Abstract: A method of operating an electro-permanent magnet may include switching the electro-permanent magnet from an on state wherein magnetic fields of switching and permanent magnets combine to generate a first magnetic field having a first magnitude and a first polarity to a reversed state having a second polarity wherein magnetic fields of the switching magnets and the permanent magnets combine to generate a second magnetic field having a second magnitude less than the first magnitude and a second polarity different than the first polarity. The electro-permanent magnet may be switched from the reversed state to an off state wherein magnetic fields of the switching and permanent magnets combine to generate a third magnetic field having a magnitude that is no more than 50 percent of the second magnitude. Related electro-permanent magnets are also discussed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 22, 2017
Date of Patent:
August 4, 2020
Assignee:
WEN TECHNOLOGY INC.
Inventors:
John William Powell, Christopher J. Brusa, William A. Henley
Abstract: Methods may be provided to control an electro-permanent magnetic device powered from an AC mains power source provided through first and second power lines of a controller, wherein a first switch is provided on the first power line between the AC mains power source and the electro-permanent magnetic device and a second switch is provided on the second power line between the AC main power source and the electro-permanent magnetic device. In particular, a sequence of switching pulses may be transmitted through the first and second switches to change a magnetic state of the electro-permanent magnetic device. Related controllers are also discussed.