Abstract: A quilt has a pair of longitudinally extending side edges, a pair of laterally extending end edges, a head portion, a foot portion, and a middle portion extending longitudinally between the head and foot portions. The quilt includes a hood box adapted to receive and surround the head of the user during use of the quilt. The hood box is disposed in the head portion and includes a front hood panel and a back hood panel. The front hood panel has an aperture moveable between a closed position and an opened position for allowing at least a portion of the user's face to be exposed during use of the hood box. The quilt also includes a pair of overlapping portions. One of the overlapping portions extends along one of the longitudinal side edges and the other overlapping portion extends along the other longitudinal side edge. Each of the overlapping portion define a hand pocket sized and shaped for receiving a hand of the user and an arm receptacle sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the user's arm.

Abstract: A device and method for holding food and drink simultaneously, comprising of a combined plate and adjustable cup holder. The plate may have one or more compartments for holding food and the cup holder is for supporting various drink containers. The plate having an aperture through which the cup holder is situated. The cup holder may move within the aperture with protrusions near the top and bottom of the cup holder to prevent the cup holder from disengaging from the plate. When the cup holder is lowered with respect to the plate, it provides a natural handle. When the cup holder is raised with respect to the plate the base of the cup holder and base of the plate are substantially coplanar, allowing the plate to rest on a flat surface.

Abstract: A cup is provided having a lid with a spout defined by walls tapered towards a distal end of the spout. The lid has handles extending therefrom that are preferably formed of a first and second material having different Shore A hardnesses to define a rigid portion and a gripping portion.

Abstract: A knife holder for placement into a drawer is disclosed. It includes a plurality of substantially identical and substantially rectangular flexible leaf members secured near one end but unsecured at the opposite end, either placed in an open top box which fits completely into a drawer or directly on a horizontal surface. Knives can be placed in the cutlery section of the box with the free ends of their blades held between the unsecured ends of the leaf members, so that the knives are held on their edges by the plurality of leaf members and each knife is accessible by a user without removing other knives. The knives rest against the bottom of the box or against the horizontal surface. In one arrangement, a dowel rod secures the plurality of leaf members by tightly fitting through the holes formed by the leaf members.

Abstract: A cup holder for single cups, includes housing means of the cup in the cup holder with grip on the edge or in proximity to the upper edge of the cup and supporting means of the cup holder for supporting the so housed cup; a plane or upper surface of covering of the cup, when it is housed in the cup holder with such an extension as to cover entirely the cup and rigidly connected to the housing means of the cup. The cup holder has the supporting means placed on the side opposite the side of introduction of the cup in the housing means; the housing means includes a housing guide for the grip on an upper edge of a cup which is inserted in it; and the supporting means includes a short shank and a slider inserted in rectilinear or arched storage elements, arranged in a horizontal or even vertical direction.

Abstract: An automatic built-in closing apparatus includes at least one common pivoting shaft that is driven by a unique motor, intermediate gear wheels and a clutch coupled to control doors of a series of lockable compartments pertaining to a same block of an electronic locker unit and a set of freewheels and overload clutch which is mounted on the common pivoting shaft as a hinge for each door of the series of lockable compartments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a parcel receiving apparatus that may comprise a parcel bin, a frame assembly, and a locking system. The frame assembly may be configured to fit inside a support structure aperture and circumscribe the parcel bin. Additionally, the parcel bin may be rotatably attached to the frame assembly along a fixed axis. The locking system may be operable to permit or deny a user from rotating the parcel bin into an open position. Applications of the parcel receiving apparatus may include remote access and automatic rotating functionality.

Abstract: The present invention is a floral arrangement and the like made of a hard, durable substance, like metal, stone, composite, or otherwise, that can be used as a permanent decoration on gravestones, burial plaques, or in any other location where a permanent floral or other decorative arrangement may be desired. The arrangement can include twigs, mosses, grasses, flags, or any other object that can be included in a floral arrangement, all of which can be made of the same hard, durable substance as the flowers themselves. Such an invention will allow the user to place an attractive, permanent display on gravestones, burial plaques, or other locations. It will eliminate the need to replace or remove natural or silk floral displays that have lost their luster. The present invention can achieve the aesthetic look of natural or silk flowers, thus achieving permanence and avoiding costly replacements or unattractively aged arrangements.

