Abstract: The present disclosure relates to magnetic coupling devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to magnetic coupling devices configured to be linearly actuated and de-actuated.

Abstract: A magnetic device for magnetically coupling to a ferromagnetic body, comprises a housing having a central bore. A plurality of pole sectors arranged within an envelope of the central bore and forming a workpiece contact interface of the magnetic device, each of the plurality of pole sectors comprising a plurality of spaced-apart pole portions arranged at respective distances, wherein a recess of a plurality of recesses separates each pole portion of the plurality of pole portions, wherein a first sector forms a first pole of the magnetic device and a second sector forms a second pole of the magnetic device. A first permanent magnet. A second permanent being moveable relative to the first permanent magnet. And, an actuator operatively coupled to the at least one second permanent magnet to move the at least one second permanent magnet relative to the at least one first permanent magnet.

Abstract: A switchable permanent magnetic unit is disclosed. The unit comprises: a housing, first and second permanent magnets, and a conductive coil. The first magnet is mounted within the housing and the second magnet is rotatable between first and second positions and mounted within the housing in a stacked relationship with the first magnet. The unit generates a first level of magnetic flux at a workpiece contact interface when the second magnet is in the first position and a second level of magnetic flux at the interface when the second magnet is in the second position, the second level being greater than the first level. The conductive coil is arranged about the second magnet and generates a magnetic field. A component of the conductive coil's magnetic field is directed from S to N along the second magnet's N-S pole pair when the second magnet is in the first position.

Abstract: Magnetic coupling devices are disclosed having magnetic field sensors. The magnetic coupling device may include a calibration module for calibrating the magnetic coupling devices.

Abstract: Magnetic coupling devices are disclosed having magnetic field sensors. The magnetic coupling device may include degaussing coils wrapped about pole extension shoes of the magnetic coupling device.

Abstract: Magnetic coupling devices are disclosed which may be configured in at least three states. The various states may be provided through one or more of altering a position of a permanent magnet relative to another permanent magnet and altering a current level in a coil surrounding a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A switchable permanent magnetic unit is disclosed. The unit comprises: a housing, first and second permanent magnets, and a conductive coil. The first magnet is mounted within the housing and the second magnet is rotatable between first and second positions and mounted within the housing in a stacked relationship with the first magnet. The unit generates a first level of magnetic flux at a workpiece contact interface when the second magnet is in the first position and a second level of magnetic flux at the interface when the second magnet is in the second position, the second level being greater than the first level. The conductive coil is arranged about the second magnet and generates a magnetic field. A component of the conductive coil's magnetic field is directed from S to N along the second magnet's N-S pole pair when the second magnet is in the first position.

Abstract: A magnetic device for magnetically coupling to a ferromagnetic body, comprises a housing having a central bore. A plurality of pole sectors arranged within an envelope of the central bore and forming a workpiece contact interface of the magnetic device, each of the plurality of pole sectors comprising a plurality of spaced-apart pole portions arranged at respective distances, wherein a recess of a plurality of recesses separates each pole portion of the plurality of pole portions, wherein a first sector forms a first pole of the magnetic device and a second sector forms a second pole of the magnetic device. A first permanent magnet. A second permanent being moveable relative to the first permanent magnet. And, an actuator operatively coupled to the at least one second permanent magnet to move the at least one second permanent magnet relative to the at least one first permanent magnet.

Abstract: Magnetic coupling devices are disclosed having magnetic field sensors. The magnetic coupling device may include degaussing coils wrapped about pole extension shoes of the magnetic coupling device.

Abstract: Magnetic coupling devices are disclosed which may be configured in at least three states. The various states may be provided through one or more of altering a position of a permanent magnet relative to another permanent magnet and altering a current level in a coil surrounding a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A switchable permanent magnetic unit is disclosed. The unit comprises: a housing, first and second permanent magnets, and a conductive coil. The first magnet is mounted within the housing and the second magnet is rotatable between first and second positions and mounted within the housing in a stacked relationship with the first magnet. The unit generates a first level of magnetic flux at a workpiece contact interface when the second magnet is in the first position and a second level of magnetic flux at the interface when the second magnet is in the second position, the second level being greater than the first level. The conductive coil is arranged about the second magnet and generates a magnetic field. A component of the conductive coil's magnetic field is directed from S to N along the second magnet's N-S pole pair when the second magnet is in the first position.

