Abstract: A melt-processable cellulose ester formulation is described that includes an ionic flow aid to enable reduced plasticizer content and increase heated dimensional stability. One or more stabilizers may also be included in the formulations. The formulations are particularly suitable for melt-processing applications, such as extrusion, and may be formed into useful articles.

Abstract: The present application discloses cellulose ester compositions comprising certain mineral particle compositions. The compositions when heated reduce the molecular weight of the cellulose esters in the compositions depending in the temperature, time, and mineral particle composition loading. The present application also discloses processes for reducing the molecular weight of cellulose esters in cellulose ester compositions comprising the mineral particle compositions.

Abstract: A melt-processable, plasticized cellulose ester composition is described. The melt-processable, plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention includes (i) cellulose ester; (ii) plasticizer; and (iii) a hydrocolloid. Cellulose acetate melts and melt-formed articles are also described.

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 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 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.