Magnetic coupling device with at least one of a sensor arrangement and a degauss capability

A magnetic system comprising:

• a machine including a base that is configured to perform an operational cycle;
• at least one magnetic coupling device operatively coupled to the machine at a first end of the machine opposite the base, wherein each magnetic coupling device of the at least one magnetic coupling device comprises:
• a housing including a switchable magnetic flux source supported by the housing;
• a plurality of workpiece engagement surfaces supported by the housing and magnetically coupled to the switchable magnetic flux source, the plurality of workpiece engagement surfaces adapted to contact a ferromagnetic workpiece, a first workpiece engagement surface of the plurality of workpiece engagement surfaces corresponding to a north pole of the magnetic coupling device and a second workpiece engagement surface of the plurality of workpiece engagement surfaces corresponding to a south pole of the magnetic coupling device;
• and
• at least one magnetic field sensor supported by the housing, wherein a magnetic field sensor of the at least one magnetic field sensor is positioned to monitor a first magnetic flux associated with the first workpiece engagement surface or a second magnetic flux associated with the second workpiece engagement surface;
• and
• a logic control circuit operatively coupled to the magnetic field sensor and the machine, the logic control circuit configured to perform a calibration sequence for the at least one magnetic coupling device using an output from the magnetic field sensor during the operational cycle.