Abstract: The invention discloses a liquid quantifying device which comprises a base body and a liquid quantifying area arranged on the base body; the liquid quantifying area is provided with a preset volume, two ends of the liquid quantifying area are respectively provided with a liquid quantitative inlet and a liquid quantitative outlet, the liquid flows into the liquid quantifying area from the liquid quantitative inlet and reaches the liquid quantitative outlet after the liquid quantifying area is filled; and a liquid identification device is arranged at a relevant position of the liquid quantitative outlet and used for identifying the liquid reaching the liquid quantitative outlet. The invention also discloses a use of the liquid quantifying device in a microfluidic chip. The invention can improve the accuracy of quantification and detection.

Abstract: A modeling method for a workpiece and the workpiece are provided. When the workpiece, at least a part of the workpiece has a hollow region and two or more openings linking an inside and the outside of the hollow region, is additively manufactured, a temporary closure to block at least one of the two or more openings of the hollow region is manufactured at a same time as laminating of a wall section of the hollow region. A peripheral edge of the temporary closure joined to the wall section, and the temporary closure has a flow hole allowing a fluid to flow in or out of the hollow region, then the temporary closure is removed after the fluid has flowed in or out.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an acoustic coating in an ordered array of interconnected micro-channels intended to receive, on a reception surface, an incident acoustic wave with direction Ac normal to this surface, the method including depositing a sacrificial material on a substrate surface to form a three-dimensional scaffold of filaments, infiltrating at least one part of the three-dimensional scaffold with a thermosetting material, solidifying the thermosetting material to form a solidified material, and removing the sacrificial material from the solidified material to form the ordered array of interconnected micro-channels, the filaments forming by superimposed layers the three-dimensional scaffold being, for a given layer of filaments, oriented in a direction forming, in a plane formed by the layer, a first angle ? relative to the direction Ac of the incident acoustic wave, to confer acoustic properties to the ordered array of interconnected micro-channels and thus form the acoustic coating.

Abstract: A system for slowing down the speed of flying objects by applying electrodynamic and aerodynamic braking forces. The system is comprised of plurality of stubs, where each stub is made of dielectric material surrounded by metal foil and another metal foil is inserted in the middle of the stub, where the outer metal foil and the inner metal foil are isolated from each other, so that they form a capacitor. Each stub is stored in a barrel before being used. When activated, the stubs are stretched from the barrel as a tail behind the flying object. The area of the stub generates aerodynamic drag. The stub capacitor is charged by a generator so that free electrons are present in the outer metal layer of the stub. The electric field produced by these charges interacts with ions in the atmosphere.

Abstract: Provided herein are instruments and cartridges for processing samples. The cartridges include fluidic circuits in which fluid movement can be regulated by diaphragm valves. In certain cartridges, deformable material providing a diaphragm contacts an interface in the instrument that actuates the diaphragm directly, without intervening actuation layer. Certain cartridges have a plurality of fluidic circuits and fluid distribution channels or pneumatic distribution channels configured to deliver fluids or pneumatic pressure to any of the fluidic circuits, selectively. Certain cartridges have compartments containing on-board reagents. Compartments can be closed by a film attached to a body the cartridge through a heat seal.

Abstract: Fluid regulators are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a vale body, a valve seat, and protrusions. The valve body has an inlet and an outlet. The valve seat is located within the valve body and is positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The protrusions are formed by and extend along an inner wall of the valve body between the valve seat and the outlet, and end adjacent the outlet. At least one of the protrusions is spaced relative to others of the protrusions. The protrusions are to increase a uniformity of a flow pattern of fluid flowing through a cross-section of the outlet. Each of the protrusions has a central axis oriented perpendicularly to a corresponding surrounding portion of the inner wall.