Abstract: A torque delivering apparatus, including: polygonal cross-section stator body having a plurality of exterior side faces of even number extending between opposite axial end faces, the stator including cylindrical bore extending between the opposite axial ends and centred on central axis of the stator body; a rotor assembly having cylindrical cross-section sized for rotation within the cylindrical bore about the central axis with at least one permanent magnet and shaft coupled to the magnet for rotation; and a plurality of solenoid coils, each coil having plurality of windings and routed to have sections extending parallel along opposite ones of the plurality of exterior side faces; wherein each of the plurality of coils is configured to selectively receive current and generate magnetic field in the stator that is applied to the rotor magnet, the rotor being subject to magnetic torque within the cylindrical bore for rotating and aligning the magnetic field of the permanent magnet with the generated magnetic fie

Abstract: A torque delivering apparatus, including: polygonal cross-section stator body having a plurality of exterior side faces of even number extending between opposite axial end faces, the stator including cylindrical bore extending between the opposite axial ends and centred on central axis of the stator body; a rotor assembly having cylindrical cross-section sized for rotation within the cylindrical bore about the central axis with at least one permanent magnet and shaft coupled to the magnet for rotation; and a plurality of solenoid coils, each coil having plurality of windings and routed to have sections extending parallel along opposite ones of the plurality of exterior side faces; wherein each of the plurality of coils is configured to selectively receive current and generate magnetic field in the stator that is applied to the rotor magnet, the rotor being subject to magnetic torque within the cylindrical bore for rotating and aligning the magnetic field of the permanent magnet with the generated magnetic fie

Abstract: Magnetic coupling devices are disclosed which may be configured in at least three states. The various states may be provided through one or more of altering a position of a permanent magnet relative to another permanent magnet and altering a current level in a coil surrounding a permanent magnet.

Abstract: Magnetic coupling devices are disclosed having magnetic field sensors. The magnetic coupling device may include degaussing coils wrapped about pole extension shoes of the magnetic coupling device.

Abstract: A torque delivering apparatus, including: polygonal cross-section stator body having a plurality of exterior side faces of even number extending between opposite axial end faces, the stator including cylindrical bore extending between the opposite axial ends and centred on central axis of the stator body; a rotor assembly having cylindrical cross-section sized for rotation within the cylindrical bore about the central axis with at least one permanent magnet and shaft coupled to the magnet for rotation; and a plurality of solenoid coils, each coil having plurality of windings and routed to have sections extending parallel along opposite ones of the plurality of exterior side faces; wherein each of the plurality of coils is configured to selectively receive current and generate magnetic field in the stator that is applied to the rotor magnet, the rotor being subject to magnetic torque within the cylindrical bore for rotating and aligning the magnetic field of the permanent magnet with the generated magnetic fie

Abstract: A magnetic base for supporting a tool having a work piece engagement component relative to a ferromagnetic body, comprising: at least two magnet units having a working face, each unit adapted to be magnetically attached to the ferromagnetic body; and a support structure coupled to the at least two magnet units and including a mounting structure adapted to secure the tool to the support structure, the support structure having a window in or a cut-out extending into an about centric location of the support structure such that the work piece engagement component of the tool may extend from a first side of the support structure to engage the ferromagnetic body located proximate a second side of the support structure, the second side being opposite the first side, the at least two magnet units being positionable so that they can fit onto a flat surface or a curved surface.

Abstract: A magnetic lifter device having a housing with a work piece engagement face. A support structure comprises two clevis-shaped members having, respectively, legs whose terminal ends are hinged to opposite, exterior side faces of the housing at respective fulcrums located close to the engagement face and the clevis-shaped members straddle the housing across a width thereof. The relative positions of the fulcrums and the length of the legs are selected such that at least one of the clevis-shaped members may be rotated away from a first operational position of the lifter device, in which both clevis-shaped members converge to form a common hoop for insertion of a coupling member, into a second operational position, in which the work piece engagement face has been rotated by about 90 degrees from its orientation in the first operational position and its head portion remains clear of the housing during said rotation.

Abstract: Transmission of video pictures containing depth information is achieved by taking video signals from two sources, showing different representations of the same scene, and correlating them to determine a plurality of peak correlation values which correspond to vectors representing depth information. The first video signal is divided into elementary areas and each block is tested, pixel by pixel, with each vector to see which vector gives the best fit in deriving the second video signal from the first. The vectors which give the best fit are then assigned to their respective areas of the picture and constitute difference information. The first video signal and the assigned vectors are then transmitted in parallel. The first video signal can be received as a monoscopic picture, or alternatively the vectors can be used to modify the first signal to form a display containing depth.

Abstract: A liquid or powder material can be dispersed by the application of electrostatic fields. The phenomena, referred to as "electrodispersion" is the dispersion by an intense electric field of part of a static bed of liquid or powder into a stable cloud of rapidly moving particles, and the maintenance of a dynamic equilibrium between the static and dispersed phases. The density of the dispersed cloud of particles varies with a number of factors, including the field strength and the nature of the powder. The electrodeposition effect is employed to produce a uniform and durable coating of controlled thickness on the individual particles, by the generation of a vapor of the desired coating--typically a metal or semiconductor material--and allowing the vapor to permeate the dispersed particles. The electric field ensures that only the particles are coated, and the dispersed particles, having the same charge, repel each other, avoiding agglomeration.