Abstract: Biodegradable drinking straws from date palm leaves as a substitute for plastic straws. The straws are made by washing the palm tree leaves with a solution of ascorbic acid, 99% ethanol and water, cleaning the palm tree leaves with abrasive sheets, soaking the palm tree leaves, drying the palm tree leaves, heating the palm tree leaves to a temperature selected from a range of 60° C. to 140° C., rolling the palm tree leaves, binding the rolled palm tree leaves using biodegradable food grade adhesive, drying the rolled palm tree leaves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protection device for protecting a baffle and/or a sprinkler head of a fire sprinkler system, wherein the protection device comprises a mounting portion for mounting to the sprinkler system and a protection portion adapted to at least partially surround the baffle and/or the sprinkler head, so that a damage to the baffle or the sprinkler head by placing stored goods into store or removing them from store can be prevented.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system having a two fluid reservoirs interconnected by a valved conduit to deliver an amount of fluid from each of a first fluid reservoir and a second reservoir to a user.

Abstract: A drinking straw device, comprising: a sealed tube (30); a corrugated pipe (16) disposed inside the tube (30), for being used as a drinking straw; a coolant (18), disposed in a space confined between the tube (30) and the corrugated pipe (16), for cooling the corrugated pipe (16); and a unidirectional valve (22), for allowing flow of beverage only from an inlet (14) of the corrugated pipe (16) to an outlet thereof (12); thereby providing a drinking device that instantly cools a beverage while it is being consumed.

Abstract: A water dispenser of a drinking fountain includes a water dispenser, an inner block and a control valve. The water dispenser has a receiving space to receive the plastic inner block made. A water channel and water inlet are recessedly formed on both ends of the inner block, wherein the water channel is corresponding to the water outlet of the water dispenser, and two engaging holes are spacedly formed on one side of the water channel and water inlet. The engaging holes are corresponding to connecting holes of the water dispenser. The major tubing inside the water dispenser is composed of a plastic inner block, the contact area between the water flow and the metal surface of the water dispenser is reduced so as to avoid accumulation of harmful heavy metal in the water when the water is flowing or stored, to achieve the goal of providing safe drinking water.

Abstract: An assembly and method are provided for storing and dispensing a soluble substance, such as a flavoring, into a liquid. A useful application of the subject invention includes the case where lime-flavored liquid is contained in a foam artificial lime stored in the neck of a beer bottle, attached to a beer bottle or can, or attached to the 6-pack or 12-pack carton. The artificial lime may be retrieved from the neck or a protective covering and acted upon so it diffuses the lime-flavored liquid into the beer when it is inserted into the beer bottle. Alternately, juice from the artificial lime may be squeezed into the beer, or the artificial lime may be simply retrieved and discarded. Rather than needing to buy a natural lime, cut it up and push a wedge into a beer bottle, an artificial lime, or a packaged natural lime, may be stored directly in or with the beer bottle and placed in functional contact with the beer at time of consumption.

Abstract: A straw is provided for drinking beverages which may contain pieces, fragments, chunks, etc., of food matter. The straw has one or more notches, cuts or recesses located near an end portion which facilitates fluid intake even in the presence of blocking material.

Abstract: A spout for a spill-proof beverage container has a side wall defining an outer surface and an inner surface defining a discharge passage. A valve in the discharge passage includes two flanks formed integrally with the side wall and projecting from opposite sides of the inner surface of the spout. The front end faces of the flanks mate with one another along a slit that extends generally parallel to the longer axis of the spout. At least the front portions of the flanks are inclined away from the mouth of the spout such that pressure within the container acts to urge the flanks against one another so as to maintain the slit closed. Deformation of the side wall when the spout is held between the lips of a drinker acts to open the slit and create an opening between the flanks to allow the beverage to be discharged.

Abstract: A lid assembly including a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover including first and second apertures providing access to contents of the container; a drinking member having a bore there through, the drinking member pivotal between a first closed position wherein the drinking member seals the first aperture and a second open position wherein the bore is aligned with the first aperture to allow contents of the container to pass through the first aperture and the drinking member; and a closure member pivotal between a first closed position wherein the closure member seals the second aperture and a second open position wherein the second aperture is exposed to allow contents of the container to pass there through.

