Patent Publication Number: US-10777919-B1

Title: Multifunction buried utility locating clips

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/564,215, entitled MULTIFUNCTION BURIED UTILITY LOCATING CLIPS, filed Sep. 27, 2017. The content of that application is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to electrical direct contact clips used to couple electrical current signals between devices, such as between a buried utility locator transmitter and a hidden or buried utility or other conductors. More specifically, but not exclusively, this disclosure relates to clips for performing multiple functions when used in utility locating operations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Crocodile, alligator, or pincer electrical direct contact clips have long been used to establish electrical contacts for coupling electrical current signals in electrical circuits and between electronic devices such as utility locating transmitters and electrical conductors. Such clips are often spring loaded and have serrated jaws for gripping and holding onto a target conductive object. For example, automotive jumper cables generally employ two pairs of serrated jaw clips connected to thick wires to transfer large electrical currents from one battery&#39;s terminals to a discharged battery&#39;s terminals. Likewise, electrical testing equipment often uses smaller clips to establish a non-permanent electrical connection to target electronics being tested for continuity, voltage, and the like. Such clips are limited in configurability for a single, specific use. 
     In these applications, such as jump starting a car or testing electronics, existing clips are well suited due to the limited conditions and ways in which the clips need to attach to their target and/or the limited range of size of the target&#39;s connection point or terminal. However, in other applications, such as in buried utility locate operations, establishing a direct electrical connection may be difficult due to variability in conditions under which the connection needs to be made. For example, targeted utilities come in various diameters and shapes, utilities may be covered in dirt, paint, rust, or other coatings, the utility may be located in a difficult to reach place, and so on. 
     In the utility locating field, various clip devices are used in combination with utility locating transmitters (also denoted herein as a “utility transmitter” or “transmitter” for brevity) to couple output current signals generated by the transmitter to a targeted utility. Another type of device, commonly known as an inductive clamp, couples current signals from a transmitter to a utility or other conductor inductively, without the need for a direct physical contact. In either case, the coupled current signals then radiate corresponding magnetic fields. The magnetic fields may then be received and processed by a magnetic field sensing utility locator (also referred to herein as “utility locator” or “locator” for brevity) to determine the location, depth, relative position, current magnitude and/or phase, and/or other information about the utility or other conductor. 
     In general, practitioners of the art refer to a “clip” as a device used to electrically couple signals through direct conductor to conductor contact, whereas a “clamp” couples signals without direct contact (e.g., through inductive or in some case capacitive coupling). In many utility locating operations a direct conductor to conductor connection provided by a clip is preferable for coupling the signal to a target utility if the conductive path has low resistance (e.g., by providing better strength of magnetic field signals due to higher current, improved isolation of the utility line at the locator, etc.). However, clamps can be useful when no direct connection is available, such as for utilities entirely buried underground, by using AC electromagnetic fields to induce current flow into the target conductor. 
     As noted above, existing utility locating clips are typically simple alligator or pincer clips, similar to what is used in other electrical connection applications. They are limited in configurability for use, have a limited range of diameters onto which they can secure, are limited to utility lines or other targets of limited size and shape (such as those within arm&#39;s reach of a user), and lack any additional functionality beyond simply transferring current onto the target utility through direct electrical connection. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art to address the above-described as well as other problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates generally to clips for use in coupling electrical signals directly onto hidden or buried utility lines or other conductors while performing utility locating operations. More specifically, but not exclusively, this disclosure relates to multifunction clips configurable for a multitude of uses during utility locating operations. 
     For example, in one aspect the disclosure relates to a multifunction clip device for use in utility locate operations. The clip may include a base assembly having a handle element and a utility selector element wherein a double-acting jaw assembly may be secured onto the base assembly. Each jaw of the double-acting jaw assembly may be independently movably opened and further closed through a spring or other tension loaded closing element to grab and hold onto a target utility. The clip may further include a contact element on the jaw assembly to directly couple electrical signal or signals onto a target utility, which may be serrated conductive teeth in various locations within and on the outside of the jaw assembly. A magnetic element may further be disposed on the jaw element providing an attraction force in securing or aiding in securing the contact element to a target utility. The magnetic elements within each jaw may be oriented to attract to one another and assist in closing and holding closed the double-acting jaw assembly. 
     Various additional aspects, features, and functions are described below in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 through 12  of the appended Drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present application may be more fully appreciated in connection with the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a utility locating system embodiment utilizing a multifunction clip device. 
         FIG. 2A  is a detailed isometric view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  is a partially exploded view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2C  is an isometric view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the jaw assembly partially open. 
         FIG. 2D  is an isometric view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the jaw assembly fully open. 
         FIG. 2E  is an isometric view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 1  illustrating opening and closing of the covers. 
         FIG. 2F  is a side view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 1  with jaws open illustrating the illumination element. 
         FIG. 2G  is a section view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 2F  along line  2 G- 2 G. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of various internal components of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 1  illustrating details of the independently moveable double-acting jaw assembly. 
         FIG. 4B  is another side view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 1  illustrating the independently moveable double-acting jaw assembly. 
         FIG. 4C  is a side view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4D  is a section view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 4C  along line  4 D- 4 D. 
         FIG. 4E  is a detailed view of the front serrated conductive contact elements protruding outward in an angled bucktoothed fashion. 
         FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of the base assembly embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  is an exploded view of another base assembly embodiment. 
         FIG. 6A  is a top down isometric exploded view of a utility selector subassembly embodiment. 
         FIG. 6B  is a bottom up isometric exploded view of a utility selector subassembly embodiment. 
         FIG. 6C  is a detailed exploded view of a utility selector subassembly embodiment. 
         FIG. 6D  is an illustration of an exemplary utility selector label embodiment. 
         FIG. 6E  is an illustration of another exemplary utility selector label embodiment. 
         FIG. 6F  is an illustration of another exemplary utility selector label embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  is a diagram of a utility locating system using a clip embodiment. 
         FIG. 7B  is an exemplary user interface for a locating device using data provided by a utility selector element embodiment. 
         FIG. 7C  is an exemplary utility mapping system using data provided by a utility selector element embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of an individual jaw subassembly embodiment. 
         FIG. 9A  is an illustration of use of a clip embodiment securing to a ground stake. 
         FIG. 9B  is a side view of the clip embodiment and stake of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  is an illustration of use of a clip embodiment securing to a small diameter pipe. 
         FIG. 9D  is a side view of the clip embodiment and small diameter pipe of  FIG. 9C . 
         FIG. 9E  is an illustration of use of a clip embodiment securing to a medium diameter pipe. 
         FIG. 9F  is a side view of the clip embodiment and medium diameter pipe of  FIG. 9E . 
         FIG. 9G  is an illustration of use of a clip securing to a large diameter pipe. 
         FIG. 9H  is a side view of the clip embodiment and large diameter pipe of  FIG. 9G . 
         FIG. 9I  is a photograph of the clip embodiment secured to a large diameter pipe. 
         FIG. 9J  is an illustration of use of a clip device securing to a pipe via magnetic attractive force. 
         FIG. 9K  is an illustration of use of a clip device securing to a wire. 
         FIG. 10A  is an illustration of a utility locating system embodiment utilizing a clip device with an extension pole accessory. 
         FIG. 10B  is a detailed view of the clip device and extension pole accessory from  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11A  is a detailed isometric view of a clip embodiment. 
         FIG. 11B  is a detailed isometric view of the clip embodiment from  FIG. 11A  with a magnetically secured insulation punch attachment accessory. 
         FIG. 11C  is a detailed view of the top of the insulation punch attachment accessory from  FIG. 11B . 
         FIG. 11D  is a detailed view of the bottom of the insulation punch attachment accessory from  FIG. 11B . 
         FIG. 11E  is a detailed isometric view of the clip device from  FIG. 11A  with an accessory clip device. 
         FIG. 11F  is a detailed isometric view of the clip device and accessory clip embodiment of  FIG. 11E  secured to a pipe and a wire. 
         FIG. 12  is a detailed isometric view of the clip embodiment of  FIG. 11A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Overview 
     This disclosure relates generally to clip devices used to couple electrical signals directly onto utility lines or other conductors. More specifically, but not exclusively, this disclosure relates to multifunction clip devices configurable for multiple uses in utility locating operations. 
     For example, in one aspect the disclosure relates to a multifunction clip device for use in utility locate operations. The clip device may include a base assembly having a handle element and a utility selector element wherein a double-acting jaw assembly may be secured onto the base assembly. Each jaw of the double-acting jaw assembly may be independently movably opened and further closed through a spring or other tension loaded closing element to grab and hold onto a target utility. The clip may further include a contact element on the jaw assembly to directly couple electrical signal or signals onto a target utility, which may be serrated conductive teeth in various locations within and on the outside of the jaw assembly. A magnetic element may further be disposed on the jaw element providing an attraction force in securing or aiding in securing the contact element to a target utility. The magnetic elements within each jaw may be oriented to attract to one another and assist in closing and holding closed the double-acting jaw assembly. 