Abstract: A lifting tree for a Christmas tree includes a trunk consisting of a base cylinder with an upper opening and a lifting cylinder set. The lifting cylinder set includes a plurality of hollow lifting cylinders coupling vertically in sequence and two adjacent lifting cylinders that can move relatively. A limiting structure is arranged between two adjacent lifting cylinders to prevent separation. The lifting cylinder at bottom is coupled with the base cylinder in which a linear module is provided, which includes a mobile unit connected to the lifting cylinder at the top of lifting cylinder set in a fixed position. At the top of each lifting cylinder, there is a connecting piece for connecting branches.

Abstract: A stand for Christmas trees and other elongated objects includes spring biased, movable arm assemblies, with each arm assembly including a base arm and a gripping arm pivotally secured to the base arm. The gripping arm includes upper and lower elongated object engaging surfaces. When a Christmas tree or other elongated objects is pressed to downward between the arm assemblies, the elongated object contacts the lower object engaging surfaces, bringing the upper object engaging surfaces into contact with the elongated object. Spring pressure supplied by springs within the arm assemblies retains the elongated object within the stand.

Abstract: A curtain or drapery panel that is formed having hanging grommets and box pleats along the header band that provides support to allow the box pleats to retain their shape without deforming. The drapery is a fabric panel having a header strip along the top thereof. The header strip has a plurality of spaced apart grommets. Between alternating grommets the fabric is pinched together to form a forward facing bow or loop. The bow or loop is then flattened and the top and bottom edges of the loop along the header strip are sewn down to the header strip to flatten the loop into a rectangular flat gathered pleat. Further, the edges of the pleat along the header strip may also be swan to give it a more defined crisp edge. This draws two adjacent grommets close together on the two opposing sides of the newly formed pleat.

Abstract: Technologies are described for devices and methods to utilize an ingredient cartridge assembly. The devices may comprise a cooking pot, a heat source, a loading track, a propulsion system, a loading compartment, and a controller. The loading compartment may be located along the loading track. The controller may be in communication with the heat source and the propulsion system. The propulsion system may be configured to receive an ingredient cartridge assembly including a cartridge. A protective film on the cartridge may be contacted with the propulsion system. The propulsion system may pull the protective film to peel the protective film from the cartridge and slide the cartridge along the loading track towards the loading compartment. An ingredient inside of the cartridge may deposit into the loading compartment as the cartridge passes over the loading compartment. The loading compartment may be configured to deposit the ingredient into the cooking pot.

Abstract: Provided is a food cooking and/or heating appliance including an enclosure (2) including a reservoir (40) and a cover (20), and a steam production device. The cover (20) is equipped with a steam expansion chamber (3) supplied with steam by the steam production device (1). The steam expansion chamber (3) includes a containment wall (4) delimiting part of the enclosure (2) and the containment wall (4) can move in relation to the reservoir (40) when the cover (20) closes the enclosure (2).

Abstract: A food preparation device may include a radio frequency (RF) capacitive heating source, a liquid temperature control assembly, a cooking controller operably coupled to the RF capacitive heating source and the liquid temperature control assembly, a basin configured to contain a liquid and receive a food product, and a lid hingedly attached to the basin. The lid may be configured to have a function related to a selected food preparation program. The RF capacitive heating source may include a ground plate and an anode or High Voltage (HV) plate disposed on opposing surfaces of the basin.

Abstract: A window assembly (3) for a container (1), comprising a window unit (5) adapted to be inserted in a window opening (2) of a container body (4), the window unit (5) comprising an outer facing side (10), an inner facing side (12) and a profiled circumferential edge (14), wherein a portion of the circumferential edge (14) adjacent the outer facing side (10) comprises a rising ridge (16) which acts to limit insertion of the window unit (5) into the window opening (2). It also relates to a container (1) with such window assembly (3), and the method of assembling such window assembly (3) with the container (1).

