Abstract: A method and system for providing a watermark by amplitude modulating data onto signals being repeated from and/or to a cellular telephone handset without degrading the performance of the cellular telephone system. An exemplary cellular repeater system may include a first communication device configured to receive a cellular telephone signal from a handset. The cellular telephone signal is amplified by a variable gain amplifier configured to create an adjusted signal. The amplification factor applied by the variable gain amplifier is controlled by a message encoder configured in accordance with a predetermined encoding scheme. The adjusted signal is then transmitted to a base station by a second communication device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a watermark by amplitude modulating data onto signals being repeated from and/or to a cellular telephone handset without degrading the performance of the cellular telephone system. An exemplary cellular repeater system may include a first communication device configured to receive a cellular telephone signal from a handset. The cellular telephone signal is amplified by a variable gain amplifier configured to create an adjusted signal. The amplification factor applied by the variable gain amplifier is controlled by a message encoder configured in accordance with a predetermined encoding scheme. The adjusted signal is then transmitted to a base station by a second communication device.

Abstract: A spread spectrum meter reading system enables the use of high power frequency hopping spread spectrum (HPSS) transmissions at both the encoder transmitter and repeater levels of the meter reading system. A plurality of end point encoder transmitter devices are each connected to a utility meter and transmit high power FHSS signals containing at least metering data for the corresponding utility meter. A plurality of intermediate transceiver units that are fewer in number than the number of end point encoder transmitter devices both receives and retransmits the high power FHSS signals. A base station includes a receiver that receives the high power FHSS signals. Preferably, the base station can receive the high power FHSS signals from both the encoder transmitter devices and the intermediate transceiver units and the intermediate transceiver units aggregates metering data from multiple encoder transmitter devices prior to block retransmission of the metering data to the base station.

Abstract: A spread spectrum meter reading system enables the use of high power frequency hopping spread spectrum (HPSS) transmissions at both the encoder transmitter and repeater levels of the meter reading system. A plurality of end point encoder transmitter devices are each connected to a utility meter and transmit high power FHSS signals containing at least metering data for the corresponding utility meter. A plurality of intermediate transceiver units that are fewer in number than the number of end point encoder transmitter devices both receives and retransmits the high power FHSS signals. A base station includes a receiver that receives the high power FHSS signals. Preferably, the base station can receive the high power FHSS signals from both the encoder transmitter devices and the intermediate transceiver units and the intermediate transceiver units aggregates metering data from multiple encoder transmitter devices prior to block retransmission of the metering data to the base station.

Abstract: A device for holding a disposable cup or the like is disclosed. The device includes a member for gripping the cup about the outer surface thereof, and a mechanism for adjusting the gripping member to conform to the diameter of the cup. A handle is provided along with a mechanism for attaching the handle to the gripping member.