Abstract: A device and method for enterally hydrating a patient with cooled fluids. The patient may be a paralyzed or limited upper body mobility patient with a functional gastrointestinal system who is nonetheless incapable or not fully capable of drinking unassisted. Here fluids are provided by a suspended container which also has a pouch to admit cooling material such as ice, but to keep the cooling material separate from the fluid. The container may also have optional graduation markings to allow for convenient estimation of fluid use, and an upper open and closeable cap to allow the container to be refilled. The container has a lower fluid conducting tube that terminates in a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece contains a fluid valve formed from at least one slit in an elastic material. Patient mouth force on the valve causes the slit to enlarge, thus enabling cooled fluid to flow into the patient.

Abstract: An extensible straw for incorporation as an integral component of a disposable or collapsible beverage container has telescoping tubes extensible from the container, a screw cap and multiple seals preventing inadvertent leakage from the container whether the container is maintained upright or not.

Abstract: The straw designed for the intake of water based drink from a container. In the lower part of the flexible straw there are holes that are connected to the main tube of the straw. Above the holes and attached to the straw, there is a floating device which allows for the intake of the drink from the container only from fixed depth ranges, preferably from 5-15 mm from the surface of the water. The straw allows for the protection of the organism of the user from negative effects of the drink on the body's cells.

Abstract: A water dispenser of a drinking fountain includes a water dispenser, an inner block and a control valve. The water dispenser has a receiving space to receive the plastic inner block made. A water channel and water inlet are recessedly formed on both ends of the inner block, wherein the water channel is corresponding to the water outlet of the water dispenser, and two engaging holes are spacedly formed on one side of the water channel and water inlet. The engaging holes are corresponding to connecting holes of the water dispenser. The major tubing inside the water dispenser is composed by plastic inner block, contact area between the water flow and the metal surface of the water dispenser is reduced so as to avoid accumulation of harmful heavy metal in the water when the water is flowing or stored, to achieve the goal of providing safe drinking water.

Abstract: A beverage container with a tamper resistant lid includes a cylindrical reservoir with an open upper end in communication with an interior beverage compartment. Formed about the open upper end is an annular rim. The tamper resistant lid includes a circular panel with an annular lip depending therefrom. Positioned on the inwardly facing surface of the lip are a plurality of juxtaposed, inwardly-extending flanges. The flanges are flexible but resilient such that, when the lid is pressed onto the open upper end of the container, the flanges initially expand to circumvent the rim, and subsequently contract to grip the lower surface thereof to retain the lid on the container. The lid includes any one of a plurality of secure dispensing means to dispense a beverage from the beverage compartment.

Abstract: A cooler having a fountain type dispenser that includes a cooler body, a cooler lid and a liquid pump mechanism that is designed to dispense liquid from the cavity of the cooler body. The cooler lid includes at least one pump opening through a body of the cooler lid, the liquid pump mechanism includes a top portion and a bottom portion, an electric pump and a power supply designed to power said electric pump. The electric pump is designed to draw liquid into the bottom portion and to the top portion when the electric pump is activated.

Abstract: A distillation-type drinking fountain includes a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having a liquid-incoming end, a liquid-outgoing end and a heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit. The body has a heating room communicating with the liquid-outgoing end. A steam pipe has a first end and a second end, with the first end communicating with the heating room. A condensing unit has a condenser tube having one end communicating with the second end. A water-collecting container has a water-storing room communicating with another end of the condenser tube. An energy-saving heating unit includes an energy-saving heat-exchanging tube and a heating device. The energy-saving heat-exchanging tube includes a water-incoming end, a water-outgoing end and an energy-saving heat-exchanging room. An outlet valve communicates with the water-outgoing end.

