Magnetic coupling device

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

• a housing including a first end and a second end, the housing extending in a vertical direction and having a central cavity extending between the first end and the second end;
• a switchable magnetic flux source supported by the housing and positioned in the central cavity, the switchable magnetic flux source being switchable between at least an OFF state and an ON state, the switchable magnetic flux source comprising a ferromagnetic core and at least one permanent magnet surrounding the ferromagnetic core, the switchable magnetic flux source rotatable about a rotational axis transverse to the vertical direction;
• and
• a plurality of pole portions comprising a first pole portion defining a first workpiece interface and a second pole portion defining a second workpiece interface spaced apart from the first workpiece interface, the first workpiece interface and the second workpiece interface configured to engage the ferromagnetic workpiece, and the rotational axis is positioned laterally intermediate each of the first workpiece interface and the second workpiece interface.