Abstract: A pair of glasses with a wearing cushion device includes a main body, at least one inflatable cushion, an air pump, a switch element, a control unit and an air channel. The at least one inflatable cushion is disposed on a surface of at least one temple of the main body. The air pump is in communication with the at least one inflatable cushion. The control unit is electrically connected with the switch element and the air pump. The air channel is embedded within the main body and in communication with the at least one inflatable cushion and the air pump. When the switch element is turned on, the control unit enables the air pump to make ambient gas transferred to the at least one inflatable cushion through the air channel. Consequently, the at least one inflatable cushion is inflated with the gas and expanded to fit user's ears.

Abstract: A hydraulic traction mechanism tensioner for a traction mechanism drive of a motor vehicle, having a housing, and a valve which has an actuating element and is inserted in a fluid supply channel of the housing, wherein the valve hydraulically connects a first channel section of the fluid supply channel which opens into the pressure chamber to a hydraulic supply in a first position of the actuating element, and disconnects the first channel section from the hydraulic supply in a second position of the actuating element, wherein the valve is configured as a pressure regulating valve, wherein the actuating element can be moved beyond the second position into at least one further, third position, with the result that a volume of the first channel section is increased in comparison with the second position.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method, including: operating a motor to position sample fluid within a fluid channel of a cuvette; transmitting light through an optical chamber of the cuvette; measuring a value of received light that has been transmitted through the optical chamber; comparing the measured value of light to one or more thresholds; determining a position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel based on a comparison from the comparing step; and generating a response based upon the position of the sample fluid with the fluid channel. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A traction mechanism tensioning unit (1) for a traction mechanism drive of a motor vehicle is provided. The traction mechanism tensioning unit (1) includes a housing (2) in which a hydraulic tensioner (3) is arranged, the hydraulic tensioner (3) has a cylinder element (4) connected rigidly to the housing (2), in which an axially moving piston (5) is arranged, a compression spring (18) is arranged for generating an axial tensioning force on the piston (5) in a compression chamber (6) formed between the cylinder element (4) and the piston (5), and the hydraulic tensioner (3) is fluidly connected to a pressurized medium supply line (8) via a pressure control valve (7) arranged in the housing (2) for realizing a constant pressurized medium pressure in the compression chamber (6).

Abstract: A transfer pump system has a pump base with a pump chamber, tangential discharge and an outlet. A riser tube extends from the outlet and terminates at a launder in order to move molten metal out of a vessel with relatively little turbulence. A riser tube for use in the system has a proximal end configured to be connected to the outlet and a distal end that terminates at or above the launder.

Abstract: A transfer pump system has a pump base with a pump chamber, tangential discharge and an outlet. A riser tube extends from the outlet and terminates at a launder in order to move molten metal out of a vessel with relatively little turbulence. A riser tube for use in the system has a proximal end configured to be connected to the outlet and a distal end that terminates at or above the launder.

Abstract: The present application relates to an axial turbomachine gaseous flow-guiding element, such as a compressor inner shroud or vane. The element includes a plasma generator including: a layer of dielectric material with a guiding surface in contact with the gaseous flow, a first electrode placed in the guiding surface, and a second electrode electrically isolated from the first electrode by means of the dielectric layer. The plasma generator drives the gaseous flow along the guiding surface from the first electrode to the second electrode and includes a third electrode covered by the dielectric layer and electrically connected to the second electrode, so as to participate in the generation of the plasma in combination with the first electrode and the second electrode, the second electrode being closer to the guiding surface than the third electrode.