Abstract: A drink straw container includes a hollow, elongated body that has a first end, a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The body has a frangible seal at the first end and a one-way valve located adjacent the second end that permits passage of fluids only from the second end toward the first end. The elongated body securely encloses a predetermined quantity of a consumable liquid. The inner and outer walls extend below the one-way valve to protect the valve from contacting a container surface. The lower end of the body may have a sealing membrane and a sliding puncture device to pierce the membrane. The straw may have an inner tube with a series of penetrating apertures for combining the consumable liquid with a mixing beverage. The straw may have a manually operated valve and a diameter reducing choke at the lower end of the straw.

Abstract: A distillation drinking fountain includes a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having liquid incoming and liquid outgoing ends and a heat-exchanging room, wherein the liquid providing unit connects to the liquid incoming end and communicates with the heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit, wherein the body has a heating room connecting to the liquid outgoing end and communicating with the heat-exchanging room; a steam pipe having first and second ends, wherein the first end communicates with the heating room, and a part of the steam pipe is received in the heat-exchanging room; a condensing unit having a condenser tube, wherein the condenser tube has one end communicating with the second end; a water-collecting unit having a water-storing room connecting to another end of the condenser tube; and an outlet valve communicating with the water-storing room.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water fountain (1) for in-home delivery of drinkable water, said fountain comprising a combination of at least: (i) a source (2), preferably a renewable source, of drinkable water, with (ii) a stock of packages (24), with (iii) filling means (29, 31, 32, 34, 35) for filling at least one package (3) with drinkable water, with (iv) sealing means (38) for sealing individual filled packages (3) before delivery to the consumer.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be inserted into the bottom end of liquid delivery tube for retaining fluid in the tube to aid in drinking, utilizing a ball valve that for the most part only allows unidirectional flow of fluid through the valve and into the tube to prevent the level of fluid in the tube from significantly dropping and also creates a fluid free space at the end of the tube to prevent spillage.

Abstract: A safety straw comprising a barrier for use with or incorporated as part of a straw, wherein the straw comprises a bendable segment, and wherein the barrier prevents the straw from being inserted too far into a person's mouth. The barrier comprises a mouthpiece that retains the conventional shape of a straw and is preferably molded as a unit with the straw. Alternatively, the barrier may be separately formed and installed on an existing straw. Further, the barrier may comprise a circular disk with a hole in the center thereof. To use, a user inserts the straw with the barrier into their mouth, wherein the barrier prevents the user from inserting the straw too far into their mouth.

Abstract: A distillation-type drinking fountain comprises a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having liquid incoming and liquid outgoing ends and a heat-exchanging room, wherein the liquid providing unit connects to the liquid incoming end and communicates with the heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit, wherein the body has a heating room connecting to the liquid outgoing end and communicating with the heat-exchanging room; a steam pipe having first and second ends, wherein the first end communicates with the heating room, and a part of the steam pipe is received in the heat-exchanging room; a condensing unit having a condenser tube, wherein the condenser tube has one end communicating with the second end; a water-collecting unit having a water-storing room connecting to another end of the condenser tube; and an outlet valve communicating with the water-storing room.

Abstract: A faucet for producing a water-fountain for drinking or rinsing a person's mouth. The fountain-faucet comprises a main body and a valve. The main body defines an exterior surface and an outlet water passage located inside the main body. The outlet water passage is in communication with a water outlet. The valve produces a fountain of water when a user puts a finger under the water outlet, which creates a back-pressure sufficient to cause a fountain of water to pass through the valve. The valve is located in the main body and is in operable communication with the outlet water passage and the exterior surface of the main body such that when a person puts a finger under the water outlet a back-pressure causes water to pass through the valve to produce a fountain of water. In another embodiment the valve is preplaced with a conical shaped funnel.

