Magnetic coupling device

A magnetic coupling device for magnetic coupling to a ferromagnetic workpiece, comprising:

• a housing having a vertical axis;
• a permanent magnet having a north pole and a south pole, the permanent magnet being movable along the vertical axis between a lowered position and a raised position;
• a first pole shoe coupled to the housing, the first pole shoe positioned to a first side of the permanent magnet;
• a second pole shoe coupled to the housing, the second pole shoe positioned to a second side of the permanent magnet;
• and
• an actuator assembly operatively coupled to the permanent magnet to facilitate movement of the permanent magnet along the vertical axis, wherein the first pole shoe and the second pole shoe each include a first portion positioned proximate the housing and a bottom portion including a plurality of projections separated by a plurality of recesses, the plurality of projections collectively forming a workpiece contact interface of the respective first pole shoe and second pole shoe, wherein the first pole shoe and the second pole shoe each has a first number of projections and a second number of recesses interposed between the first number of projections, the second number being at least five.