Patent ID: 11768089

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.