     In another aspect, the double-acting jaw assembly may include a multitude of regions contoured such that each section may fit about target utilities of different utility line types or diameters. For instance, a front region may be contoured to fit about small diameter (e.g., utility lines of an approximately 1 inch outer diameter) utilities, whereas a rear region of the jaw assembly may be contoured to fit about medium diameter utility lines (e.g., utility lines having an outer diameter between 1 and 2.5 inches). Likewise, the clip device may have regions specifically configured for connecting to ground stakes, wires, large diameter conductors (e.g., utility lines having an outer diameter between 2.5 and 6 inches), using the magnetic elements in each jaw, and connection along the external surface of the clip device using the magnetic element within one of the jaws to connect with conductors that may otherwise not fit within the double-acting jaw assembly. 
     In another aspect, the contact element includes a series of serrated conductive teeth for gripping onto a target utility. Beyond gripping onto a target utility, the serrated conductive teeth may further allow the contact element to break through paint, corrosion, or other materials coating the utility, allowing the contact element to establish a good electrical contact with the target utility. The serrated conductive teeth, and/or other contact element, may be positioned within the different contoured regions, protruding from the front opening of the jaw assembly and/or along the outer surface of each jaw. The serrated teeth protruding from the front opening of the jaw assembly may do so in an angled bucktoothed fashion allowing the clip device to clip to small screw or bolt heads, wires, or other like small targets that may otherwise be difficult to grasp. The serrated teeth along the outer surface of each jaw may allow a user to establish an electrical contact between the clip device and a conductive target utility. In such uses, the magnetic element may secure the clip device to the conductive target utility through magnetic attraction. 
     In another aspect, the clip device may include foldable covers that may cover the serrated teeth along the outer surface of each jaw when not in use. The cover may, when folded out, further provide mechanical leverage allowing a user to more easily open the double-acting jaw element of the clip device. 
     In another aspect the clip devices of the present disclosure may include an illumination element to illuminate the work area. In some embodiments, the illumination element may be actuated upon opening of at least one jaw of the jaw assembly. The illumination element may, for instance, include one or more LEDs. The one or more LEDs may illuminate upon opening one or more jaws of the jaw assembly. For instance, the contact element may complete a circuit when the jaw assembly is closed or otherwise in contact with a conductive target utility. Upon opening the jaw assembly, the circuit may be broken. The illumination element may be configured to illuminate upon breaking of this circuit. 
     In another aspect, the tension loaded closing element, which may include one or more springs on each jaw of the jaw assembly, may allow the jaw assembly to close and grip the target utility. The travel of the tension loaded closing element may be substantially limited to or near the neutral plane at which the jaws come together when closed. In some embodiments, each jaw may be permitted travel just beyond the neutral plane (e.g., three degrees beyond the neutral plane) allowing the jaws to close firmly. 
     In another aspect, closing and firmly holding of the jaws closed may be assisted by magnets within each individual jaw with polarities oriented such that the magnetic attractive force may aid in pulling and holding the jaws closed. The magnets may assist or, in some uses, fully support the weight of the clip device in holding the clip device to a target utility. 
     In another aspect, the tension loaded closing element may be or include coil springs. Current signals and/or data signals may be carried by the coil springs or other tension loaded closing element to the contact elements within each jaw. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure may include an extension pole accessory allowing the clip device to be used in difficult or otherwise out of reach target utilities. 
     In another aspect, the clip device of the present disclosure may include one or more attachment accessory devices and accessory ports for attaching such devices. Such attachment accessory devices may be used to couple current signals onto one or more target utilities in situations wherein a specialized connection may be useful or necessary. The one or more attachment accessory ports may be found within the jaws and/or along the outside of the jaws near the magnets within the jaws allowing the attachment accessory devices to attach through magnetic attraction force. Each magnet may be electrically conductive such that an electrical pathway may be established between the magnet, and thereby clip device, and connected attachment accessory device. Some such attachment accessory devices may include an insulation punch that may secure both physically and electrically to the clip device and puncture the insulation of wiring to establish an electrical connection between the clip device and conductor within the wire. Another attachment accessory device may include an additional accessory clip. The attachment accessory clip devices may independently transfer current signal(s) onto different (or optionally the same) target utilities. 
     In another aspect, the clip devices of the present disclosure may include one or more indicators for communicating information to the user. In at least one clip device embodiment, the indicator may include one or more LEDs for communicating information to the user. In other embodiments, acoustic devices, graphical user interfaces, or the like may be included on a clip device in keeping with the present disclosure. 
     Various additional aspects, features, and functions are described below in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 through 12  of the appended Drawings. 
     The disclosures herein may be combined in various embodiments with the disclosures in co-assigned patents and patent applications, including transmitter and locator devices and associated apparatus, systems, and methods, as are described in co-assigned patents and patent applications including: U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,704, issued Apr. 7, 1999, entitled VIDEO PIPE INSPECTION DISTANCE MEASURING SYSTEM; U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,679, issued Aug. 17, 1999, entitled VIDEO PUSH CABLE; U.S. Pat. No. 6,831,679, issued Dec. 14, 2004, entitled VIDEO CAMERA HEAD WITH THERMAL FEEDBACK LIGHTING CONTROL; U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,945, issued Mar. 8, 2005, entitled CAMERA GUIDE FOR VIDEO PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM; U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,310, issued Jun. 21, 2005, entitled SLIP RING ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRAL POSITION ENCODER; U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,767, issued Oct. 25, 2005, entitled VIDEO PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM EMPLOYING NON-ROTATING CABLE STORAGE DRUM; U.S. Pat. No. 7,009,399, issued Mar. 7, 2006, entitled OMNIDIRECTIONAL SONDE AND LINE LOCATOR; U.S. Pat. No. 7,136,765, issued Nov. 14, 2006, entitled A BURIED OBJECT LOCATING AND TRACING METHOD AND SYSTEM EMPLOYING PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS ANALYSIS FOR BLIND SIGNAL DETECTION; U.S. Pat. No. 7,221,136, issued May 22, 2007, entitled SONDES FOR LOCATING UNDERGROUND PIPES AND CONDUITS; U.S. Pat. No. 7,276,910, issued Oct. 2, 2007, entitled A COMPACT SELF-TUNED ELECTRICAL RESONATOR FOR BURIED OBJECT LOCATOR APPLICATIONS; U.S. Pat. No. 7,288,929, issued Oct. 30, 2007, entitled INDUCTIVE CLAMP FOR APPLYING SIGNAL TO BURIED UTILITIES; U.S. Pat. No. 7,298,126, issued Nov. 20, 2007, entitled SONDES FOR LOCATING UNDERGROUND PIPES AND CONDUITS; U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,901, issued Feb. 19, 2008, entitled LOCATOR WITH APPARENT DEPTH INDICATION; U.S. Pat. No. 7,336,078, issued Feb. 26, 2008, entitled MULTI-SENSOR MAPPING OMNIDIRECTIONAL SONDE AND LINE LOCATORS; U.S. Pat. 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No. 9,341,740, issued May 17, 2016, entitled OPTICAL GROUND TRACKING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/187,785, Jun. 21, 2016, entitled BURIED UTILITY LOCATOR GROUND TRACKING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,372,117, issued Jun. 21, 2016, entitled OPTICAL GROUND TRACKING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/225,623, Aug. 1, 2016, entitled SONDE-BASED GROUND-TRACKING APPARATUS AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/225,721, filed Aug. 1, 2016, entitled SONDES AND METHODS FOR USE WITH BURIED LINE LOCATOR SYSTEMS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,411,066, issued Aug. 9, 2016, entitled SONDES AND METHODS FOR USE WITH BURIED LINE LOCATOR SYSTEMS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,411,067, issued Aug. 9, 2016, entitled GROUND-TRACKING SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/247,503, Aug. 25, 2016, entitled LOCATING DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS USING FREQUENCY SUITES FOR UTILITY DETECTION; U.S. Pat. No. 9,927,546, issued Aug. 29, 2016, entitled PHASE SYNCHRONIZED BURIED OBJECT LOCATOR APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,435,907, issued Sep. 6, 2016, entitled PHASE SYNCHRONIZED BURIED OBJECT LOCATOR APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/264,355, Sep. 13, 2016, entitled HIGH BANDWIDTH VIDEO PUSH-CABLES FOR PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,448,376, issued Sep. 20, 2016, entitled HIGH BANDWIDTH PUSH-CABLES FOR VIDEO PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,465,129, issued Oct. 11, 2016, entitled IMAGE-BASED MAPPING LOCATING SYSTEM; U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,954, issued Oct. 18, 2016, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM WITH JETTER PUSH-CABLE; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/331,570, Oct. 21, 2016, entitled KEYED CURRENT SIGNAL UTILITY LOCATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,477,147, issued Oct. 25, 2016, entitled SPRING ASSEMBLIES WITH VARIABLE FLEXIBILITY FOR USE WITH PUSH-CABLES AND PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/339,766, Oct. 31, 2016, entitled GRADIENT ANTENNA COILS AND ARRAYS FOR USE IN LOCATING SYSTEMS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/345,421, Nov. 7, 2016, entitled OMNI-INDUCER TRANSMITTING DEVICES AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,488,747, issued Nov. 8, 2016, entitled GRADIENT ANTENNA COILS AND ARRAYS FOR USE IN LOCATING SYSTEM; U.S. Pat. No. 9,494,706, issued Nov. 15, 2016, entitled OMNI-INDUCER TRANSMITTING DEVICES AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/360,979, Nov. 23, 2016, entitled UTILITY LOCATING SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS USING RADIO BROADCAST SIGNALS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/369,693, Dec. 