The invention is characterized in that the straw body (1) is consisting of two or more segments, which are attached together with connection (5) and that the straw body (1) on its both ends has a cross-slit valve (2, 3) closure and the valves (2, 3) and the straw body (1) are integrated by molecular adhesion. The inlet and outlet valves (2, 3) are of a slit type. The straw body (1) is preferably made of a thermoplastic material and the valves (2, 3) are preferably made of elastomer material. The edge of the straw body (1) is shaped to enable larger surface of the connection between the straw body (1) and the valve (2, 3). The said shape is preferably a groove (8). On the wall on the end of the straw body (1) a tongue-shaped groove (9) is formed on the surface side.

The hiccup relieving apparatus includes a tube with a first end having a mouthpiece, a second end for immersion in water or other potable liquid in a container, and an obstruction in the tube between the first end and the second end. The obstruction requires an adult user, using the mouthpiece, to produce a threshold suction of at least 20 cm of water before water can flow from the water in the water container, through the tube, through the mouthpiece, and to the user. The obstruction can take the form of a threshold valve in the tube, a sized orifice in the immersed end of the tube, or a wad of cellulosic material in the tube.

A device including means for breaking up a medication or vitamin including at least one of a pill, a tablet, and a capsule, and mixing the medication or vitamin with liquid; means for enclosing the means for breaking up the medication or vitamin; means for sealing the enclosing means; means for providing a first path for a liquid to go through the enclosing means; and means for providing a second path for the liquid to be consumed.

A device for the dosed filling of a container with a filling material has a holding unit for holding the container and a filling unit by which a defined amount of filling material is withdrawn from a material store and transferred into the container. The filling unit has a dosing chamber. The dosing chamber is mounted displaceably alternately between a first position and in a second position. In its first position, the dosing chamber is in contact with the material store so that filling material can be transferred out of the material store into the dosing chamber. In its second position, the dosing chamber is situated above the container so that the filling material in the dosing chamber can be emptied into the container. The material store is in the form of a separate container and can be fastened detachably to the device by a fastening unit.

A drinking straw having an internal coating for delivery of an active agent when the straw is used to consume a beverage is provided. The active agent includes sweetener, flavour, a nutrient and/or a pharmaceutical and optionally colour. The coating is prepared by mixing a modified cellulose with water to form a paste or gel. The coating is then used to coat the inside sur face of a drinking straw to a thickness of up to 1 mm. The coating is dried to reduce the water content to less than 5% by weight. Li quid drawn through the straw breaks down the modified cellulose releasing the active agent into the liquid, for consumption.

The hiccup relieving apparatus includes a body with a first end having a mouthpiece, a second end having a restriction in the body between the first end and the second end. The restriction makes it difficult to draw fluid through the body to the user's mouth. The fluid can be air or the body can be immersed in water or other potable liquid in a container. The restriction requires an adult user, using the mouthpiece, to produce a threshold suction of for example water before water can flow from the water in the water container, through the body, through the mouthpiece, and to the user.

An apparatus to regulate the flow of a liquid from a container, dependent on nutritional requirements of a user stored within computer memory includes a container that comprises a bottom, a body and a lid, the lid including an opening therethrough, a straw or spout for removing the liquid from the container in the lid, a control assembly including a microprocessor, a liquid regulating valve, a port for communicating with an external computing device and source of electrical power. User nutritional information includes a personal profile, beverage list, nutrient limits and dietary, nutrition and hydration goals. Reference data includes beverage composition, recommended nutrient limits, and standards for determining liquid consumption. Sensors to determine temperature, volume, attitude and power level may be included. A method to regulate flow of a liquid from a container, dependent on the dietary, nutritional, medicinal and therapeutic requirements, and hydration goals of a user is disclosed.

The invention is characterized in that the straw body (1) is consisting of two or more segments, which are attached together with connection (5) and that the straw body (1) on its both ends has a cross-slit valve (2, 3) closure and the valves (2, 3) and the straw body (1) are integrated by molecular adhesion. The inlet and outlet valves (2, 3) are of a slit type. The straw body (1) is preferably made of a thermoplastic material and the valves (2, 3) are preferably made of elastomer material. The edge of the straw body (1) is shaped to enable larger surface of the connection between the straw body (1) and the valve (2, 3). The said shape is preferably a groove (8). On the wall on the end of the straw body (1) a tongue-shaped groove (9) is formed on the surface side.

Small-volume oral transmucosal dosage forms or NanoTabs comprising a predetermined amount of a pharmaceutically active drug are provided. Exemplary applications include use of the NanoTabs to administer a drug for the treatment of acute, post-operative or breakthrough pain.

A drinking straw having an internal coating for delivery of an active agent when the straw is used to consume a beverage is provided. The active agent includes sweetener, flavour, a nutrient and/or a pharmaceutical and optionally colour. The coating is prepared by mixing a modified cellulose with water to form a paste or gel. The coating is then used to coat the inside surface of a drinking straw to a thickness of up to 1 mm. The coating is dried to reduce the water content to less than 5% by weight. Liquid drawn through the straw breaks down the modified cellulose releasing the active agent into the liquid, for consumption.