Abstract: In an embodiment, an electromagnetic reluctance actuator comprises: a core assembly including a plurality of magnetic cores arranged in a two-dimensional plane, each core comprised of ferromagnetic material and wound by a coil of conductive wire, the coils operable for producing magnetic flux density in response to electrical currents flowing in the coils, wherein the current in each coil flows in a direction that is opposite the currents flowing in adjacent coils; and an actuator, at least a portion of which comprises ferritic material magnetically coupled to the coils by a magnetic circuit, for producing mechanical force in response to the effect of magnetic flux on the portion, the portion of the actuator being mounted for movement relative to the core assembly.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system comprises: a electromagnet having a core and a coil wrapped around the core; and a gap sensing circuit coupled to the coil, the gap sensing circuit operable to determine a gap distance between the electromagnet and a ferromagnetic target based on a change of inductance of the coil.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an electromagnetic reluctance actuator comprises: a core assembly including a plurality of magnetic cores arranged in a two-dimensional plane, each core comprised of ferromagnetic material and wound by a coil of conductive wire, the coils operable for producing magnetic flux density in response to electrical currents flowing in the coils, wherein the current in each coil flows in a direction that is opposite the currents flowing in adjacent coils; and an actuator, at least a portion of which comprises ferritic material magnetically coupled to the coils by a magnetic circuit, for producing mechanical force in response to the effect of magnetic flux on the portion, the portion of the actuator being mounted for movement relative to the core assembly.