5, 2016, entitled CABLE STORAGE DRUM WITH MOVABLE CCU DOCKING APPARATUS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/376,576, filed Dec. 12, 2016, entitled MAGNETIC SENSING BURIED OBJECT LOCATOR INCLUDING A CAMERA; U.S. Pat. No. 9,521,303, issued Dec. 13, 2016, entitled CABLE STORAGE DRUM WITH MOVEABLE CCU DOCKING APPARATUS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,523,788, issued Dec. 20, 2016, entitled MAGNETIC SENSING BURIED OBJECT LOCATOR INCLUDING A CAMERA; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/396,068, filed Dec. 30, 2016, entitled UTILITY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER APPARATUS AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/425,785, filed Feb. 6, 2017, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH-SPEED DATA TRANSFER EMPLOYING SELF-SYNCHRONIZING QUADRATURE AMPLITUDE MODULATION (QAM); U.S. Pat. No. 9,571,326, issued Feb. 14, 2017, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH-SPEED DATA TRANSFER EMPLOYING SELF-SYNCHRONIZING QUADRATURE AMPLITUDE MODULATION (QAM); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/457,149, Mar. 13, 2017, entitled USER INTERFACES FOR UTILITY LOCATORS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/457,222, Mar. 13, 2017, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCATING BURIED OR HIDDEN OBJECTS USING SHEET CURRENT FLOW MODELS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/457,897, Mar. 13, 2017, entitled UTILITY LOCATORS WITH RETRACTABLE SUPPORT STRUCTURES AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/022,067, Mar. 21, 2017, entitled USER INTERFACES FOR UTILITY LOCATORS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,599,449, issued Mar. 21, 2017, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCATING BURIED OR HIDDEN OBJECTS USING SHEET CURRENT FLOW MODELS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/470,642, Mar. 27, 2017, entitled UTILITY LOCATING APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS USING MULTIPLE ANTENNA COILS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/470,713, Mar. 27, 2017, entitled UTILITY LOCATORS WITH PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE USER INTERFACES; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/483,924, Apr. 10, 2017, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DATA TRANSFER USING SELF-SYNCHRONIZING QUADRATURE AMPLITUDE MODULATION (QAM); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/485,082, Apr. 11, 2017, entitled MAGNETIC UTILITY LOCATOR DEVICES AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/485,125, Apr. 11, 2017, entitled INDUCTIVE CLAMP DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,625,602, issued Apr. 18, 2017, entitled SMART PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES AS USER INTERFACES; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/497,040, Apr. 25, 2017, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCATING AND/OR MAPPING BURIED UTILITIES USING VEHICLE-MOUNTED LOCATING DEVICES; U.S. Pat. No. 9,632,199, issued Apr. 25, 2017, entitled INDUCTIVE CLAMP DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,632,202, issued Apr. 25, 2017, entitled ECONOMICAL MAGNETIC LOCATOR APPARATUS AND METHOD; U.S. Pat. No. 9,634,878, issued Apr. 25, 2017, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DATA SYNCHRONIZING QUADRATURE AMPLITUDE MODULATION (QAM); U.S. Pat. No. 9,638,824, issued May 2, 2017, entitled QUAD-GRADIENT COILS FOR USE IN LOCATING SYSTEMS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/590,964, May 9, 2017, entitled BORING INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,651,711, issued May 16, 2017, entitled HORIZONTAL BORING INSPECTION DEVICE AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/623,174, Jun. 14, 2017, entitled TRACKABLE DIPOLE DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH MARKING PAINT STICKS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/185,018, Jun. 17, 2016, entitled RESILIENTLY DEFORMABLE MAGNETIC FIELD TRANSMITTER CORES FOR USE WITH UTILITY LOCATING DEVICES AND SYSTEMS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/626,399, Jun. 19, 2017, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UNIQUELY IDENTIFYING BURIED UTILITIES IN A MULTI-UTILITY ENVIRONMENT; U.S. Pat. No. 9,684,090, issued Jun. 20, 2017, entitled NULLED-SIGNAL LOCATING DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,696,447, issued Jul. 4, 2017, entitled BURIED OBJECT METHODS AND APPARATUS USING MULTIPLE ELECTROMAGNETIC SIGNALS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,696,448, issued Jul. 4, 2017, entitled GROUND-TRACKING DEVICES FOR USE WITH A MAPPING LOCATOR; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/670,845, Aug. 7, 2017, entitled HIGH FREQUENCY AC-POWERED DRAIN CLEANING AND INSPECTION APPARATUS AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/681,250, Aug. 18, 2017, entitled ELECTRONIC MARKER DEVICES AND SYSTEMS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/681,409, filed Aug. 20, 2017, entitled WIRELESS BURIED PIPE AND CABLE LOCATING SYSTEMS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,746,572, issued Aug. 29, 2017, entitled ELECTRONIC MARKER DEVICES AND SYSTEMS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,746,573, issued Aug. 29, 2017, entitled WIRELESS BURIED PIPE AND CABLE LOCATING SYSTEMS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/701,247, Sep. 11, 2017, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS WITH SELF-GROUNDING PORTABLE CAMERA CONTROLLER; U.S. Pat. No. 9,769,366, issued Sep. 19, 2017, entitled SELF-GROUNDING TRANSMITTING PORTABLE CAMERA CONTROLLER FOR USE WITH PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS; U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/564,215, Sep. 27, 2017, entitled MULTIFUNCTION BURIED UTILITY LOCATING CLIPS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/728,250, Oct. 9, 2017, entitled OPTICAL GROUND TRACKING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR USE WITH BURIED UTILITY LOCATORS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/728,410, Oct. 9, 2017, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM WITH JETTER PUSH-CABLE; U.S. Pat. No. 9,784,837, issued Oct. 10, 2017, entitled OPTICAL GROUND TRACKING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/785,330, Oct. 16, 2017, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING A SONDE DEVICE WITH A SECTIONAL FERRITE CORE STRUCTURE; U.S. Pat. No. 9,791,382, issued Oct. 17, 2017, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM WITH JETTER PUSH-CABLE; U.S. Pat. No. 9,798,033, issued Oct. 24, 2017, entitled SONDE DEVICES INCLUDING A SECTIONAL FERRITE CORE; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/805,007, filed Nov. 6, 2017, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM CAMERA HEADS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/806,219, Nov. 7, 2017, entitled MULTI-CAMERA PIPE INSPECTION APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/580,386, Nov. 1, 2017, entitled THREE AXIS MEASUREMENT MODULES AND SENSING METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/811,264, Nov. 13, 2017, entitled SPRING ASSEMBLIES WITH VARIABLE FLEXIBILITY FOR USE WITH PUSH-CABLES AND PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/811,361, Nov. 13, 2017, entitled OPTICAL GROUND TRACKING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,824,433, issued Nov. 21, 2017, entitled PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEM CAMERA HEADS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,829,783, issued Nov. 28, 2017, entitled SPRING ASSEMBLIES WITH VARIABLE FLEXIBILITY FOR USE WITH PUSH-CABLES AND PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,835,564, issued Dec. 5, 2017, entitled MULTI-CAMERA PIPE INSPECTION APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,841,503, issued Dec. 12, 2017, entitled OPTICAL GROUND TRACKING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/846,102, Dec. 18, 2017, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRONICALLY MARKING, LOCATING, AND VIRTUALLY DISPLAYING BURIED UTILITIES; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/866,360, Jan. 9, 2018, entitled TRACKED DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICE, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/870,787, Jan. 12, 2018, entitled MAGNETIC FIELD CANCELING AUDIO SPEAKERS FOR USE WITH BURIED UTILITY LOCATORS OR OTHER DEVICES; U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/620,959, Jan. 23, 2018, entitled RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK ONBOARD CHARGE STATE INDICATION METHODS AND APPARATUS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,880,309, issued Jan. 30, 2018, entitled UTILITY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER APPARATUS AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/889,067, Feb. 5, 2018, entitled UTILITY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS WITH DOCKABLE APPARATUS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,891,337, issued Feb. 13, 2018, entitled UTILITY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS WITH DOCKABLE APPARATUS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/919,077, Mar. 12, 2018, entitled PORTABLE PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,914,157, issued Mar. 13, 2018, entitled METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CLEARING OBSTRUCTIONS WITH A JETTER PUSH-CABLE APPARATUS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/922,703, Mar. 15, 2018, entitled SELF-LEVELING INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/925,643, Mar. 19, 2018, entitled PHASE-SYNCHRONIZED BURIED OBJECT TRANSMITTER AND LOCATOR METHODS AND APPARATUS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/925,671, Mar. 19, 2018, entitled MULTI-FREQUENCY LOCATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,924,139, issued Mar. 20, 2018, entitled PORTABLE PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/936,250, Mar. 26, 2018, entitled GROUND TRACKING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,927,368, issued Mar. 27, 2018, entitled SELF-LEVELING INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,927,545, issued Mar. 27, 2018, entitled MULTI-FREQUENCY LOCATING SYSTEM AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,928,613, issued Mar. 27, 2018, entitled GROUND TRACKING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/656,259, Apr. 11, 2018, entitled GEOGRAPHIC MAP UPDATING METHODS AND SYSTEMS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/954,486, filed Apr. 16, 2018, entitled UTILITY LOCATOR APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. Pat. No. 9,945,976, issued Apr. 17, 2018, entitled UTILITY LOCATOR APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/960,340, Apr. 23, 2018, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING INTERACTIVE MAPPING DISPLAYS IN CONJUNCTION WITH USER INTERFACE DEVICES; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,959,641, issued May 1, 2018, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEAMLESS TRANSITIONING IN INTERACTIVE MAPPING SYSTEMS. The content of each of the above-described patents and applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The above-described patent applications and patents may be referred to herein collectively as the “incorporated applications.” 