Abstract: A plasma generating device intended to induce a flow in a fluid via plasma generation includes a dielectric separating two electrodes and a power supply. The first electrode is exposed to a fluid flow while the second electrode is positioned under the dielectric. The power supply is electrically coupled to a switch and the first and second electrodes. When the power supply is energized by repeated action of the switch, it causes a pulsed DC current between the electrodes which causes the fluid to ionize generating a plasma. The generation of the plasma induces a force with a velocity component in the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sample test cards having an increased sample well capacity for analyzing biological or other test samples. In one embodiment, the sample test cards of the present invention comprises a fluid channel network disposed in both the first surface and the second surface and connecting the fluid intake port to the sample wells, the fluid channel network comprising at least one distribution channels, a plurality of fill channels operatively connected to the at least one distribution channel, a plurality of through-channels operatively connected to one or more of the fill channels and a plurality of horizontally orientated fill ports operatively connecting the fill channels to the sample wells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic systems and methods for controlling the flow of fluid using passive components engineered into the microchannels. These passive flow components include fluidic diodes, fluidic capacitors, and fluidic inductors. Various fluidic circuits are provided to control fluid flow including fluid rectifiers, fluid band pass filters, and fluid timers.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for generation of monodisperse droplets and initiating a chemical reaction is provided. The microfluidic device includes a first input microchannel having a first dimension and including a first phase located therein. The device also includes a second input microchannel having a second dimension and including a second phase located therein. In accordance with the present disclosure, the second dimension is different from the first dimension and the first phase is immiscible in the second phase. A microchannel junction is also present and is in communication with the first input microchannel and the second input microchannel. The device further includes an output channel in communication with the microchannel junction and set to receive a monodisperse droplet. In the present disclosure, the difference in the first dimension and the second dimension creates an interfacial tension induced force at the microchannel junction which forms the monodisperse droplet.

Abstract: A fuel stream generator comprising a nozzle connected to a fuel reservoir, wherein the nozzle is provided with a gas inlet configured to provide a sheath of gas around fuel flowing along the nozzle is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of generating fuel droplets and a lithography apparatus incorporating the fuel stream generator.

Abstract: A fluid actuator for influencing the flow along a flow surface by ejecting a fluid flowing through the fluid actuator is described. The fluid actuator has at least two outlet lines with outlet openings at the respective ends thereof, and a feed line connected to the outlet lines for feeding fluid at a supply pressure, a flow direction diverting device into which the feed line opens and out of which the outlet lines open, and an adjusting device coupled to the flow direction diverting device to control the latter. The adjusting device is configured so the fluid is conducted successively in a cyclic sequence into each of the outlet lines. A discharge device for discharging a fluid out of a flow body, and a flow body having a multiplicity of discharge openings and a discharge device of said type are also described.

Abstract: Methods and devices for using one or more fluidic channels for generating binary states are described. In particular, the present teachings relate to incorporating such fluidic channels into devices that use the generated binary states in various applications.

Abstract: An ionic field effect transistor includes: a substrate; a polymer layer that is formed on the substrate and in which a first flow path and a second flow path that is separately disposed from the first flow path are formed; and a gate electrode that is formed between the substrate and the polymer layer and that contacts the first flow path and the second flow path, wherein a heterogeneous triangular nanochannel that connects the first flow path and the second flow path is formed between the gate electrode and the polymer layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid actuator for influencing the flow along a flow surface by ejection of a fluid. By means of a like fluid actuator a continuous flow is distributed to at least two outlet openings in order to generate fluid pulses out of these outlet openings. Control of this distribution takes place inside an interaction chamber supplied with fluid flow via a feed line. Into this interaction chamber there merge at least two control lines via control openings to which respective different pressures may be applied. The flow in the interaction chamber is distributed to the individual outlet openings as a function of the pressure difference at the control openings.

Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.

Abstract: Methods and devices using a co-radial arrangement of serial siphon structures composed of siphon valves each separated by a capillary valve to save radial space in a fluidic system. Such serial siphon valves allow to sequentially distribute liquids in a fluidic system upon application of successive centripetal accelerations and decelerations applied to a rotary platform.

Abstract: A metabolite monitoring system comprising a microdialysis probe including a semi-permeable membrane and a probe flow path passing from an inlet through a sensing volume adjacent to said semi-permeable membrane to an outlet, a fluid delivery device for delivering dialysate to said inlet; and a metabolite monitoring system associated with said outlet for monitoring a concentration of at least one metabolite in said dialysate from said microdialysis probe, wherein said fluid delivery device is configured to deliver a pulsed flow of said dialysate to said inlet.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a bubble-type micro-pump is provided. At least a bubble-generating unit is provided on the bubble-generating section. Because of the varied surface energies on the top of the bubble-generating section, the varied backfilling velocities of the fluid of the front end and the rear end cause fluid moving when a bubble vanishes. The top surface of the bubble-generating section is subjected to a particular surface treatment to form a surface energy gradient. Examples of surface treatment include sputtering a thin film with varied densities or thickness, radiating one or multi-layer thin films by a laser beam, etc.

