of the invention can quickly and precisely determine if the AMR system is communicating with its class of AMR device by looking for a specific non-standard data rate present on the air. This method therefore allows for a significant improvement in battery life in two-way RF communication units by avoiding unnecessary data processing and data transmissions. The digital squelch method also enables even faster determination of inappropriate data rates and of no signal present situations, further improving battery life.

US Patent:

20050237959, Oct 27, 2005

Filed:

Apr 26, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/115068

Inventors:

Christopher Osterloh - Waseca MN, US
Neil Hovelsrud - Waseca MN, US
Gary Larson - Waseca MN, US

International Classification:

H04Q007/20
H04J001/00
H04B007/00

US Classification:

370310000, 455456500, 370343000

Abstract:

A system and method for collecting data generated by a plurality of metering devices located within a geographic area. The mobile automatic meter reading system provides two-way simplex communication capabilities between a mobile receiving device and a plurality of endpoint devices on a plurality of communication channels. The mobile collector device efficiently and accurately communicates with and receives data from the endpoint devices while moving throughout a localized geographical area. Aspects of the invention thereby improve the effectiveness of automatic meter reading systems.

US Patent:

20050259580, Nov 24, 2005

Filed:

Apr 26, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/114900

Inventors:

Christopher Osterloh - Waseca MN, US
Neil Hovelsrud - Waseca MN, US
Gary Larson - Waseca MN, US

International Classification:

H04L001/00

US Classification:

370231000

Abstract:

A fixed network utility data collection system includes a plurality of endpoints arranged in a tiered and spoke-like configuration relative to a central data collecting device. An RF transmission from the central device transmits out over the endpoints in a spoke. The first endpoint in the spoke to hear the transmission then hops the transmission to the other endpoints in the spoke. Once all of the endpoints in a spoke have received the transmission they respond to the transmission. The response starts with the outer-most endpoint and is transmitted to the next endpoint in the spoke line. That endpoint adds its response and forwards the message to the next endpoint in the spoke line and so on. Upon the inner-most endpoint of the spoke receiving the response, it adds its response and transmits the final collective response to the central device.

US Patent:

20110038288, Feb 17, 2011

Filed:

Oct 26, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/912358

Inventors:

Christopher Osterloh - Waseca MN, US
Neil Hovelsrud - Waseca MN, US
Gary L. Larson - Waseca MN, US

Assignee:

ITRON, INC. - Liberty Lake WA

International Classification:

H04B 7/00

US Classification:

370310

Abstract:

A system and method for collecting data generated by a plurality of metering devices located within a geographic area. The mobile automatic meter reading system provides two-way simplex communication capabilities between a mobile receiving device and a plurality of endpoint devices on a plurality of communication channels. The mobile collector device efficiently and accurately communicates with and receives data from the endpoint devices while moving throughout a localized geographical area. Aspects of the invention thereby improve the effectiveness of automatic meter reading systems.

US Patent:

48478652, Jul 11, 1989

Filed:

May 18, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/051874

Inventors:

Gary L. Larson - Waseca MN

Assignee:

AMP Incorporated - Harrisburg PA

International Classification:

H04L 7506

US Classification:

375 76

Abstract:

An improved threshold circuit (30) for reconstructing digitally-encoded, optically-transmitted signals is disclosed. The threshold circuit (30) automatically compensates for amplitude variations in the received signal due to noise, gain variations, and the like, and thereby provides improved accuracy in reproduction of the digitally-encoded signal. An amplifier (120) generates an output signal the level of which, under low signal amplitude, is linearly related to the instantaneous level of the digitally-encoded input signal. An active low pass linear filter (122, 124, 132) generates from the amplified output signal a signal the level of which corresponds to the average level of the amplified output signal. A bias signal generator (40) receives the average level signal on one input and a selected reference signal on the other. The bias generator (40) outputs a bias signal the level and polarity of which are related to the degree and polarity of difference between the average level signal and the reference signal.