     The following exemplary embodiments are provided for the purpose of illustrating examples of various aspects, details, and functions of the present disclosure; however, the described embodiments are not intended to be in any way limiting. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various aspects may be implemented in other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     It is noted that as used herein, the term, “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect, detail, function, implementation, and/or embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects and/or embodiments. 
     Example Clip Devices Embodiments for Use in Utility Locating Systems 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a locating system  100  utilizing an exemplary clip device embodiment  110 , connected to a target utility line  140 , to couple current to the utility from a utility transmitter device  120  (also referred to herein as “transmitter device” or “transmitter”) via cable  130 . Cables of various embodiments, such as cable  130  as shown, may be a one wire cable or multi-wire cable or other cable configuration, such as a Litz wire cable. 
     Locating system  100  may also include one or more utility locator devices, such as locator device  150  carried by a user  160 . A ground stake  170  may connect to the transmitter device  120  through an additional clip  110  and cable  130  and may be used to provide a grounding connection between Earth ground and the transmitter. Grounding is typically done when the transmitter  120  is used in a direct connect mode to complete a conductive circuit loop, wherein a direct physical connection is made to the utility or a coupled conductive element at the other terminal through a clip (or clips) such as clip  110 . The transmitter device  120  generates and provides output current signals that may be continuous wave (CW) or modulated AC signals, to be coupled to utilities or other conductor(s), such as the utility line  140 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , these signals may be coupled directly to the utility line  140  through clip  110 . A user  160  holding the locator  150  as shown (which is configured to measure emitted magnetic field signal(s) caused by current flow in the utility line  140 ) may then determine information associated with the buried utility line  140 , such as depth, position, location, orientation, conductor current magnitude and/or phase or timing information, soil condition, presence of other utilities, and the like. Details of various locator and transmitter embodiments as may be used in the system of  FIG. 1  are described in the incorporated applications. For example, the locator  150  may be a locator such as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/360,979, entitled UTILITY LOCATING SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS USING RADIO BROADCAST SIGNALS, filed Nov. 23, 2016, and the transmitter device  120  may be a transmitter described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/331,570, entitled KEYED CURRENT SIGNAL UTILITY LOCATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed on Oct. 21, 2016. Or the locator and transmitter may be other devices as described in the incorporated applications or as are known or developed in the art. 
     Clip embodiment  110  may include one or more utility selector elements (details of which may be found in subsequent paragraphs and illustrations associated with  FIGS. 6A-6F ). A user, such as user  160 , may select from a set of parameters on each utility selector element that may further be associated with the connected target utility line. For instance, the parameters may include a utility type (e.g., gas, water, electric, sewer, etc.) and/or other parameter identifiers (e.g., alphabetic or numeric identifiers or the like). This utility selector parameter data may further be communicated to the transmitter  120 , locator device  150 , and/or other system devices not illustrated and/or stored for use in post processing. 
     In some embodiments, communication of the utility selector parameter data and/or other system and device data may be provided to the transmitter device  120  for storage and/or wireless transmission to the locator device  150  via a wired, or preferably a wireless data link, such as link  180 , including a wireless transmitter or transceiver module that may be included in the clip or coupled to the clip. In some embodiments additional communication links may be established with the clip devices  110 , additional locators, additional transmitters, and/or other locate system elements, such as one or more remote servers, computer systems, and/or utility mapping systems. The link may be wired or wireless and may be established using a wireless data communications module in the locator, transmitter, clip, and/or other device or element. In some embodiments, a wired data link, such as that provided by cable  130 , may be used to communicate data between system devices. 
     Data communicated between the various locate system devices (e.g., clip device embodiments, locators, transmitters, and/or other electronic computing devices or systems) may include, but is not limited to: utility type or other utility selector parameter data, information related to clip device(s) or transmitter or locator operation, phase or timing information of signals generated by or received at the clip device and/or the transmitter and/or locator, output signal power levels, received signal information provided from the locator, control signals from the locator to control the clip device(s) or transmitter operation or vice-versa, and/or other operational information from the clip device(s) or the transmitter(s) or locator(s). This data may be processed in one or more processing elements of the clip device and/or stored in a memory of the clip device and/or sent or received by the clip device via wired or wireless communication module(s). 
     For example, in some embodiments, the locator  150  may include a processing module with one or more processing elements to control via signaling, at least in part, one or more clip devices such as the clip devices  110  directly or through controlling the transmitter device  120 , or both. A wireless link, such as data communication link  180 , wired connection, such as cable  130 , or a combination of the two may be used to provide communication links and/or device control functions between the various locate system devices. The clip devices  110  may include or be coupled to a corresponding processor module to effect control functions and/or send or receive associated data. For example, powering on/off, attached device control, and frequency selection controls for the clip  110  may be provided via the wireless link through the interface on the locator device  150 . The wireless data communications module may, for example, be a Sonde beacon, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, cellular, ISM, or other wireless data communications module or system as known or developed in the art. 
     The transmitter  120  and/or locator  150  and/or other system devices or elements may be equipped with global navigation system (GNS) modules or sensors, such as global positioning system (GPS) receiver modules, GLONASS system modules, Galileo system modules, as well as time synchronization receivers or modules, cellular or data communications modules, and/or other sensors or modules, such as inertial sensors, environmental condition sensors, and/or other data sensing or acquisition sensors or modules. Data from these navigation systems and/or inertial sensors, as well as other sensors and/or devices, may be communicated via wired and/or wireless link between the clip devices  110 , the transmitter  120 , locator device  150 , and/or other system devices. GNS system modules may be used to generate precise time synchronization signaling to be used among the various locate system devices as described in, for example, incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/214,151, entitled DUAL ANTENNA SYSTEMS WITH VARIABLE POLARIZATION, filed Mar. 14, 2014. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2A-2E , clip device embodiment  110  may include a base assembly  210  having a utility selector element  212 , allowing utility type (e.g., gas, water, electric, sewer, etc.) or other parameters to be assigned to the target utility, and a handle section  214  allowing a user to grip and hold the clip  110 . The base assembly  210  may further include a threaded cable terminal  216  allowing a cable, such as the cable  130  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , to secure thereto and establish an electrical connection for transmitting current generated from a transmitter, such as transmitter  120  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and/or communicating data signal(s) between one or more clip devices  110  and transmitter  120 . 
     The base assembly  210  may include a head portion  217  onto which a double-acting jaw assembly  220  may secure onto the base assembly  210  such that each individual jaw subassembly  222  may be independently movably opened as best illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . For instance, either individual jaw subassembly  222  may be made to open independently of the other individual jaw subassembly  222 , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , or both jaw subassemblies  222  may be opened simultaneously, as best illustrated  FIGS. 2C and 2D . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2A-2E , the head portion  217  may limit the travel of each individual jaw subassembly  222  as further described in subsequent paragraphs describing details of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . A series of springs  218  (obscured in  FIGS. 2C-2F  and best illustrated in  FIG. 2B ) may be positioned between the base assembly  210  and each individual jaw subassembly of the double-acting jaw assembly  220 . The springs  218  may provide a tension loaded closing force to close and hold closed the double-acting jaw assembly  220  which may be about a target utility. 
