# US 11,444,444 B2 · Arc detection antenna in electric meter systems > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,444,444 B2 - Document ID: US11444444B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/776,833 - Filed: 2020-01-30 - Published: 2021-08-05 - Granted: 2022-09-13 - Earliest claimed: 2020-01-30 - Assignees: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc. - Applicants: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc. - Inventors: Doug Busekrus; Matthew Kraus - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11444444B2 ## CPC - G01R 15/183: {using transformers with a magnetic core} - H02H 1/0015: {Using arc detectors} - G01R 19/2513: {Arrangements for monitoring electric power systems, e.g. power lines or loads; Logging} - G01R 22/068: {Arrangements for indicating or signaling faults} - G01R 31/086: {in power transmission or distribution networks, i.e. with interconnected conductors} - G01R 31/1263: {of solid or fluid materials, e.g. insulation films, bulk material; of semiconductors or LV electronic components or parts; of cable, line or wire insulation} - G01R 31/52: Testing for short-circuits, leakage current or ground faults - G01R 31/69: of terminals at the end of a cable or a wire harness; of plugs; of sockets, e.g. wall sockets or power sockets in appliances - H01H 71/125: {characterised by sensing elements, e.g. current transformers (for differential protection H01H83/144)} - H01Q 1/50: Structural association of antennas with earthing switches, lead-in devices or lightning protectors - G01R: MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES (indicating correct tuning of resonant circuits H03J3/12) - H02H: EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS (indicating or signalling undesired working conditions G01R, e.g. G01R31/00, G08B; locating faults along lines G01R31/08; emergency protective devices H01H) - H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00) - H01Q: ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS (radiators or antennas for microwave heating H05B6/72) ## Abstract An electric meter in a utility box is capable of detecting arcing conditions between meter blades and a meter socket in the utility box at a premises. The electric meter includes a current-transformer structure forming an enclosed space. An arc detection antenna can be placed in the enclosed space along with the current transformer. The current-transformer structure is placed on a baseplate of the electric meter near the blades connected to the meter socket. Leads of the arc detection antenna are electrically connected to an arc detection circuit configured to detect arcing conditions based on the signal received from the arc detection antenna. If it is determined that the arcing condition is present, the electric meter may be activated to interrupt the connection between the power source and the premises. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An electric meter capable of detecting electrical arcing between the electric meter and a meter socket in a utility box that is connected to a power line, the electric meter comprising: a baseplate assembly comprising: an electrical conductor connecting two meter blades, each of the meter blades configured to be positioned in a corresponding socket jaw of the meter socket to electrically connect the electric meter to the meter socket; and a current-transformer structure comprising: a current transformer holder and a current transformer cover forming an enclosed space; a current transformer positioned in the enclosed space and inductively coupled to the electrical conductor; and an arc detection antenna placed in the enclosed space and adjacent to the current transformer, wherein leads of the arc detection antenna extend outside the current-transformer structure; and a housing assembly configured to be coupled to the baseplate assembly, the housing assembly comprising: circuit board hosting an arc detection circuit configured to detect electrical arcing, wherein the leads of the arc detection antenna are electrically connected to the arc detection circuit. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The electric meter of claim 1, wherein the arc detection antenna is affixed to the current transformer cover or the current transformer holder through an affixing means. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The electric meter of claim 1, wherein the arc detection antenna is affixed to the current transformer through an affixing means. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The electric meter of claim 1, wherein the arc detection antenna is positioned between the current transformer and the current transformer cover or between the current transformer and the current transformer holder. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The electric meter of claim 1, wherein the arc detection antenna is positioned at a location within the current-transformer structure and between the current transformer and a portion of the current transformer structure facing an inner side of a baseplate of the baseplate assembly. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The electric meter of claim 1, wherein the circuit board is positioned at one end of the housing assembly that is opposite to an end coupled to the baseplate assembly. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The electric meter of claim 1, wherein the leads of the arc detection antenna are extended outside the current-transformer structure through one or more openings on the current transformer holder or the current transformer cover; leads of the current transformer are extended outside the current-transformer structure through the same one or more openings; and the leads of the arc detection antenna and the leads of the current transformer are isolated from each other. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The electric meter of claim 1, wherein the arc detection antenna is a loop antenna. ### Claim 9 A current-transformer structure comprising: a current transformer cover; a current transformer holder which when connected to the current transformer cover forms an enclosed space; a current transformer positioned within the enclosed space; and an arc detection antenna placed within the enclosed space and adjacent to the current transformer, wherein leads of the arc detection antenna extend outside the current-transformer structure. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The current-transformer structure of claim 9, Therein the arc detection antenna is affixed to the current transformer cover or the current transformer holder. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The current-transformer structure of claim 9, wherein the arc detection antenna. is affixed to the current transformer. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The current-transformer structure of claim 9, wherein the arc detection antenna is positioned between the current transformer and the current transformer cover or between the current transformer holder and the current transformer. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The current-transformer structure of claim 9, further comprising an affixing means configured to affix the transformer cover to the transformer holder, wherein the affixing means comprises a latch. ### Claim 14 (depends on 9) The current-transformer structure of claim 9, wherein the arc detection antenna is positioned at a location within the current-transformer structure and between the current transformer and a portion of the current transformer structure facing an inner side of a baseplate. ### Claim 15 (depends on 9) The current-transformer structure of claim 9, wherein the leads of the arc detection antenna are extended outside the current-transformer structure through one or more openings on the current transformer holder or the current transformer cover; leads of the current, transformer are extended outside the current-transformer structure through the same one or more openings; and the leads of the arc detection antenna and the leads of the current transformer are isolated from each other. ### Claim 16 (depends on 9) The current-transformer structure of claim 9, wherein the arc detection antenna is a loop antenna.