Abstract: An arrangement for the exposure of a pumpable medium to an electric field. The arrangement comprises, at least two power supplies (100) for the generation of electrical voltage, at least one non-conducting chamber (102) for pumping said pumpable medium, which said at least one chamber (102) is provided with a first (106) and a second electrode plate (108), a control means (104) for controlling said at least two power supplies (100). During control the control means (104), by synchronous control, establishes a series connection between at least two of said at least two power supplies (100), the first electrode plate (106) and the second electrode plate (108). A resulting composite voltage arises between the first (106) and the second electrode plate (108), which resulting composite voltage will result in an electric field between the first (106) and the second electrode plate (108). The pumpable medium is exposed to the electric field.

Abstract: A gas flow of a gas pipe is indicated before an electromagnetic valve is actually opened, so that the electromagnetic valve can be prevented from being opened or closed by a wrong manipulation or hazards caused by undesired mixing of gases can be avoided so as to improve safety. The substrate processing apparatus includes a state detection unit configured to detect an opening/closing request state and an opening/closing state of a valve installed at a gas pipeline; and a indication unit configured to indicate a gas flow state of the gas pipeline predicted according to the opening/closing request state and a gas flow state of the gas pipeline when the valve is opened, in a way that each state is distinguished.

Abstract: An optical micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structure is provided. The structure includes an elastomer membrane, a plurality of polymer fibers attached to the elastomer membrane, an array of detectors operatively connected to the plurality of polymer fibers at a first end of the plurality of polymer fibers, and a microlens array operatively connected to the plurality of polymer fibers at a second end of the plurality of polymer fibers. A method of manufacturing an optical MEMS structure is provided. The method includes forming a hollow PDMS chamber in which PDMS fibers extend from top to bottom using a lost wax molding process.

Abstract: An ER fluid valve includes a housing and a plurality of parallel flow passages through the housing each defined by spaced electrodes at least one of which is controllable independently of other flow passages electrodes. A controller is configured to selectively establish electrical fields for all of the independently controllable electrodes to close all of the flow passages to ER fluid flowing through the housing. By removing the fields from all of the independently controllable electrodes, all the flow passages are open to the ER fluid flowing through the housing. By establishing fields for select independently controllable electrodes to close their associated flow passages and by leaving other flow passages open, restricted flow of the ER fluid through the housing is accomplished to vary the flow rate through the housing.

Abstract: A plasma actuator incorporates a power source, a first electrode in contact with a first dielectric layer, a second electrode in contact with a second dielectric layer, and a ground electrode. The power source drives the first electrode with a first ac voltage pattern with respect to the ground electrode to produce a first plasma discharge, and a first electric field pattern in the flow region, and drives the second electrode with a second ac voltage pattern with respect to the ground electrode to produce a second plasma discharge in the flow region and a second electric field pattern in the flow region. The first and second electrodes are offset along the direction of flow and the first voltage pattern and the second voltage pattern have a phase difference such that the first and second electric fields drive flow in different portions of the flow region at different times.

Abstract: A three-dimensional microfluidic system including: at least one hydrophilic thread along which fluid can be transported through capillary wicking; and at least one hydrophobic substrate for supporting the hydrophilic thread. A method of transporting and mixing a plurality of fluids within a microfluidic system including at least two hydrophilic threads and a hydrophobic substrate having at least two zones, each of the hydrophilic threads supported on a different hydrophobic substrate zone, including: delivering each said fluid to a different hydrophilic thread; and bringing the at least two hydrophilic threads into contact to cause mixing of the fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating drops in a microfluid circuit, comprising at least one microchannel (12) through which the drops flow, characterized in that a laser (26) is brought to bear on the interface of said drops in the transport liquid (F3), or on the interface of drops in contact, in order to carry out a sorting of the drops, to form nanodrops from a larger drop or to fuse drops (60, 64) in contact and initiate reactions between the fluids contained in said drops.