Abstract: A tea drink preparation method for preparing a cold tea drink by: using high temperature and high pressure brewing machine to brew a powdered tea so as to make a hot tea drink, and then using a beverage cooling device to cool down the hot tea drink so as to obtain a cold tea drink, and then using a vessel to take the cold tea drink for service. Thus, this method shortens the contact time between the hot tea drink and the air and reduces the risk of tea drink contamination, avoiding deterioration in color and flavor due to oxidation and maintaining good tea drink hygiene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a brewed beverage includes positioning a capsule with a brewing ingredient at a lateral opening of a brewing chamber. Heated water is conveyed to into the brewing chamber to brew the beverage by filling the capsule with the heated water. An outlet valve on of the brewing chamber is opened for filling a vessel with the brewed beverage through a feed nozzle. The brewing chamber is moved together with the feed nozzle from a brewing and filling position, where the capsule is positioned at the brewing chamber and the feed nozzle is above a passage for filling the vessel, to a rinsing position where the capsule is removed from the brewing chamber and the nozzle is above a guide element for directing water for disposal. In the rinsing position, the brewing chamber is rinsed with rinse water which is disposed via the nozzle and the guide element.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a brewing machine has a machine body that includes a plurality of single serve preparation zones. Each single serve preparation zone corresponds to a preparation parameter. The machine body also includes a cartridge acceptor configured to receive a single serve cartridge, a cartridge sorter configured to determine a parameter of the received cartridge and select one of the plurality of single serve preparation zones according to the determined parameter, a transfer sub-assembly configured to transfer the cartridge to the selected single serve preparation zone, and a fluid dispenser for preparing the beverage using 108B the cartridge in the selected single serve preparation zone.

Abstract: A cartridge adaptor system may include a puncturing device; a nozzle adaptor including: a puncture port configured to receive the puncturing device; a nozzle coupling portion configured to releasably couple to a beverage dispenser nozzle; and a cartridge coupling portion configured to releasably couple to a cartridge containing a beverage ingredient; and a cartridge holster having a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the cartridge. The puncturing device may be configured to puncture the cartridge thereby releasing the beverage ingredient.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance, comprising a vessel and a cover for closing an opening in the vessel, wherein a locking mechanism, with which the cover can be locked to the vessel, and a control device, with which the locking state of the locking mechanism can be controlled, are provided. A proximity sensor is provided, it being possible to use the proximity sensor to detect the physical approach by a hand of a user below a predetermined distance from the proximity sensor, and the proximity sensor is connected to the control-device in such a way that an approach by the hand of the user to the proximity sensor below the predetermined distance can be detected by the control device and the locking mechanism can then be driven by the control device in such a way that the locking mechanism unlocks the cover. Therefore, a kitchen appliance of this kind comprising a vessel and a cover for closing an opening in the vessel is specified, with simple unlocking of the cover being made possible for the kitchen appliance.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking/grilling apparatus comprising at least one cooking/grilling surface, a removable pan disposed below the cooking/grilling surface(s), and a heat source disposed above the cooking/grilling surface(s), all of which elements are contained within an enclosure. The heat surface being disposed above the cooking/grilling surface(s) avoids flare-ups that would otherwise result when secretions from a cooked foodstuff would come into contact with the heat source. Instead, such secretions are collected in the pan and may be used to enhance the palatability of the foodstuff prior to consumption. A heat shield may be provided for retaining and redirecting heat from the heat source in the enclosure, a safety mechanism may selectively activate and deactivate the heat source, and the heat source may be adjustably positionable with respect to the cooking/grilling surface(s). A method for cooking/grilling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable stove for cooking s'mores is disclosed herein wherein a gel chafing fuel is centrally disposed within a shell and away from the shell so that heat generated by the gel chafing fuel does not heat up the shell excessively so that a person would burn his or her fingers if the person touches the exterior surface of the shell. The portable stove has a gel chafing fuel holder for positioning the gel chafing fuel within the shell.

Abstract: A barbecue grill cart is disclosed, the cart having a shelf for supporting an LP gas tank in an elevated position. An opening is provided over the LP tank for allowing access thereto. The cart also includes a shallow cabinet for holding grilling tools and one or more wide drawers for storage.

Abstract: A cooking pan comprises a pan body used for cooking food. The pan body includes three parts, namely bottom, side extending upwardly from the bottom all around and partition disposed on the bottom and combining with the side to divide the pan body into at least two cooking zones which respectively have differently-shaped bottom walls. The at least two cooking zones and their respective differently-shaped bottom walls can work together to process different types of food, thus contributing to diverse functions and higher food processing efficiency of the cooking pan.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus used in the process of marinating a vegetable such as corn on the cob is provided. A rigid sleeve is slidably attached to the shank of a drill bit. The sleeve is resiliently biased toward a cutting head at one end of the shank. An end of an ear of corn is inserted into the sleeve and a hole is drilled in the corn cob as the shank slides through an opening in the sleeve into the corn cob. The sleeve keeps the drill bit aligned with the corn cob and protects the user's hand. Once the hole is drilled, a marinade is injected into the hole and a small dowel is used to plug the hole. The corn is then allowed to marinate before cooking. The marinade penetrates the corn cob and infuses an improved flavor in the kernels of corn.

