Inductive pickup clip

Abstract

An inductive pickup clip comprising two telescoping body portions between which is compressed a main body spring and within which are mounted respective core portions. When the clip is closed, said core portions define an opening adapted to receive therethrough an electric wire during use. The end portions of at least one core portion are spring loaded to prevent chipping or breakage of the core portions and to insure correct alignment of the cores when the clip is closed. A bi-stable latching mechanism is employed which, when latched, holds the clip closed, and when unlatched, permits the spring loaded telescoping body portions to assume an open configuration under the urging of the main body spring therebetween. Such a latching mechanism insures that when the slip is closed about the electric wire to be monitored, the user must close it against the force of the main body spring, thereby further preventing chipping or breakage of the core portions. Said telescoping body portions also include complementary guides which insure that when said telescoping body portions are urged together by the user, they will be brought together in a direction which will help to insure a snug fit and correct alignment therebetween, and which will help to prevent damage to the core portions.