Abstract: A fluid spraying device comprises a fluid oscillator used to oscillate fluid to generate spraying water and including an inlet, at least one power nozzle, an interacting chamber, and an outlet, characterized in that: the fluid oscillator including a first portion and a second portion; a connection of the first and the second portions communicates with the power nozzle to flow fluid through a predetermined traveling position, and the first portion includes the inlet and a section of the power nozzle, and the second portion includes the outlet and another section of the power nozzle, by using an interaction of the first and the second portions, a cross sectional area of the fluid at the connection of the first and the second portions is changed to adjust spraying water from the outlet.

Abstract: A dispenser arrangement for fluidic dispensing control into a microfluidic component comprising an enclosed fluid holding area having a base portion and a top portion and a valve adapted to be movable between an open position and a closed position and positioned at least partially in the fluid holding area. The valve comprises an elongated hollow portion having a body and two ends adapted for fluid flow from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a first opening on the body of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area allowing fluid communication from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a sealing portion connected to a first end of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area adapted for sealing connection with the top portion of the fluid holding area in the closed position and a slant second opening at a second end of the hollow portion positioned outside of the fluid holding area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas flow path switching unit including a gas passage section with a target gas passage for allowing said target gas to pass therethrough. The target gas passage includes a main passage having a proximal end serving as said gas inlet and a number n of branch passages each provided with a respective gas outlet at a terminal end thereof. The branch passages are formed by repeating two or more times a branching process of branching said main passage into two sub passages at a branch point at a distal end of said main passage and further branching at least one of said sub passages into two sub-sub passages at a branch point defined by a distal end of said sub passage. The target gas passage also includes at least a number n of switching-gas supply passages connected to respective intermediate positions of said n branch passages.

Abstract: Controlled electrokinetic transport of constituents of liquid media can be achieved by connecting at least two volumes containing liquid media with at least one dielectric medium with opposing dielectric surfaces in direct contact with said liquid media, and establishing at least one conduit across said dielectric medium, with a conduit inner surface surrounding a conduit volume and at least a first opening and a second opening opposite to the first opening. The conduit is arranged to connect two volumes containing liquid media and includes a set of at least three electrodes positioned in proximity of the inner conduit surface. A power supply is arranged to deliver energy to the electrodes such that time-varying potentials inside the conduit volume are established, where the superposition of said potentials represents at least one controllable traveling potential well that can travel between the opposing conduit openings.

Abstract: A microinjection device includes a pressure pump and a regulator that is connected to the pressure pump and that maintains constant pressure. A regulating chamber is connected to the regulator and an internal pressure of the regulating chamber is maintained to a predetermined pressure. A valve is connected to the regulating chamber and a hollow capillary is connected to the valve. An operator opens/closes the valve in the process of injecting material in a cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining fluid flow in a flow path of a vortex amplifier. The method comprises the steps of preventing flow of control fluid in a direction substantially opposite to a primary direction of purge fluid flow in a purge flow path of a vortex amplifier.

Abstract: A microchannel has a substrate body; a separation channel which is formed within the substrate; at least two (first and second) connection ports which are formed at one end of the separation channel close to the thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substrate body; and first and second branch channels connected respectively to the first and second connection ports. When the substrate body is perpendicular to gravity, a blood sample containing blood cells and plasma, flows from one end of the separation channel. Before the blood sample gets to the other end of the separation channel, the blood cells in the blood sample settle out. The blood cells having settled out are then separated into the branch channel.

Abstract: A method and a device for suppression of cavitation and thus for reducing resistance to movement of a streamlined body in a flow of liquid based on the principle that development of cavitation bubbles in the area of separation of the flow that is accompanied by the development of turbulence is prevented by injecting a gaseous medium into the aforementioned area for separating the flow of liquid from the surface of the streamlined body. The device of the invention can be realized in the form of various specific embodiments with supply of gas under pressure to the cavitation-development area through a plurality of perforations and transverse slits.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.

