Abstract: A system and method for feeding and transporting documents are provided. The method includes directing airflow to a fixed location upstream of a feeder at a stack of documents such that a document trailing edge passing the fixed location causes a disruption in the airflow. The method further comprises sensing the airflow disruption to indicate detection of the document trailing edge at the fixed location. Various techniques may be utilized for sensing the airflow disruption including detecting air pressure variations, accelerations, and/or deflections that result from the disruption and airflow.

Abstract: An orbital tool includes a housing, a motor, and an eccentric drive member rotatably driven by the motor shaft. A working member has an input portion engaging an output portion of the eccentric drive member. An annular pivot control member includes an annular central hub cooperating with the working member, an annular flange attached to the housing, and a web extending between the flange and the central hub. The pivot control member controls pivotal movement of the working member relative to the housing. The web enables the working member input portion to orbit about the drive axis as the eccentric drive member is rotated by the motor shaft.

Abstract: An orbital tool includes a housing, a motor, and an eccentric drive member rotatably driven by the motor shaft. A working member has an input portion engaging an output portion of the eccentric drive member. An annular pivot control member includes an annular central hub cooperating with the working member, an annular flange attached to the housing, and a web extending between the flange and the central hub. The pivot control member controls pivotal movement of the working member relative to the housing. The web enables the working member input portion to orbit about the drive axis as the eccentric drive member is rotated by the motor shaft.

Abstract: A welding system for real-time weld quality detection during resistance welding of a workpiece has a sensor assembly including a winding and a core mounted generally coaxially within the cylinder of the welding gun. A piston and piston rod assembly are mounted for coaxial movement within the cylinder. The piston rod has an end protruding from the cylinder for affixing an electrode thereto. Axial movement of the piston rod relative to the cylinder causes axial movement of the core relative to the winding to vary a length of core and winding overlap. The sensor assembly produces an output signal based on the length of core and winding overlap to indicate piston rod position relative to the cylinder. Weld control logic receiving the sensor assembly output controls welding of the workpiece in real-time.

Abstract: An orbital sander includes a motor, a housing, and a drive shaft rotatably driven by the motor about a drive axis. A bearing freely rotatable about a bearing axis is disposed eccentrically with respect to the drive axis to define an eccentric offset. A sanding platen is supported by the bearing. An input sleeve is interposed between the bearing and the drive shaft, and has an input axis spaced from the drive axis. An output sleeve, positioned within and engaging the bearing, encircles the input sleeve and is rotatable about the input axis. The sleeves are circumferentially aligned, thereby minimizing the height of the sander. A stop member cooperates with the sleeves to allow for rotation of the sanding platen while preventing axial movement of the sleeves. The sleeves have cooperating surfaces which limit their relative movement, defining maximum and minimum eccentric offsets based on the direction of motor rotation.