Abstract: A hand held domestic appliance comprises a handle part, a driven member, a motor for driving the driven member and a controller for controlling the motor. The handle part comprises a surface sensor for detecting a contact surface area and optionally also pressure and the controller is adapted to control the power supplied to the motor in dependence on the sensed contact surface area and optionally also pressure.

Abstract: In one embodiment an apparatus for holding an elongate utensil is disclosed having a frame. The frame defines a base member having a top surface and bottom surface. The bottom surface is configured to rest upon a support surface. The base member generally defines a plane. The frame further defines a holding member that is connected to the base member, and that is for holding a potion of an elongate utensil. The holding member has at least a deployed configuration wherein the holding member extends above the base member plane. In another embodiment, the holding member further has a stored configuration wherein the holding member substantially resides within the base member plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for preventing fatal bathroom accidents relating to drowning. Accordingly, in a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a bath plug device for closing a drain pipe of a bath tub, comprising a bath plug, a cone attached to the top of the bath plug, and at least one pedal-like unit attached to the left and/or to the right of the cone.

Abstract: A washer and diaper-changing apparatus includes a main chamber, a glass window, a seat, a leg holder, a safety belt, a diaper removing arm, a sprinkler, and a dryer. The main chamber is configured to receive an infant therein. The glass window is placed on a top wall of the main chamber. The seat is movably coupled to the main chamber and configured for placement of the infant on the seat. The leg holder is movably coupled to the main chamber and configured to support at least one leg of the infant. The safety belt is coupled to the seat and configured to retain the infant on the seat. The sprinkler is placed inside the main chamber and configured to spray water to wash at least a portion of the infant.

Abstract: A relocatable, easily movable worksite sanitation system that is a combination decontamination station and lavatory with two separate rooms suitable for complying with ADA and safety regulations that is continuously automatically electrically checked and verified to be in proper working order. The sanitation system has a water source and a power source, and the sanitation system includes an improved flush-type lavatory comprising at least a toilet and a sink with a lavatory water supply line providing water to said toilet and said sink. Both the lavatory and the decontamination rooms include an electrical system with a switch for turning the electrical system on and off. The decontamination station has at least an eye wash station and a shower with a decontamination water supply line providing water to said eye wash station and to said shower.

Abstract: Material engaged to soap from within and outside of soap having a shaping of material engaging the finger(s) to the soap allowing for better handing and use of soap. For example but not limited to a bar of soap, conditioning bar, body bar, bath bar, soap ball. The material may shape to the appearance of but not limited to a ring, oval, square, abstract shape to engage the finger(s) or area of the hand to which fingers would normally engage to the soap.

Abstract: A hand cleaner fluid dispenser, including a reservoir for containing hand cleaner fluid to be dispensed; a dispenser outlet for discharge of the hand cleaner fluid from the reservoir; and a discharge mechanism operable to discharge a drop of the hand cleaner fluid from the dispenser outlet when activated. A levitator device is incorporated into the hand cleaner fluid dispenser, and is operable to levitate the drop of hand cleaner fluid at a position where the drop is accessible to be taken by a user's hand.

Abstract: An exemplary foam dispenser system includes a housing, a container, a motor, an air pump, a foam pump, a first mixing chamber, a second mixing chamber, a foam cartridge, and an outlet for dispensing foam. The container holds a foamable liquid. The foam pump has a liquid pump portion that pumps liquid, and an air pump portion that pumps air. The first mixing chamber is located downstream of the liquid pump portion and the air pump portion, and the liquid and the air mix in the first mixing chamber to create a first foam mixture. The second mixing chamber is located downstream of the first mixing chamber and the air pump, and the first mixture and air from the air pump mix in the second mixing chamber to create a second foam mixture. The second foam mixture travels through the foam cartridge and exits the outlet as rich foam.

