Gary Lee Larson

US Patent:

7154938, Dec 26, 2006

Filed:

Dec 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/335553

Inventors:

Scott Cumeralto - Spokane WA, US
Richard Devries - Spokane WA, US
Gary Larson - Waseca MN, US

Assignee:

Itron, Inc. - Liberty Lake WA

International Classification:

H04B 1/00

US Classification:

375150, 375132, 375135, 375146, 34087002

Abstract:

The RF communications system of the present invention wirelessly communicates data without encountering undue interference problems with other devices and complies with rules governing unlicensed, spectrum-sharing devices. In an example embodiment, a transmitter device includes a digital subsystem powered by a power supply that processes data from another device and a radio frequency (RF) sub-system that transmits the processed data using a frequency hopping scheme. The RF sub-system includes a microprocessor arrangement that ON-OFF keys a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and provides a frequency-hopping scheme. The VCO is coupled to a signal frequency spreading arrangement that spreads the signal to a predetermined transmission bandwidth, wherein the frequency spreading occurs during an ON state of the ON-OFF keying and the transmission bandwidth exceeds a reception bandwidth at which the signal will be decoded.

US Patent:

7453373, Nov 18, 2008

Filed:

Oct 28, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/261902

Inventors:

Scott Cumeralto - Spokane WA, US
Aaron J. Fitzgerald - Medford MN, US
Gary L. Larson - Waseca MN, US

Assignee:

Itron, Inc. - Liberty Lake WA

International Classification:

G08C 15/06
G08B 23/00

US Classification:

34087002, 34087003, 3408702, 375133, 361671, 361672

Abstract:

Utility meter modules, antenna modules, pit sets, and pit lid assemblies are described, with regard to automated meter reading (AMR) systems, that prevent metering signal attenuation, pit leakage, and battery drainage, along with other advantages, and which minimize the likelihood of damage and tampering.