     Each individual jaw subassembly  222  may include a jaw base  224  with inward facing contoured regions such that each section may fit about target utilities of different utility line shapes or diameters. For instance, each individual jaw subassembly  222  may have a first contoured region  226  along the outmost section of each individual jaw subassembly  222  and a second contoured region  228  along the innermost section of each individual jaw subassembly  222 , such that the first contoured region  226  is dimensioned and shaped to fit and grip securely onto the circumference of small diameter pipes or conduits (e.g., utility lines of an approximately 1 inch outer diameter), and a second countered region  228  may be dimensioned and shaped to fit and grip onto the circumference of medium diameter pipes or conduits (e.g., utility lines having an outer diameter between 1 and 2.5 inches). 
     It is noted that in use with large diameter utility lines (e.g., utility lines having an outer diameter between 2.5 and 6 inches or larger diameter lines), the double-acting jaw assembly  220  of clip device  110  may be configured to fully open and secure to a target utility line along the first contoured region  226  and/or a front serrated contact element  230 . In such configurations, the magnetic attractive force from magnets  248  ( FIGS. 2A-2E, and 2G ) in each individual jaw subassembly  222  may assist in securing the clip device  110  to the target utility by magnetic attractive force. 
     With clip  110 , the magnetic attractive force of magnets  248  ( FIGS. 2A-2E, and 2G ) within either individual jaw subassembly  222  may be selected to fully support the weight of clip device  110  and secure it to target utilities having an outer diameter measure of greater than 6 inches or which are otherwise shapes that do not fit within the double-acting jaw assembly  220 . In such uses, the clip  110  may remain closed and secure to the target utility via the external surface of one individual jaw subassembly  222  only through the magnetic attractive force of magnets  248  ( FIGS. 2A-2E, and 2G ) therein. 
     In other embodiments, different contoured regions or segments, which may be dimensioned and shaped for different circumferences or range of circumferences and/or shapes of target utility lines, may be used. Each individual jaw subassembly  222  may have a front serrated conductive contact element  230  protruding in an angled bucktoothed fashion from the front opening of the individual jaw subassembly  222  and side serrated conductive contact elements  232  extending within the contoured regions and extending along the outer surface of each individual jaw subassembly  222 . 
     It is noted that the side serrated conductive contact elements  232  may extend out through the external surface of each individual jaw subassembly  222 , allowing the direct conductor to conductor contact to be established in use configurations wherein the target utility has an outer diameter measure of greater than about 6 inches, or is otherwise shaped such that the target utility does not fit within the double-acting jaw assembly  220  and the clip device must secure to the target utility via the external surface of one individual jaw subassembly  222 . An additional contact region  234  is noted in the space between the front-most tooth of the side serrated conductive contact element  232  and the front serrated conductive contact element  230  on each individual jaw subassembly  222 . This contact region  234  may be dimensioned to firmly grip and establish electrical contact with a ground stake such as the ground stake  170  of  FIG. 1  or ground stake  910  of  FIGS. 9A and 9B . The serrated conductive contact elements  230  and  232  may be used to penetrate conductive areas of the clips through paint, corrosion, dirt, and the like to establish a direct contact electrical connection with a target utility or other conductor, as well as to aid in frictionally gripping a target utility when the target utility fits within the double-acting jaw assembly  220 . 
     In some embodiments, a clip may include one or more accessory ports for attaching accessory devices used to couple current signals onto one or more target utilities. These may be used to communicate data signals between the attachment accessory device(s) and clip device  110 . For example, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , the clip embodiment  110  may include exterior accessory ports  240  along the outward facing surface of each jaw base  224  (obscured on the bottom jaw base  224  in  FIGS. 2C and 2D ) and interior accessory ports  244  along the inward facing surface of each jaw base  224  (obscured on the top jaw base  224  in  FIGS. 2C and 2D ). Various clip embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure may include one or more attachment accessories ports and attachment accessory devices for establishing an electrical connection or connections with one or more target utilities in various applications. 
     For example, as best illustrated in  FIG. 2E , each individual jaw subassembly  222  may include a foldable cover  250  that can fold to cover the side serrated conductive contact elements  232  extending out along the outer surface of each individual jaw subassembly  222 , or be folded out to reveal the side serrated conductive contact elements  232  extending out along the outer surface of each individual jaw subassembly  222  and provide additional mechanical leverage to a user in opening the double-acting jaw assembly  220  of clip device  110 . When folded in to cover serrated conductive contact elements  232  extending out along the outer surface of each individual jaw subassembly  222 , the cover  250  may lock into place through nubbins  252  on cover  250  mating with divots  223  formed along the side of each individual jaw subassembly  222 . Notches  254  and  256  (shown in one of the folding covers  250  illustrated in  FIG. 2E ) may be formed along cover  250  that may secure string, rope, wire, or other cordage of an extension pole accessory as illustrated with the pull strings  1080  on extension pole accessory  1010  illustrated in  FIG. 10B . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 2B , a hinge pin  260  may secure the foldable cover  250  and each jaw base  224  to the base assembly  210 . The hinge pin  260  may have a groove  262  formed about the circumference of the hinge pin  260  that, as described with  FIG. 5A or 5B , may lock into place and secure the foldable cover  250  and each jaw base  224  to the base assembly  210  with a pin retainer  550  ( FIG. 5A ) disposed within the base assembly  210 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2F-2G , the clip embodiment  110  may include an illumination element that, upon actuation, may illuminate a work area. Such an illumination element may be or include an electric light generation device such as light emitting diode (LED)  270  ( FIG. 2G ) or other light emitting device. LED  270  ( FIG. 2G ) may secure to a PCB  280  ( FIG. 2G ) disposed within the cavity inside base assembly  210  allowing current signals and/or data signals to pass from PCB  280  ( FIG. 2G ) to LED  270  ( FIG. 2G ) when actuated. The LED  270  ( FIG. 2G ) may be turned on upon opening of the double-acting jaw assembly  220 . For instance, when the double-acting jaw assembly  220  is fully closed, the front serrated conductive contact elements  230  on each individual jaw subassembly  222  may physically contact and create an electrical pathway. Likewise, when the clip device  110  is secured to a conductive utility line an electrical pathway is established. Upon opening the double-acting jaw assembly  220 , the front serrated conductive contact elements  230  may physically disengage from one another, or various contact elements may otherwise disengage from the conductive utility line and break the electrical pathway. Breaking of this electrical contact may actuate the illumination of LED  270  ( FIG. 2G ). Likewise, the LED  270  ( FIG. 2G ) may be turned off upon closing of the double-acting jaw assembly  220  or otherwise restoring the electrical pathway between contact elements at each individual jaw subassembly  222  via corresponding switching circuits. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , current and/or data signals may be generated from a transmitter  310  and may be communicated with clip embodiment  110 , such as via a cable  320  coupled to the cable terminal  216  on clip  110 . From transmitter  310 , the current and/or data signals may further be communicated to PCB  280  disposed within the base assembly  210  via cable terminal  216 . The PCB of a clip embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure, such as PCB  280 , may include electronic circuitry such as one or more processing elements used to receive, process, store and/or send the determined data and/or control operation of the clip device as well as various sensors. 
     Such sensors include but are not limited to magnetic sensors, global navigation systems (GNS) sensors/modules such as global position system (GPS) receiver modules, accelerometers, compass sensors, gyroscopic sensors, other inertial/position sensors, geophones, gas sensors, temperature sensors, environmental condition sensors, Sondes and/or other sensors or input devices. Such circuitry and sensors may include those associated with the powering and operation of the illumination element as well as those used with the one or more utility selector elements and communication of selected parameter or parameters thereof. 
     The communication of utility selector element parameters may be done using various methods and associated technologies for storing and sending signals. For instance, such parameters may be stored within memories within the clip device, transmitter, and/or one or more other system devices, and mapping of the utility line with associated utility selector element parameters may be done within post processing. 
     In other embodiments, such parameters may be communicated to various system devices in real-time or near real-time. For instance, utility selector element parameters may be communicated to a transmitter for further distribution of utility selector element parameter data as well as other system or device data to locator devices and/or other system device&#39;s wireless communication (e.g., Sonde beacon, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, cellular, ISM, or other wireless data communications module or systems). 
     In some clip device embodiments, the clip device may include a wireless communication module (e.g., Sonde beacon, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, cellular, ISM, or other wireless data communications module or systems) for distribution of utility selector element parameter data, control commands, and/or other system or device data. For instance, in some utility locating systems, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the clip device may include a Sonde beacon for generating, transmitting, and receiving communication signals with utility locator devices (e.g., locator device  150  of  FIG. 1 ), transmitters also containing Sonde beacons (e.g., transmitter  310  or transmitter  120  of  FIG. 1 ), and/or other system devices. 