Abstract: The present invention fundamentally differs from conventional methods in which an external force is directly applied to a surface of an article to be modified, and relates to a method of hydrophobilization (increasing a contact angle of water) which comprises bringing a hydrophobilization substance (a substance for increasing a contact angle of water) released from a material of another location into contact with a surface of an article, especially an article surface being hydrophilic (having a small contact angle of water) in its initial state without applying an external force on the article surface, further a method of control being capable of noncontact switching of a contact angle of water, which comprises conducting hydrophilization of an article surface subjected to hydrophobilization by the above-mentioned method in a noncontact manner and repeating these hydrophobilization and hydrophilization, and a method of pattern formation using the mentioned methods.

Abstract: A micro-fluid reaction vessel includes an upper plate formed of an elastomer, a lower plate adhered to the upper plate, a micro-chamber and a micro-channel formed on an inner surface of the upper plate facing the lower plate and an inlet hole and an outlet hole formed in the upper plate and through which a fluid flows into or out of, respectively. The micro-channel is constructed to be closed by pressure applied to the upper plate and elastically restored when the pressure is not applied. A micro fluid reaction method uses the micro fluid reaction vessel and a method of manufacturing forms the microfluid reaction vessel.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid flowing along a channel, and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The valve unit includes a channel formed in a platform; a valve filler which includes a phase transition material that is disposed in the channel in a solid state at room temperature to close the channel and is melted when energy is applied thereto; and at least one capillary channel which extends from a sidewall of the channel and into which the valve filler flows when the valve filler is melted, wherein the at least one capillary channel has a cross-sectional area which is less than a cross-sectional area of the channel.

Abstract: Multi-valve autoregulatory microfluidic devices and methods are described. The described devices and methods offer improved performance and new means of tuning autoregulatory effects in microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A first liquid fed into a first flow passage 6 of a fluid handling apparatus travels to the open end thereof on the side of a second flow passage 7 due to capillarity. The movement of the first liquid is uniformed on the cross section of the flow passage by the function of a capillarity promoting portion 220 or 230 of the bottom 21 of the first flow passage 6. Then, the movement of a second liquid fed into the second flow passage 7 is uniformed on the cross section of the flow passage by the function of the capillarity promoting portion 220 or 230 of the bottom 21 of the second flow passage 7. Thus, the movement of the front end of the second liquid is substantially uniformed to surely extrude gas from the second flow passage 7 to the outside via a fourth flow passage 10.

Abstract: A microfluidic mixing assembly includes at least first and second liquid sources, a microfluidic manifold, a first capillary valve between the first liquid source and the manifold, and a second capillary valve between the second liquid source and the manifold, wherein the first capillary valve is configured to open and provide a first liquid flow to the microfluidic manifold in response to an external force and the second capillary valves is configured to be opened by the first liquid flow.

Abstract: A channel switching system includes two microvalves i.e. a first valve (stopper valve) and a second valve (water retaining valve). The first valve is openable and closable, and the second valve is operable to block fluid flow by a surface tension force. Changing the first valve from an open state to a close state enables to switch the system from a condition that the fluid flows through the channel where the first valve is mounted by blocking the flow at the second valve by the surface tension force to a condition that the fluid flows through the channel where the second valve is mounted by releasing the system from the condition that the flow is blocked at the second valve by the surface tension force.

Abstract: A dispenser arrangement for fluidic dispensing control into a microfluidic component comprising an enclosed fluid holding area having a base portion and a top portion and a valve adapted to be movable between an open position and a closed position and positioned at least partially in the fluid holding area. The valve comprises an elongated hollow portion having a body and two ends adapted for fluid flow from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a first opening on the body of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area allowing fluid communication from the fluid holding area to the microfluidic component in the open position, a sealing portion connected to a first end of the hollow portion positioned within the fluid holding area adapted for sealing connection with the top portion of the fluid holding area in the closed position and a slant second opening at a second end of the hollow portion positioned outside of the fluid holding area.