Abstract: A melt-processable cellulose acetate composition is disclosed. The melt-processable cellulose acetate composition of the present invention includes (i) cellulose acetate: (ii) a plasticizing amount of plasticizer; and (iii) fatty acid. Cellulose acetate melts and melt-formed articles are also described.

Abstract: The present application discloses melt processable cellulose ester compositions comprising a cellulose ester, at least one alkaline additive, and at least one neutralizing agent. Plasticizers can be optionally used in the compositions. The present application also discloses processes for preparing the compositions and articles that can be made from the compositions. The compositions show improved degradation properties.

Abstract: A crank measurement system includes four bend-sensing strain gauges located on one surface of a crank and oriented parallel to a neutral axis of the crank to sense bend strain induced in the crank. Two of the bend-sensing strain gauges are located above the neutral axis, and the other two bend-sensing strain gauges are located below the neutral axis. The system also includes two shear-sensing strain gauges located on the one surface and oriented to sense shear strain induced in the crank. The shear-sensing strain gauges are located on opposite sides of the neutral axis. The system may also include up to four axial-sensing strain gauges located on the one surface and oriented to sense axial strain induced in the crank. An electronics module receives strain data from the strain gauges, and determines from the strain data one or more of force, torque, and power applied to the crank.

Abstract: A positioning and alignment instrument, and methods of use thereof, are provided for facilitating the alignment and insertion of a device, such as a guide wire, into bone. The instrument includes a handheld anchoring component and a rotatable guidance component. During use, the anchoring component is anchored into bone via anchoring protrusions, such that the position and orientation of the anchoring component is fixed relative to the bone. The guidance component, which is mechanically supported by the anchoring component, includes a device guide channel for receiving the device and guiding the device towards an insertion location adjacent to the distal end of the anchoring component. The guidance component is rotatable relative to the anchoring component about a rotation axis that is located adjacent to the distal end of the anchoring component, such that the insertion location remains adjacent to the distal end of the anchoring component under rotation.

Abstract: A crank power measurement system measures one or more of force, torque, power, and velocity of the crank, and includes a crank, two or more strain gauges located on a surface of the crank, and electronics for receiving strain data from the two or more strain gauges and determining at least one or more of bend-strain, shear-strain, and axial strain. A bicycle crank mounted power generator generates power when the bicycle is being ridden by a user, and includes a base ring, with a plurality of magnets, attached to a frame of the bicycle and circling a bottom bracket attached to a crank, a coil system attached to the crank adjacent to the plurality of magnets to generate an output at leads of the coil, and electronics configured to manipulate the output to power an electronic device and/or store the output in a power supply.

Abstract: A positioning and alignment instrument, and methods of use thereof, are provided for facilitating the alignment and insertion of a device, such as a guide wire, into bone. The instrument includes a handheld anchoring component and a rotatable guidance component. During use, the anchoring component is anchored into bone via anchoring protrusions, such that the position and orientation of the anchoring component is fixed relative to the bone. The guidance component, which is mechanically supported by the anchoring component, includes a device guide channel for receiving the device and guiding the device towards an insertion location adjacent to the distal end of the anchoring component. The guidance component is rotatable relative to the anchoring component about a rotation axis that is located adjacent to the distal end of the anchoring component, such that the insertion location remains adjacent to the distal end of the anchoring component under rotation.

Abstract: A head unit for a stop holder for a drilling machine for purposes of compensating for a height displacement between two adjacent components during the introduction and/or machining of a component hole. The stop holder has a front rest section for purposes of resting on the components. The rest section has an axial projection, which forms a second contact surface displaced relative to a first contact surface in the axial direction, i.e., the tool longitudinal direction. Also disclosed is a stop holder, and a method for compensating for a height displacement between two adjacent components during the introduction and/or machining of a component hole.

Abstract: A stapling device includes a stapling needle system that is guided through the base body of the stapling device. The stapling needle system can be passed through a hole in one or more components. By exerting a tensile force on the stapling needle system, the component or components can be sandwiched between the stapling needle head and base body of the stapling device. The stapling needle system can be positively locked with the base body by means of a locking device, so as to lock the stapling device in place.

Abstract: A drilling-out aid device for assisting in drilling out a rivet, in particular a blind rivet, by a drilling tool, includes a proximal handle portion for handling the drilling-out aid device; a guide device for centrically guiding a drilling shaft of the drilling tool; a distal rivet-head receiving device for centrically orientating the drilling-out aid device on the head of the rivet to be drilled out; and a rivet-head pressing device, which is mounted displaceably in the longitudinal direction of the drilling-out aid device relative to the rivet-head receiving device to apply a centric gripping force to the head of the rivet to be drilled out.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a fastening needle system, which is guided in a base body of the fastening device. The fastening needle system is configured to be led through a drilling hole of one or more components. By exercising a pulling force onto the fastening needle system, the components can be fastened between the front portion of the fastening needle and the base body. A fastening system may include the fastening device and a fastening pliers.

Abstract: A head unit for a stop holder for a drilling machine for purposes of compensating for a height displacement between two adjacent components during the introduction and/or machining of a component hole. The stop holder has a front rest section for purposes of resting on the components. The rest section has an axial projection, which forms a second contact surface displaced relative to a first contact surface in the axial direction, i.e., the tool longitudinal direction. Also disclosed is a stop holder, and a method for compensating for a height displacement between two adjacent components during the introduction and/or machining of a component hole.

Abstract: A device for the manufacture of drilled holes, cut-outs, plane surfaces or the like, includes an attachment structure, which is designed for the attachment of the device to at least one component to be machined, a feed device, which is designed to track a drill of a drilling machine, and a control device for controlling the feed device and a drilling machine. In one example, the feed device includes a support for the drilling machine, which is arranged substantially in the center of a crossbeam.

Abstract: A device for the manufacture of drilled holes, cut-outs, plane surfaces or the like, includes an attachment structure, which is designed for the attachment of the device to at least one component to be machined, a feed device, which is designed to track a drill of a drilling machine, and a control device for controlling the feed device and a drilling machine. In one example, the feed device includes a support for the drilling machine, which is arranged substantially in the center of a crossbeam.