     In some clip device embodiments, utility selector element parameter data may be encoded within current signals further transferred onto a connected utility line. For instance, amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), phase shift keying (PSK), or like signal modulation schemes may be used to encode the utility selector element parameter data onto the signal placed on a target utility further communicating such data to one or more locator devices measuring the signal from the same target utility line and further configured to decipher the encoded data. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the PCB  280  may include one or more magnetic sensors (not illustrated) which may measure the magnetic field of a magnet (e.g., magnet  640  of  FIGS. 6A-6C ) within each utility selector element  212  and determine position or orientation of each magnet  640  ( FIGS. 6A-6C ) which may further correspond to various parameters selectable by a user at the utility selector element  212 . From PCB  280 , the signal(s) (which may in some embodiments be modulated to encode utility selector parameter data) may be carried by springs  218  electrically and physically connected to PCB  280 . The springs  218  may further communicate signal(s) with a set of jaw wires  340  and further with serrated conductive contact elements  230  and  232  and still further with a contacted utility line, such as utility line  140  of  FIG. 1 . The magnets  248  may further be electrically conductive and physically contact jaw wires  340  allowing signal(s) to be communicated via magnets  248  and further with any optionally connected attachment accessory devices (e.g., insulation punch attachment accessory  1140  of  FIGS. 11B-11D  or accessory clip device  1150  of  FIGS. 11E-11F ). 
     Turning to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , each individual jaw subassembly  222  of the double-acting jaw assembly  220  may be independently movably opened and closed. In a closed position, each individual jaw subassembly  222  may be substantially travel limited to a neutral plane  410  (illustrated herein as a horizontal line for ease of demonstration) at which the jaws come together when closed. For instance, each individual jaw subassembly  222  may move to be closed until contacting and being stopped from further inward closing movement by the head portion  217  of base assembly  210 . Clip device embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may have travel limitations on each individual jaw subassembly. For example, the individual jaw subassemblies  222  may be travel limited beyond the neutral plane (e.g., neutral plane  410 ) allowing the double-acting jaw assembly, such as double-acting jaw assembly  220 , to close and firmly hold closed. For instance, within the clip device embodiment  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , each individual jaw subassembly  222  may close about three degrees beyond the neutral plane  410 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4C and 4D , each magnet  248  within each individual jaw subassembly  222  may be oriented to magnetically attract to the magnet  248  within the other individual jaw subassembly  222 , thereby assisting the double-acting jaw assembly  220  in firmly closing and/or grasping to a magnetically conductive target utility. As described in subsequent paragraphs and shown in corresponding drawing figures, the magnets  248  within each individual jaw subassembly  222  may, in some applications, be configured to support the weight of clip device  110  when coupled to a large diameter target utility (e.g., pipe  940  of  FIGS. 9G-9H , pipe  946  of  FIG. 9I , and pipe  950  of  FIG. 9J ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4D and 4E , the front serrated conductive contact element  230  on each individual jaw subassembly  222  may be oriented to protrude in an angled bucktoothed fashion and contact the other front serrated conductive contact element  230  on the other individual jaw subassembly  222  at an angle (e.g., at about a four degree angle as illustrated in  FIG. 4E ). The bucktoothed orientation of the front serrated conductive contact elements  230  allow the clip  110  to grip onto and establish an electrical direct contact with wires (as illustrated with wire  960  of  FIG. 9K ), screws or bolts, or other filaments or physically small target utilities. 
     Turning to  FIG. 5A , the base assembly  210  may further include two base halves  510  that may, in assembly, be held together through a series of bolts  520  and  522  and nuts  524 . Within base assembly  210 , the PCB  280  may seat within a hollow cavity formed between the base halves  510 . The PCB  280  may include sensors and circuitry for determining a user-selected utility type or other parameters through rotation of utility selector element  212  and generate data and communications regarding such parameters. The determined data may also be stored in a memory in the clip device and/or transmitted to other devices or elements of the locate system for storage, and/or to remote electronic computing devices or systems for storage and use in post processing. In some embodiments, a clip device in accordance with the present disclosure may include a wireless communication module for communicating data to various other system devices, such as associated locators, transmitters, cellular phones or tablets, portable computers, and the like. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 5A , utility selector element  212  may include two utility selector subassemblies  560 , such that one utility selector subassembly  560  may secure to each of the base halves  510 . Each utility selector subassembly  560  may have a selector knob  562  which may independently rotate and offer various parameter selections to choose from on each utility selector subassembly  560 . For example, the selectors may be configured such that the total parameter choices of the utility selector element  212  may be equal to the total parameters of one utility selector subassembly  560  multiplied by the total parameters on the other utility selector subassembly  560 . In one example, a total of eight total parameter options on each utility selector subassembly  560  may result in sixty-four parameter options for the utility selector element. In some embodiments, the utility selector elements need not contain the same number of parameter selections. The utility selector element  212  may be further described in conjunction with  FIGS. 6A-6F . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 5A , the threaded cable terminal  216  may seat partially within and be secured thereto in assembly by a series of grooves  512  formed within the rear of both base halves  510 . An electrical connection may be established between the threaded cable terminal  216  and PCB  280  via connector  540 . The base assemblies  210  may each have hinge holes  514  formed through each of the base halves  510  that align in assembly. One individual jaw subassembly  222  may secure to the base assembly  210  at each aligned hinge hole  514  via a hinge pin  260  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ). 
     A pin retainer  550  may be secured between the base halves  510  at each aligned hinge hole  514 . The pin retainer  550  may have an opening of slightly smaller diameter than each hinge pin  260  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ) but may flex as to allow a hinge pin  260  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ) to push through in assembly and hold the hinge pin  260  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ) in place. The hinge pin  260  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ) may push through aligning holes on the foldable cover  250  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ), each jaw base  224  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ), and hinge holes  514  until the pin retainer  550  may sit within the groove  262  ( FIG. 2B ) formed about the circumference of the hinge pin  260  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ) and secure in place such that the foldable cover  250  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ) and each jaw base  224  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ) may secure to the base assembly  210 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5B , an alternative base assembly  570  may share all aspects of the base assembly  210  illustrated in  FIG. 5A  with the addition of LEDs  580  on either side of PCB  280  aligning with indicator grooves  585  formed through each base half  510  near the selector knobs  562  that may further align to indicate a parameter on each selector knob  562 . The indicator grooves  585  may allow light emitted by each LED  580  to be externally visible to a user. The LEDs  580  may be RGB LEDs such that they may emit different colors of lights. In such embodiments, a different color of light may be emitted that may be associated with each parameter selection on each selector knob  562 . The LEDs  580  may further emit colors or flashes to indicate other information to a user (e.g., high voltage alerts, improper clip device placement alerts, other device health alerts, or the like). The base assembly  570  may include a retaining collar assembly  590  that may secure to PCB  280  and hold PCB  280  in place at the threaded cable terminal  216 . The retaining collar assembly  590  may include two collar halves  591  each shaped with a semicircular groove. A collar half  591  may secure aligned on either face of the PCB  280  and secure thereto via screws  592  such that, in assembly, the retaining collar assembly  590  may have a circular opening that may tightly fight onto the end of threaded cable terminal  216  and secure thereto. The base assembly  570  may further include a ruggedized layer  595  partially surrounding and encapsulating the PCB  280 , retaining collar assembly  590 , and connector  540 , further secured to threaded cable terminal  216  to protect the electronics therein against the ingress of water and/or other damaging elements. The ruggedized layer  595  may, in some embodiments, be a clear or partially translucent low pressure molded material allowing the passage of light from LEDs  580  on PCB  280  while protecting the various electronic components disposed on PCB  280 . In further embodiments, the PCB  280  may be fully encapsulated by a ruggedized layer which may be of various materials and using various over mold or other like techniques to provide a waterproof and ruggedized layer of protection. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , in each utility selector subassembly  560 , a notched annular position selector  610  may seat within a knob retaining feature  620  on the outer surface of each base half  510  and key thereto against rotations. This keying may be implemented through a series of notches  612  formed along the surface of the position selector  610  that may mate with grooves  622  ( FIG. 6A ) formed within the knob retaining feature  620  on each base half  510 . An o-ring  618  may seat within the knob retaining feature  620  between the position selector  610  and each base half  510  to prevent the ingress of water or debris. In assembly, a stem feature  662  on the selector knob  562  may extend through the position selector  610 , o-ring  618 , and the knob retaining feature  620  on each base half  510 , and further through to seat a washer  630 , an annular magnet  640 , an annular magnet keying component  650 , and a spring washer  670  contained within the cavity within the base assembly  210  ( FIG. 5A ) or, alternatively, such cavity in the base assembly  570  ( FIG. 5B ). 
     A screw  680  may mate into threads (not illustrated) formed within the end of the stem feature  662  on selector knob  562  and retain the spring washer  670 , further retaining the magnet keying component  650 , magnet  640 , washer  630 , o-ring  618 , and position selector  610  together onto the stem feature  662  on selector knob  562  and further securing utility selector subassembly  560  to a base half  510 . It is noted that magnet keying component  650  may be adhered to the magnet  640  and, in assembly, may key to a keying feature  664  ( FIG. 6C ) on the stem feature  662  of the selector knob  562  such that rotations of the selector knob  562  may result in rotations of the magnet keying component  650  and thereby the magnet  640 . 
