Abstract: A method for regulating the flow of media that provides a valve having a first pole piece and a second pole piece that are separated by a working gap through which media may flow. The pole pieces direct a first magnetic field through the working gap. A coil generates a second magnetic field when electrical current is passed through the coil and that second magnetic field is capable of opposing the first magnetic field. The current in the coil is set at a first level that corresponds to a desired low rate of media through the working gap. The actual flow rate that results from the first duty cycle of current in the coil is compared to a desired flow rate and the current can be adjusted if the actual flow rate is different than the desired flow rate.

Abstract: A valve with permanent magnet(s) and electro-magnet coils magnetically coupled to the permanent magnet(s). The valve is positioned below an inlet for receiving media. The amount of media flow may be regulated by controlling the current to the coils for partial or full flow. With no power applied to the electro-magnet coils, the media flow is inhibited. Application of a current to the electro-magnet coils will block the flux in the pole pieces rendering the working gap free of magnetic flux and thus allowing media to freely flow. As it is used, the media may become magnetized, altering the flow properties and causing magnetized media to bridge across the working gap. A magnetic sensor detects the amount of flux in the working gap to provide a signal to a control system. The signal allows closed loop control of the coils as media becomes magnetized, allowing consistent flow properties during use.

Abstract: A method for regulating the flow of media that provides a valve having a first pole piece and a second pole piece that are separated by a working gap through which media may flow. The pole pieces direct a first magnetic field through the working gap. A coil generates a second magnetic field when electrical current is passed through the coil and that second magnetic field is capable of opposing the first magnetic field. The current in the coil is set at a first level that corresponds to a desired low rate of media through the working gap. The actual flow rate that results from the first duty cycle of current in the coil is compared to a desired flow rate and the current can be adjusted if the actual flow rate is different than the desired flow rate.

Abstract: A valve with permanent magnet(s) and electro-magnet coils magnetically coupled to the permanent magnet(s). The valve is positioned below an inlet for receiving media. The amount of media flow may be regulated by controlling the current to the coils for partial or full flow. With no power applied to the electro-magnet coils, the media flow is inhibited. Application of a current to the electro-magnet coils will block the flux in the pole pieces rendering the working gap free of magnetic flux and thus allowing media to freely flow. As it is used, the media may become magnetized, altering the flow properties and causing magnetized media to bridge across the working gap. A magnetic sensor detects the amount of flux in the working gap to provide a signal to a control system. The signal allows closed loop control of the coils as media becomes magnetized, allowing consistent flow properties during use.

Abstract: A flow sensor for use downstream from a particulate media dispensing device is provided having an inlet to receive particulate media and an outlet to dispense the media. The flow sensor has an inlet portion with a funnel to direct particulate media towards a central axis. An axially mounted flow director is located downstream from the funnel to direct the media outwards towards a sensor portion. A capacitive sensor located in the sensor portion surrounds the flow director to create an annular flow path to measure the amount of media that passes through sensor rings in the sensor.