Abstract: A toiletry wiping device. The toiletry wiping device includes an elongated handle connected to a head having a pair of opposing jaws for clamping on objects positioned between the jaws. A sliding sleeve is mounted around the jaws that is configured to slide from one end of the jaws to the other end, causing the jaws to move towards and away from each other, respectfully. The head is pivotally connected to the elongated handle via hinge that allows a user to selectively adjust the relative angle of the head. In one embodiment, the handle includes a telescopic arrangement having one or more elongated sections that adjust the length of the handle. Further, one end of the jaws includes a high friction dry to prevent objects from accidentally slipping from between the jaws.

Abstract: A toilet inhibits an occupant from exiting the toilet. Sensors positioned on the toilet detect the application of pressure on the toilet by an occupant that is consistent with an occupant attempting to exit the toilet, and/or movements of an occupant that are consistent with an occupant attempting to exit the toilet. The sensors cause an actuator to change the angle of the toilet seat, which inhibits exiting the toilet. The toilet may also be constructed to signal an attendant when actions by an occupant are consistent with actions indicating an attempt by the occupant to exit the toilet.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a driving member including a first driving shaft and a second driving shaft in both sides thereof, a first drum of which one end is coupled to the first driving shaft to be driven by directly receiving driving force of the first driving shaft, and a second drum of which one end is coupled to the second driving shaft to be driven by directly receiving driving force of the second driving shaft.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a suction member to a surface cleaning apparatus, the connector comprising a tubular body having a distal end configured to receive and retain the suction member and a proximal end configured to receive an outlet of the apparatus. The tubular body is provided with an external rotatable sleeve member, the rotatable sleeve member is provided with at least one projection configured to engage a corresponding formation of the outlet of the apparatus and form a rotatable snap-fit connection between the connector and the outlet, and at least one electrical connection ring located about the proximal end of the connector configured to contact at least one corresponding electrical connector of the outlet to transmit electrical power from the apparatus to the suction member.

Abstract: The present invention is a machine for treating a surface lying in an XY plane. The machine includes a body having a body plate, a cleaning plate, a cleaning pad, a drive assembly and an attachment assembly. The cleaning plate is located between the body plate and the XY plane. The drive assembly is connected to the cleaning plate to drive the cleaning plate with a cleaning vibration in an oscillating pattern parallel to the XY plane and producing a drive force for driving the machine over the XY-plane.

Abstract: A cleaning utensil for expeditiously and thoroughly cleaning dirty surfaces includes an ergonomic scrub glove (10) worn by a person doing the cleaning. The scrub glove has a base portion made of a material impervious to liquids and which covers the person's hand and wrist and at least a portion of their forearm when worn. An outer layer (L) of the scrub glove comprises an abrasive woven mesh material which encases the portion of the scrub glove covering the person's hand. A cleaning solution is poured onto this outer layer for the wearer to apply the solution to a surface being cleaned by the wearer by moving their hand over and about a surface to be cleaned. The base portion of the scrub glove prevents the person's hand, wrist and forearm from coming in contact with the cleaning solution.

Abstract: Cleaning mop frames structurally configured to provide a more even distribution of floor soil across a surface of a wiper attached to such mop frames are provided. The mop frames include a central body portion, a top surface, a bottom surface, opposed side edges, and opposed front and rear edges. The mop frame may also include at least one retaining structure configured to releasably attach a cleaning fabric proximate to or adjacent to at least the bottom surface of the mop frame. Cleaning implements including a mop frame, a yoke assembly, and a multi-pivoting hinge attached to and connecting the mop frame and the yoke assemble are also provided. The multi-pivoting hinge being configured to allow the yoke assembly to selectively swing from a top surface to a bottom surface of the mop frame or vice versa.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided having a motor that has a drive shaft with a pump shaft portion extending from one side and a secondary shaft portion extending from the other. The pump shaft portion drives a pump impeller within a pump housing to circulate wash fluid. The secondary shaft portion has a spur gear that is configured to engage a secondary gear that is operably coupled to a secondary component within the dishwasher, such as a diverter valve or spray arm. The meshing of the spur gear with the secondary gear acts both as a speed reducer and the drive means for the secondary component. The motor is configured to rotate the pump shaft portion and secondary shaft portion such that the pump impeller rotates at a first speed and the secondary component rotates at a second speed.