     As the selector knob  562  is set to the various parameter choice positions, such as those indicated on a label  690  or similar indicator of available parameter selections, the magnetic field of magnet  640  may be measured by one or more magnetic sensors (not illustrated) on PCB  280  ( FIG. 3 ), and the measured magnetic field associated with various magnet  640  positions may be assigned to the corresponding parameters. Exemplary parameters that may be included on a label or other indicator are illustrated with parameters  692 ,  694 , and  696  of  FIG. 6D ,  FIG. 6E , and  FIG. 6F , respectively. 
     In other embodiments, other parameters and/or indications of the parameter choices may be used and reflected on the label accordingly. The selection of such parameters may be used to uniquely identify each connected utility at the locator device (e.g., locator device  150  of  FIG. 1 ). For instance, each connected utility may have a utility type parameter (e.g., water, gas, electric, telecommunication, or other as illustrated with parameters  692  of  FIG. 6D ) and/or other parameters (e.g., numbers as illustrated with parameters  694  of  FIG. 6E  or letters as illustrated with parameters  696  of  FIG. 6F  or the like), which may be communicated to various other system devices (e.g., utility locating devices, transmitters, other clips or clamps, inductive stick devices, base stations, utility mapping systems and/or other computing devices). This information may be communicated in real-time, near real-time, stored for post processing, or a combination thereof. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , within the utility selector subassembly  560 , the selector knob  562  may be configured to click into place and hold at a selected parameter. Holding at a selected parameter may be implemented using a series of notches  666  formed within the selector knob  562  that may fit within grooves  614  on the outward facing surface of the position selector  610 . The utility selector subassembly embodiment  560  has a total of eight notches  666  and eight grooves  614  corresponding to eight possible parameter choices, however other numbers may be used in alternate embodiments. As the notches  666  fit within the grooves  614 , the spring washer  670  may provide a tension force holding the selector knob  562  and magnet  640  still in position indicating the selection of a parameter. The tension of spring washer  670  may be overcome by a rotational force imparted by a user turning the selector knob  562  thereby selecting a new parameter. In other utility selector element embodiments, different numbers and types of parameters may be used in a clip device in keeping with the present disclosure. 
     It is noted that the magnetic field of each magnet  640  may be set such that the position of each selector knob  562  and associated magnet  640  may be determinable at the one or more magnetic sensors on PCB  280  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) such that parameters may be selected at each utility selector subassembly  560  (e.g., eight parameter choices at each utility selector subassembly  560  resulting in eight times eight or sixty-four possible combined parameter choices). For instance, the magnet  640  in either utility selector subassembly  560  (as shown in  FIG. 5A or 5B ) may be diametrically magnetized and spaced apart from the other magnet  640  to the extent that the measured magnetic field at a magnetic sensor position or positions between the magnets  640  may be able to distinctly measure each parameter choice position and change in position on each utility selector subassembly  560  ( FIG. 5A or 5B ). In other embodiments, one or both of the utility selector elements may have a different number of parameter choices resulting in a different number of total parameter choices. 
     As illustrated in the locating system embodiment  700  of  FIG. 7A , current and/or data signals may be generated from a transmitter  710  and communicated to a clip embodiment  720 , which may be or share aspects with the clip device  110  previously described in  FIGS. 1-3  or other clip devices described herein. For example, clip  720  may include a processing element  722  which may include or be a device or apparatus with a processing element to implement programmable steps and/or other functions associated with processing data signals from transmitter  710  and/or other system devices and/or other instructions or input, typically in the form of coded or interpreted software instructions. For instance, processing element  722  may be a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, memory elements, or any combination(s) thereof designed to control various device functions, such as those described herein. 
     The clip embodiment  720  may include one or more non-transitory memory storage elements  724 , which may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The memory element(s)  724  may store device data such as geospatial location of the clip, parameter choice at one or more utility selector elements, or system, device, control commands or related data such as that data associated with mapping utility lines for transfer and post processing to one or more other system devices (e.g., computing device(s)  740  which may be or include personal computers, smart phones or tablets, servers and/or other computing systems for mapping utility lines as well as locator device(s)  750 ). 
     Likewise, such data may be communicated back to the transmitter  710  for storage and post processing/mapping of utility data. In some embodiments, such data may be communicated, in real-time or near real-time, to the computing device(s)  740  (e.g., tablet or notebook computers, servers, utility mapping devices) and/or locator device(s)  750  and/or other system devices. For instance, clip device  720  may optionally have a communication module  726  which may be or include a Sonde beacon, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, cellular, ISM, or other wireless data communications module or system for wirelessly communicating data to and from other system devices. 
     For example, in some utility locating systems, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the clip may include a sonde beacon for generating, transmitting, and receiving communication signals, which may include command signals for controlling the clip device, with utility locator devices (e.g., locator device  750 ), transmitters that may contain one or more sonde beacons (e.g., transmitter  710 ), and/or other sonde equipped system devices. In other embodiments, such data may be sent to the locator device(s)  750  via an information carrying current signal coupled to a target utility line  760 . For instance, the current signal transmitted onto target utility line  760  may be modulated (e.g., frequency shift keying, amplitude shift keying, phase shift keying, or the like) according to particular parameter selection data values or with other data or information. The locator device(s)  750  may then receive and measure the magnetic fields from the modulated current on target utility  760  and demodulate and process the received magnetic field signals to extract the communicated data. The communication module  726  may also include acoustic and/or visual indicators to communicate information such as a high voltage alert or improper clip device placement or connection to the user. For instance, indicator LEDs, graphical user interfaces, acoustic indicators or alarms may be included to communicate information directly to the user including, but not limited to, alarms for communicating connection to a high voltage utility line. 
     Clip embodiment  720  may further include an illumination element  728 , which may be or share aspects with the illumination element such as LED  270  of  FIG. 2G . The illumination element may be used to light up the conductor, utility, or other work area feature. Clip  720  may also include a utility selector element  732 , which may be or include aspects of the utility selector subassembly  560  of  FIGS. 5A-5C . The selector element may be used to determine a parameter selection via one or more magnetic sensors included in a sensor module  734 . In some embodiments, the sensor module  734  may include high voltage sensors for detecting connection to a high voltage line and communicating such information to the user and/or actuating other fail safes to prevent using the clip device in such scenarios. 
     The sensor module  734  may further include global navigation systems (GNS) sensors/modules such as global position system (GPS) receiver modules, accelerometers, compass sensors, gyroscopic sensors, other inertial/position sensors, geophones, magnetic sensors, gas sensors, temperature sensors, environmental condition sensors, Sonde beacons and/or other sensors. In clip device embodiments containing a Sonde beacon, a locator device such as locator device  750  may track the Sonde beacon to determine and map its relative position. In other embodiments, sensor module  734  may include optical sensors for use in a camera within a clip device embodiment which may photograph the location or utility line onto which it may be secured. 
     In some embodiments, one or more attachment accessory devices  762  may connect to the clip device  720 . Such attachment accessory devices  762  may further connect to the target utility  760  and/or one or more other additional utilities  764  to communicate signals therewith. 
     In use, transfer of data as previously described may be done to uniquely identify and map target utility lines. For instance, as illustrated in the locator interface  770  of  FIG. 7B , once data associated with a target utility line is communicated with the locator device (e.g., through modulation of the current placed on the utility line, wireless communication between clip device or transmitter and the locator device, or the like), the locator may display the location of target utility lines  772  and  774  and indicate their identity through corresponding indicators  773  and  775 , which may further indicate the apparent depth of each within the ground. 
     The locator interface  770  may also display other detected utility lines which may not be uniquely identified through a utility selector element. For instance, locator interface  770  displays utility line  776  with corresponding indicator  777  of apparent depth, which may not be a target utility having been uniquely identified through a utility selector element. Locator interface  770  may further include various other indicators such as frequency suite indicator  778 , locator device battery life indicator  780  or system device battery life indicators  781 ,  782 ,  783 , GPS status indicator  784 , Bluetooth connectivity indicator  786 , and Wi-Fi connectivity indicator  788 . 
     Likewise, the utility data may be communicated to an electronic computing device for use in mapping buried utility lines. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7C , a utility mapping system  790  may display uniquely identified target utility lines  792  and  794  relative to their position and orientation within the Earth. Utility mapping system  790  may also display corresponding clip locations  793  and  795  relative to the Earth&#39;s surface. For instance, in some embodiments the clip location may be indicated by a user at placement. 
     In other embodiments, the clip may include a sonde (magnetic field dipole signal generator, typically compact and battery powered) for broadcasting a signal that is measureable at one or more locators. The locator(s) may determine the location of the clip from the measured broadcast signal from the sonde. The position may be stored and later transferred to a mapping system or other like electronic computing system for use in post processing mapping or transferred in real-time or near real-time to such mapping or computing systems. 
     In other embodiments, a clip may include a global navigation system receiver, such as a GPS receiver module, for determining its geolocation relative to the Earth&#39;s surface. This may then be communicated to other system devices and/or computing and mapping systems, in either real-time or near real-time or stored for use in post processing. Other utility lines, such as utility line  796 , which may not have been identified through utility selector elements or are otherwise identified, may also be mapped based on received magnetic field signals. 
