Systems and methods for assembling and introducing cartridges containing remediating component(s) into packaged beverages are provided herein. In particular, an assembly system for filling and capping cartridges for introduction into beverage containers during a packaging process is provided herein. The assembly system may include a cartridge chute configured to receive and direct cartridges as they advance through the assembly system. The assembly system may include a filler-capper assembly having a filler assembly and capping assembly. The filler assembly includes at least one nozzle positioned to inject remediating components into an inner chamber of the cartridge. The capping assembly may include a sealing element configured to seat the cap onto the cartridge body after filling and may include a tamper to apply pressure and seal the cartridge. The assembly system may include a retaining member and transfer element operating coordinately to transfer sealed cartridges out of the assembly system.

Systems and methods for assembling and introducing cartridges containing remediating component(s) into packaged beverages are provided herein. In particular, a transport system for transporting sealed cartridges to an introduction system for delivery into beverage containers is provided herein. The transport system may receive cartridges from the source, via an inlet, into a straight-line tube having a diameter approximately 1.1 times a width of the cartridges. A transition guide fluidly connects the straight-line tube to the introduction system and may include an outlet opening through which cartridges are dispensed. The transport system includes assist jets configured to inject inert gas into the straight-line tube to propel cartridges, pressure sensors disposed along the transport tube to detect cartridge presence or movement, and a control system operably coupled to the pressure sensors and assist jets to modulate gas injection and control delivery of the cartridges to the introduction system.

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pod (100) for preparing a beverage in a beverage production machine, the machine having opening elements for opening the pod (100) under the effect of rising pressure of fluid being injected into the pod (100). In the method, two formable sheet elements (200) are provided, into one of which an opening (210) is cut. A second sheet material (300) is provided and connected with the respective sheet element (200) at a connection area (230) that circumferentially surrounds the opening (210). The so connected sheet material (300) forms a delivery wall (110) of the pod (100), through which during the beverage preparation process the prepared beverage is dispensed from the pod (100). The two sheet elements (200) are formed into the shape of a half-shell (101, 102), respectively, whereby the connection area (230) is pinched from opposite sides of the sheet element (200) when forming the respective half-shell (101, 102). An injection wall (120) for injecting a fluid into the pod (100) is formed. A substance (105) for the beverage is provided and the two half-shells (101, 102) are connected to form a pod body (130) around the substance (105). Therein, the pod body (130) together with the delivery wall (110) and the injection wall (120) delimit a chamber containing the substance (105). The delivery wall (110) is configured to be opened upon interaction with the opening elements of the beverage production machine under the effect of rising pressure of the fluid being injected into the pod (100).