Abstract: The straw designed for the intake of water based drink from a container. In the lower part of the flexible straw there are holes that are connected to the main tube of the straw. Above the holes and attached to the straw, there is a floating device which allows for the intake of the drink from the container only from fixed depth ranges, preferably from 5-15 mm from the surface of the water. The straw allows for the protection of the organism of the user from negative effects of the drink on the body's cells.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a drinking straw for water, coffee, tea, soups, similar liquids, and the like 20 comprising a straw or other similar Cylindrical/ tubular wall made of plastic, paper, wood, metal, composite or alloy having thermochromic material imbedded 14 therein for sensing the temperature of a liquid or beverage 20 so that the user is informed whether or not the liquid or substance in question is suitable to consume without causing injury to the user's skin or body. The thermochromic material is not readily visible when at room temperature because it is inactive. However, it reacts to and is activated by the temperature of the beverage 20 when inserted therein. Multiple embodiments of the present invention 10 are disclosed.

Abstract: A spout control valve for water drinking machines aims to be assembled and installed easily and provide smooth water supply. The control valve is located in a spout of a water drinking machine. The control valve has an integrated valve seat made of non-lead material. An action seat and a drawing seat are provided to move together. The drawing seat has a stopper plug to butt an outlet of a first water passage of the valve seat to control opening and closing of water supply.

Abstract: A frameless portable water panel for displaying advertising and products constructed of transparent material combining a water wall column and cascading water tanks supporting dry, removable display shelves. Water is pumped into a tall water column from a bottom reservoir with a water pump. Water fills the tall water column and flows down on the outside of the front wall of the column then into a series of cascading water tanks before returning to the bottom reservoir. An alternate embodiment is modified to serve as a self-serve drinking fountain by removing the lowest shelf and adding fountain openings in the outside face of the front wall of one of the cascading tanks. Other modifications including bevel top edges on the water column, a light pan under the unit, pegs to secure the shelves, clear splash guards on the back of all shelves, and supporting legs under each shelf.

Abstract: An assembly and method are provided for storing and dispensing a soluble substance, such as a flavoring, into a liquid. A useful application of the subject invention includes the case where lime-flavored liquid is contained in a foam artificial lime stored in the neck of a beer bottle, attached to a beer bottle or can, or attached to the 6-pack or 12-pack carton. The artificial lime may be retrieved from the neck or a protective covering and acted upon so it diffuses the lime-flavored liquid into the beer when it is inserted into the beer bottle. Alternately, juice from the artificial lime may be squeezed into the beer, or the artificial lime may be simply retrieved and discarded. Rather than needing to buy a natural lime, cut it up and push a wedge into a beer bottle, an artificial lime, or a packaged natural lime, may be stored directly in or with the beer bottle and placed in functional contact with the beer at time of consumption.

Abstract: A safety drinking straw includes a beverage delivery tube having a tube first end for insertion into a quantity of beverage and a tube second end for placement between user lips; and a debris blocking structure substantially at the tube first end permitting a free flow of the beverage through the delivery tube while preventing entry of debris of a selected minimum target size into the delivery tube; so that the debris blocking structure prevents debris from entering the delivery tube and thus prevents debris from lodging and becoming an obstruction within the delivery tube. The debris blocking structure preferably includes at least one cord extending across the interior of the delivery tube substantially at the tube first end, and alternatively includes at least one tube partition or at least two tubular barrels fitted longitudinally and in tandem inside and secured within the delivery tube.

Abstract: A drinking straw having bladders of air formed in an integral manner disposed at its lower end, separately throughout the body or encompassing the entire periphery for different levels of buoyancy to be obtained so that if submerged into a container the straw will rise when uncapped to a desired level for use. Additionally the present invention has a bendable region for easier manipulation of the straws drinking end into one's mouth.

Abstract: A safety drinking straw has an elongated, hollow body having a loop formed at its top end, the loop having an orifice through which liquid may pass. The size of the orifice controls the maximum liquid flow rate thereby preventing excessive liquid to be ingested. The smooth contour of the loop prevents injury to the mouth or lips. The size of the loop prevents its insertion into the mouth, thereby preventing both choking and possible injury to the mouth or throat. In addition, the open configuration of the upper loop makes it easy to grasp by a young child with not yet developed fine motor skills or by an adult having a disorder that effects small motor movements of the hand. A strainer disposed at the bottom, distal end of the straw prevents ingestion of seeds or other particles possibly present in the liquid being consumed through the straw.

