Neil R Hovelsrud

7376118, May 20, 2008

Aug 30, 2004

10/929862

Christopher L. Osterloh - Waseca MN, US
Neil R. Hovelsrud - Waseca MN, US

Itron, Inc. - Liberty Lake WA

G08C 19/16
G08B 23/00
H04B 7/00
H04B 7/208
H04B 17/00
H04J 1/00
H03C 1/62

370344, 34087001, 34087002, 370310, 370343, 379 9001, 37910601, 37910603, 4551154, 4551551, 4552264

A method for communicating with automatic meter reading (AMR) endpoints in adjacent cells, when the endpoints are arranged in a cell pattern similar to a cellular telephone system, is disclosed that substantially reduces the likelihood of signal interference. A Frame ID is identified as corresponding to a particular receive frequency that a system reader (receiver/collector) uses when listening for endpoint responses. In this example embodiment of the AMR network model, all endpoints in the network listen on the same control frequency to receive commands sent out from the readers. To allow for a relatively fast network read cycle, cells that are spaced far enough away from each other as to not interfere with each other are allowed to transmit at the same time. Cells with the same Frame ID are configured to be spaced a safe distance from each other so as not to interfere with each other's endpoint population.

20050237959, Oct 27, 2005

Apr 26, 2005

11/115068

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

H04Q007/20
H04J001/00
H04B007/00

370310000, 455456500, 370343000

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.

20050238044, Oct 27, 2005

Apr 26, 2005

11/114940

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

H01L021/336
H04L012/43

370460000

An automatic meter reading fixed communication network for collecting data generated by a plurality of metering devices located within a geographic area, and a method for collecting data generated by a plurality of metering devices located within a geographic area. The network includes a plurality of endpoint devices, at least one relay device, a central radio device, and a head-end station for effecting wirelessly collection and communication of consumption data. A method of optimizing communications between network devices is also disclosed.

20050259580, Nov 24, 2005

Apr 26, 2005

11/114900

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

H04L001/00

370231000

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.

20110038288, Feb 17, 2011

Oct 26, 2010

12/912358

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

ITRON, INC. - Liberty Lake WA

H04B 7/00

370310

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.

62189956, Apr 17, 2001

Jun 12, 1998

9/097248

Sidney A. Higgins - Maple Grove MN
Eugene E. Welch - Waseca MN
Paul J. Jager - Waseca MN
Neil Hovelsrud - Waseca MN

Itron, Inc. - Spokane WA

H01Q 104

343719

A telemetry antenna system for transmitting data from underground utility meters includes a telemetry board, a radiator assembly connected to the telemetry board and a housing assembly for housing both the telemetry board and the radiator assembly. The radiator assembly preferably includes two metallic plates separated by an air gap dielectric and connected by a plurality of inductive shunts. Capacitive tuning pads are also included on the plates and are connected by shunts. The housing assembly preferably includes a cylindrical base having an integral annular ring. The base houses the telemetry board. The radiator assembly is operably connected to the telemetry board and is housed and located within a radome which sealingly engages the annular ring. The radome is sealingly secured to the annular ring of the base by a retaining ring which is tightly, releasably fastened to the annular ring of the base. The housing assembly may include additional elements such as an end cap, base lock, spine and/or bulkhead.