Patent ID: 8604900

Claim:
Magnetic apparatus comprising (a) one or more switchable permanent magnet devices as a source of magnetic flux exhibiting a N- and a S-pole, (b) at least two oppositely polarizable pole extension bodies associated with the N- and S-pole, respectively, of the magnetic flux source, and (c) a support structure at which the at least one switchable permanent magnet device is mounted in stationary manner, wherein the pole extension bodies are cup-shaped wheel or roller members with an outer annular surface and are held rotatable about respective axes of rotation at the support structure, and wherein the N- and S-poles extend physically into an interior of the respectively associated one of the cup-shaped wheel or roller members, whereby when a counter body having ferromagnetic properties is brought into magnetic contact with the peripheral surface of the rotatable pole extension bodies, an external flux path for the magnetic flux from the at least one switchable permanent magnet device is provided.