Abstract: An injection-molded faucet fountain core attachable to a water faucet with a manually actuated flap to selectively direct water from an outlet for drinking and incorporating a programmable battery-operated sound emitting device. The faucet fountain core is enclosed by a jacket having an external character face or shape. The sound emitting device is programmed to make sounds or voices that are compatible with the character or shape on the faucet fountain jacket. The character and voice may be changed by programming the sound emitting device and changing the external jacket.

Abstract: A reusable, disposable, or confectionery drinking straw includes a bulbous end portion having a plurality of apertures. The bulbous straw end portion is integral to the straw or it may be removably attached to the straw. The drinking straw device may include or be in the form of a bracelet. The bracelet portion is either integral to the straw or removably attached to the straw.

Abstract: A drinking straw for delivering a hot liquid in the form of a foam into a user's mouth that mimics the natural action of sucking in air for cooling the liquid. The straw has a tube wall with an expanded portion proximate an outlet. Air admitting orifices are provided in the tube wall below the expanded portion so that air is drawn into the straw through the orifices when a liquid is sucked through the straw. The straw may be used for cooling a hot liquid such as coffee, tea, soup or the like and may be used in connection with a container.

Abstract: A self-contained cooling unit for drinking water fountains, wherein the cooling unit includes an outer casing (2) forming a fluidtight chamber. A thermal exchange fluid is held within the chamber. Also a source of cold energy is transferable to the thermal exchange fluid. Additionally at least one drinking water conduit is arranged within the chamber, having a drinking water inlet and a drinking water outlet outside of said chamber.

Abstract: A protective cover is provided for substantially enclosing and protecting a bubbler head of a drinking fountain or the like against contamination when water flow to the bubbler head is turned off. In one preferred form, when the water flow is turned on, the protective cover is hydraulically elevated or pops up to a raised position permitting substantially unimpeded projection of a water stream from the bubbler head for drinking, etc. In an alternative preferred form, the bubbler head is hydraulically elevated or pops to a raised position within a stationary protective cover when the water supply is turned on for substantially unimpeded projection of water stream from the bubbler head through an open flow port formed in the cover.

Abstract: An animal actuated drinking fountain has an electronic circuit for operating a pump to supply water to an animal. The fountain has a housing with a container for holding the water. A pump receives water from the container and has an upward directed discharge port for creating a fountain of water. A light emitter and light sensor are positioned so a beam of pulsed light is positioned above the surface of the water in the container. When the animal interrupts the beam of pulsed light, electronic circuitry causes the pump to turn on and create a fountain of water for the animal to drink.

Abstract: A pop-up bubbler assembly for drinking fountains or other appliances that includes a head with a dispensing spout that rises upward out of a housing to dispense an arc of clean water when activated. The bubbler head then drops back down into the housing after water flow stops such that the dispensing spout is covered when not in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable device for effecting a desired environment proximate to the device. The effected environment includes, in part, temporary increases in the amount of water vapor as the device emits water vapor over some time duration, typically from about 1 or 2 minutes or so to about 15 to 30 minutes or so (other durations are possible). Heat from a chemical heating engine is employed to drive off the water vapor. The device may also emit one or more ingredients adapted to be detected by olfaction. The device may be used to help address symptoms of various ailments, e.g., cold, flu, allergies, sinusitis, and the like. Also, the device may be employed to help promote a desired emotive state for the user of the device. The device promotes one or more desired states through auditory, tactile, visual, and/or olfactory signals. Furthermore, the device may be used to open pores in skin; or to treat skin or tissue.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials. In one embodiment, the fountain includes a heating element encased in an enclosure. A basin containing a medium, such as chocolate, is removably mounted to the enclosure so that the basin is heated by contact with the enclosure. Additionally, an auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of a cylinder that houses the auger. One or more tiers may be mounted, using various locking mechanisms, onto the cylinder to divert flow of the medium. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A confectionary fountain assembly enables user to self-serve confectionary liquid, such as liquid chocolate. The fountain assembly comprises a base assembly, a conduit assembly, a functional sculpture, and an annular basin. The base assembly supports a bowl-shaped receptacle and houses a heating element and a motor assembly for respectively providing chocolate-liquefying thermal energy and rotational movement. The conduit assembly is coupled to the motor assembly and the receptacle and comprises a liquid chocolate lifting auger. The sculpture assembly receives the lifted chocolate and imparts pressure thereto for further directing the chocolate to a sculpture outlet. The chocolate, upon exiting the outlet, covers an outer decorative surface of the sculpture and returns to the receptacle.