     Turning to  FIG. 8 , each individual jaw subassembly  222  may include a magnet  248 , which may seat within each jaw base  224  and secure thereto via magnet retainer  810 . The magnet  248  may provide a magnetic attractive force in securing or aiding in securing clip device  110  (as shown in  FIGS. 1-2G ) to a target utility. Each individual jaw subassembly  222  may include a series of jaw wires  340  that may seat within the jaw base  224  and establish an electrical contact between the springs  218  ( FIG. 2B ) and serrated conductive contact elements  230  and  232 . The jaw wires  340  may further contact magnets  248 , which may be electrically conductive, for further communicating signal(s) to optional attachment accessory devices (e.g., insulation punch attachment accessory  1140  of  FIGS. 11B-11D  or accessory clip device  1150  of  FIGS. 11E-11F ). 
     Turning to  FIGS. 9A-9H and 9J-9K , clip embodiment  110  is illustrated in various use configurations. As illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , clip  110  may secure to a ground stake  910 , providing a pathway for return current. As illustrated, clip  110  may grasp ground stake  910  within contact region  234  (better illustrated in  FIG. 2A ), which may be dimensioned specifically for use with the shape of the ground stakes (such as those widely used in the art, for example ground stake  910 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9C-9H , clip  110  may be configured for use with different diameter pipes, such as industry standardized pipe sizes that are used for utility lines. For instance, pipe  920  of  FIGS. 9C and 9D  may have an outer diameter of 1 inch, which may be grasped securely within first contoured region  226  (better illustrated in  FIG. 2A ), whereas a medium diameter pipe  930  of  FIGS. 9E and 9F , which may have between 1 inch to 2.5 inches outer diameter, may be better and more securely grasped within the second contoured region  228 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 9G and 9H , in some use configurations the double-acting jaw assembly  220  of the clip  110  may fail to or otherwise not fully grasp onto large diameter utility lines (e.g., pipes with a 2.5-6 inches outer diameter) such as pipe  940 . In such uses, the clip  110  may contact the pipe  940  near the first contoured region  226  and secure thereto through the magnetic attractive force supplied by magnets  248  within each individual jaw assembly  222 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9I , a clip device embodiment  945  may secure to the pipe  946  via magnets (not shown) within each individual jaw assembly  948 . Turning to  FIG. 9J , the outer surface of clip device  110  may secure to pipe  950  through the attractive force of magnet  248  (as shown in  FIG. 2E ) and establish electrical contact thereto via serrated conductive contact elements  232  extending along the outer surface of each individual jaw subassembly  222 . 
     In other use configurations, as illustrated in  FIG. 9K , the clip  110  may, via front serrated conductive contact elements  230 , grasp onto bolt or screw heads, wires, or other small diameter target utilities, such as wire  960 , which may be approximately 24 AWG or larger wire. 
     In some use configurations, an extension pole accessory may be used to aid a user in reaching target utilities in difficult to reach places. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , clip embodiment  110  may secure to the end of an extension pole accessory  1010 , further connected to a transmitter  1020  via a cable  1030 . A second clip  110  may secure to a ground stake  1040 , which may be connected to transmitter  1020  via cable  1050 . A user  1060  may hold the extension pole accessory  1010  to move the clip  110  towards a difficult to reach target utility line  1070 . The user may actuate the extension pole accessory  1010  causing the clip  110  to open, allowing the clip  110  to grasp the target utility  1070 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10B , opening of the clip embodiment  110  may be implemented using one or more pull strings  1080  that may secure to notches  254  and  256  formed on cover  250 . The pull string(s)  1080  may further secure within retainers  1082  formed along and holding the pull string(s)  1080  to the length of the body  1084  of extension pole accessory  1010  such that the pull string(s)  1080  may be permitted to still move along the length of the body  1084  of extension pole accessory  1010 . A handle  1086  may secure to the end of the pull string(s)  1080  furthest from the clip device  110  allowing a user to grip the handle  1086  and pull, thus pulling the pull strings  1080  secured to covers  250  and open the double-acting jaw assembly  220  of clip  110 . 
     The extension pole accessory  1010  may include threaded ends  1088  and  1090  allowing the extension pole accessory  1010  to mate with the threaded cable terminal  216  of the clip  110  on one end and threads of a cable which may further connect to a transmitter such as the cable  1030  and transmitter  1020  of  FIG. 10A . It is noted that extension pole accessory  1010  may communicate signal current between the clip  110  and cable that may further be connected to a transmitter such as the cable  1030  and transmitter  1020  of  FIG. 10A . 
     In some clip device embodiments, other accessory attachment devices may be included. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , clip embodiment  1110 , which may be or share attributes of the clip device  110  described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-4D, 5-6F, and 8-10B , the clip device  720  of  FIG. 7A , or other clip devices described herein, may include internal accessory ports  1120  with keying features  1122  within one or more of the double-acting jaw subassemblies  1130  and external accessory ports  1124  with keying features  1126  along the outside of the one or more double-acting jaw subassemblies  1130 . In use, the internal accessory ports  1120  and external accessory ports  1124  may allow connecting of accessory devices that may be keyed to keying features  1122  or  1126  and further be held in place through the attractive force of magnets  1135  internal to each double-acting jaw subassembly  1130 . Signal(s) may be communicated with accessory devices by physical contact with the electrically conductive magnets  1135  and/or through physical contact of other contact elements such as the serrated conductive contact elements  1132 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11B , an insulation punch attachment accessory  1140  may secure within one of the internal accessory ports  1120  (as shown in  FIG. 11A ) and secure thereto. The insulation punch attachment accessory  1140  (as shown in  FIG. 11B ) may aid in puncturing the insulation around wires or the like thus allowing the clip device  1110  to make electrical contact with such target utilities. 
     Further illustrated in  FIGS. 11C and 11D , the insulation punch attachment accessory  1140  may have a spike  1142  located on a base  1144  for penetrating the insulation or jacketing of wiring or like target utilities and physically contacting the conductive core therein to establish an electrical connection. A magnet contact feature  1146  may extend from base  1144  to contact, and be held in place by, one of the magnets  1135  (as shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B ) further establishing electrical pathway(s) between the magnet (as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ), and thereby clip  1110  and a further connected transmitter (not illustrated), and the insulation punch attachment accessory  1140 . A series of nubbins  1148  may be formed along the bottom of base  1144  which may align and key into the keying features  1122  (as shown in  FIG. 11A ) on clip  1110  (as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ). 
     Turning to  FIGS. 11E-11F , an accessory clip device embodiment  1150  may secure to an accessory port, such as the external accessory ports  1124  on clip embodiment  1110 . The accessory clip  1150  may include a clip element  1152  for clipping onto a second target utility such as wire  1160  ( FIG. 11F ), a cable  1154 , and a magnetic connector  1156  for connecting the accessory clip  1150  to clip  1110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11F , clip embodiment  1110  may secure to a first target utility line  1170 , and the accessory clip embodiment  1150  may secure to a second target utility, such as wire  1160 . In some such embodiments, for instance wherein the clip connects to a transmitter via a multi-wire cable, the same and/or different current signals and/or data signals may be communicated with the clip device, accessory clip device, and/or other attachment accessories. Likewise, in some implementations, multiple attachment accessories may be used at the same time, and each may be connected to different target utilities. 
     Clip embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may further include one or more lights or other visual, audible, and/or other status indicators for alerting a user to particular data or conditions. For instance, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a clip embodiment  1210 , which may be or share attributes of the clip embodiment  110  described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-4D, 5-6F, and 8-10B , the clip device  720  of  FIG. 7A , the clip device  1110  of  FIGS. 11A-11B and 11E-11F , and/or other clip devices described herein, may further include one or more status LEDs  1220  (or other audible, visible, or tactile outputs not shown) for communicating information to a user. The LEDs  1220  may, for instance, indicate that a proper or improper connection is made with a target utility, as well as high voltage warnings, connection to a transmitter, changing of utility selector parameters, and the like. In other embodiments, other types of indicators may instead or additionally be used including but not limited to acoustic warning devices or modules and/or graphical user interfaces and associated processing elements and electronic circuitry. 
     In one or more exemplary embodiments, the electronic functions, methods, and processes described herein may be implemented in whole or in part in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. 
     As used herein, an electronic computing device or system may be any of a variety of electronic devices including computing/processing functionality, memory, and associated peripherals. Examples includes notebook computer systems, tablet devices, smart phones, server systems, database systems, as well as other devices with computer processing, memory, I/O and associated elements for receiving, sending, storing, processing, displaying, archiving, and otherwise processing electronic data and information. 
     By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media 
     The various illustrative functions and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein with respect to the various described functions may be implemented or performed in one or more processing elements with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
     Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. 
     The presently claimed invention is not intended to be limited just to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the specification and drawings, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. 
     The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the presently claimed invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the appended claims and their equivalents.