CellNet Data Systems, Inc. v. Itron, Inc.
Opinion
Opinion
Infante, J.
ORDER RE: CONSTRUCTION OF DISPUTED CLAIMS IN U.S.PATENT NO. 4,783,623
I. INTRODUCTION
This is a patent infringement case. Plaintiff CellNet Data Systems, Inc. (“CellNet”), the assignee of U.S.Patent No. 4,783,623 (“the ’623 patent”), entitled “Device For Use With A Utility Meter For Recording Time Of Energy Use,” accuses Defendant Itron, Inc. (“Itron”) of infringing claims 1, 5, 8-10, and 12-14 of said patent by making, using and selling its various models of meter modules.
After the parties submitted briefs in support of their respective positions, the Court conducted a claim construction hearing on July 24, 1998. See Civil L.R. 16-11. The parties were permitted to make arguments and present evidence in support of their proposed interpretations of the disputed claim terms at the hearing. The Court has now reviewed the parties’ written submissions, the documentary evidence, the testimony of inventor Larsh Johnson, and the arguments presented by counsel. By this order, the Court renders its interpretation of the disputed terms and sets forth its analysis.
II. BACKGROUND
The invention disclosed in the ’623 patent relates to utility meters used by electric companies. The named…