Abstract: A spill or squirt resistant fluid management system is described. The system primarily includes: (1) a first fluid passage portion having a first open end; (2) a second fluid passage portion having a second open end; (3) a fluid accumulator portion disposed between, and in fluid communication with, the first and second fluid passage portions; (4) a fluid inlet disposed between the second fluid passage portion and the fluid accumulator portion; and (5) a fluid exit disposed between the first fluid passage portion and the fluid accumulator portion. The system is useful for incorporation into drinking straws, fluid containers, drinking container lids, and tanker trucks.

Abstract: An aroma therapy for fountain comprises a fountain assembly, which comprises a water container having a bottom, a top opening and an interior, a aroma supporting member for support an aroma therapy dispensing unit, comprising a heating source adapted to generate a heat, a bowl adapted for reserving an aromatic substance therein, a base stand detachably and securely mounted on the aroma supporting member for holding the heat source, and a plurality of supporting frame extended upwardly from the base to securely sustain the bowl, such that the heat generated from the heating source disposed beneath the bowl could heat the bowl thereby diffusing the aromatic substance reserved in the bowl volatized into surrounding air.

Abstract: A drinking straw (1) has a spherical transparent housing (2) formed part way up it in which there is a ball (3) which can be marked or decorated and when a drink is sucked up the straw (1) the ball (3) rotates.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A novelty drinking straw assembly and its method of construction. The drinking straw assembly has a straw tube through which fluid is drawn. A first magnet is disposed within the straw tube. The first magnet is part of a rotor mechanism that rotates when fluid is drawn through the straw tube. A novelty object is disposed around a section of the straw tube. The novelty object has at least one second magnet. The magnets in the novelty object interact with the first magnet contained within the straw tube. This magnetic field interaction causes the novelty object to move about the straw tube whenever the straw is in use and the first magnet is rotating within the straw tube.

Abstract: A sprayer has a spray shield and a spray shield retainer. The spray shield is removably attached to the spray shield retainer for efficient storage when not in use. The spray shield can be contoured to the body of the sprayer. The spray shield is configured for attachment to a spray wand proximate to a nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drinking straw that diverts the flow of liquid away from the upper palate, thereby avoiding discomfort or pain in the upper palate and posterior pharyngeal wall of the mouth. The drinking straw includes an elongate tubular body having a first side surface and a second side surface. At one end of elongate body is an opening defining an intake or suction spout that is to be placed within a beverage container. At the opposite end, an output spout is designed to allow for redirection of a fluid downward and away from the upper palate.

Abstract: A protective cover is provided for substantially enclosing and protecting a bubbler head of a drinking fountain or the like against contamination when water flow to the bubbler head is turned off. In one preferred form, when the water flow is turned on, the protective cover is hydraulically elevated or pops up to a raised position permitting substantially unimpeded projection of a water stream from the bubbler head for drinking, etc. In an alternative preferred form, the bubbler head is hydraulically elevated or pops to a raised position within a stationary protective cover when the water supply is turned on for substantially unimpeded projection of water stream from the bubbler head through an open flow port formed in the cover.

Abstract: A spill or squirt resistant fluid management system is described. The system primarily includes: (1) a first fluid passage portion having a first open end; (2) a second fluid passage portion having a second open end; (3) a fluid accumulator portion disposed between, and in fluid communication with, the first and second fluid passage portions; (4) a fluid inlet disposed between the second fluid passage portion and the fluid accumulator portion; and (5) a fluid exit disposed between the first fluid passage portion and the fluid accumulator portion. The system is useful for incorporation into drinking straws, fluid containers, drinking container lids, and tanker trucks.