Abstract: Provided is a method of operating a dishwasher including a heat pump circuit, wherein a condensate collection container is associated with an evaporator of the heat pump circuit. The method may include the steps of pumping a washing liquid from a sump of the dishwasher using a pump device, opening a first valve in a condensate conduit connecting the condensate collection container with a suction conduit of the pump device, pumping a condensate from the condensate collection container using the pump device. A dishwasher may also be provided.

Abstract: A conveyor dishwasher (1) has at least one wash zone (11, 12) in which wash liquid is sprayed onto the washware, at least one final rinse zone (14) in which final rinse liquid is sprayed onto the washware and a waste air system (20) for discharging waste air from the conveyor dishwasher (1). To save energy and maintain hygiene performance, a waste water heat recovery system (25) is provided for transferring at least a portion of the thermal energy in the waste water from the conveyor dishwasher (1) as useful heat to the final rinse liquid and a waste air heat recovery system is further provided for transferring at least a portion of the thermal energy in the waste air which is discharged or is to be discharged from the conveyor dishwasher (1) as useful heat to at least the final rinse.

Abstract: A dispensing device for introducing a pourable detergent in metered amounts into a treatment chamber of a program-controlled cleaning appliance includes: a supply container for holding the detergent, the supply container having a reservoir chamber and a metering chamber terminating in a dispensing opening, the metering chamber being fluldically connected to the reservoir chamber via an interposed passage opening; a carrier unit which is rotatable by a motor and replaceably receives the supply container; and a closure device that closes the passage opening at least until the supply container is first put into use.

Abstract: A dispensing device for introducing a pourable detergent in metered amounts into a treatment chamber of a program-controlled cleaning appliance includes a housing provided with a loading aperture; a carrier unit rotatably mounted in the housing and accessible via the loading aperture and which serves to replaceably receive a supply container for holding the detergent; and a housing cover providing fluid-tight closure of the loading aperture. The housing cover includes a cover member providing the fluid-tight closure of the loading aperture and a locking member movably attached to the cover member, the locking member including a plurality of locking elements, each cooperating with a respective locking finger disposed on the housing.

Abstract: A supply container for placement in a dispensing device of a program-controlled cleaning appliance, in particular a dishwasher, includes a main body providing a volumetric space, the volumetric space being of a size suitable for storing an amount of powdered detergent sufficient for performing a plurality of wash cycles. The main body includes a bottom portion. and a circumferential side wall integrally formed therewith, the side wall being equipped with a flange located opposite the bottom portion and extending radially outwardly from the side wall.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning assembly includes a base including a bottom wall has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a first end edge, a second end edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A perimeter wall is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall is coextensive with the perimeter edge. A dividing wall extends between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge to form a first compartment and a second compartment fluidly separated from each other. A first panel is positioned in the first compartment and is an absorbent material. The first panel has a fluid absorbed therein. A second panel is positioned in the second compartment and is also an absorbent material. The second panel is dry.

Abstract: Improved container for messy products which is made up of a framework (17) covered by a superposition (14) of membranes (15a to 15d), each of which is equipped with means of assembly by adhesion of at least part of at least one of the contact faces thereof to the contiguous membrane or membranes allowing said membranes to be separated by a peeling effect, said means of assembly consisting of a multitude of mechanical catching protuberances (16). The improvements made to this container relate on the one hand to the nature of the materials used for making the various components of this container and, on the other hand, to novel methods for obtaining some of said components.

Abstract: An endoscopic system may include an endoscope including a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated sheath extending therebetween. The elongated sheath may define at least one lumen. The proximal end of the endoscope may include a handle operably coupled to a proximal portion of the elongated sheath. The endoscopic system also may include a clip coupled to the handle of the endoscope. The clip may include at least one retaining arm configured to receive a handle of an auxiliary tool. The at least one lumen may be configured to receive a distal portion of the auxiliary tool. Associated devices and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shank instrument, particularly a medical-endoscopic shank instrument includes a hollow shank which between two rigid parts includes a part which is bendable transversely to a hollow shank longitudinal extension. The bendable part is fixedly connected to at least one of the rigid parts, in a manner such that two projections which are formed on a peripheral wall of one of the parts connected to one another, are arranged lying opposite one another on a peripheral wall and project in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the part, positively engage into two recesses which are formed lying opposite one another on a peripheral wall of the other part and which completely break through the peripheral wall. At the outer periphery, the parts of the hollow shank which are positively connected to one another, in the region of the positive connection are surrounded by a component.