A method for forming aggregates of food pieces by arranging a plurality of food pieces such that the food pieces at least partially overlap one another is provided. The method automatically changes the number of food pieces forming each aggregate and a pitch at which the food pieces are arranged so as to limit the weights of the aggregates within a predetermined permissible range and to form each aggregate such that the total length of the aggregate is a preset length. The method also automatically changes the number of food pieces forming each aggregate and the pitch at which the food pieces are arranged according to the length of the food piece in the arrangement direction.

An article supply device includes a holding unit that holds an article supply tray having a storage section, an opening that is provided in the holding unit, a shutter that is provided in the opening, the shutter being configured to be opened and closed, a drive unit that drives the shutter, and an article reception portion that is provided below the opening. The holding unit holds the article supply tray such that an article stored in the storage section of the article supply tray is discharged to the article reception portion through the opening when the shutter is opened, and the drive unit controls opening and closing of the shutter based on a size of the storage section storing therein the article in the article supply tray.

A robotic automated filling and capping system is made up of a cartridge infeed conveyor, a cap infeed conveyor, an outfeed conveyor, a six-axis robot, and a selective compliance articulated robot arm, all of which are configured to work together to automatically, and sanitarily, fill and cap vape oil cartridges.

A robotic automated filling and capping system is made up of a cartridge infeed conveyor, a cap infeed conveyor, an outfeed conveyor, a six-axis robot, and a selective compliance articulated robot arm, all of which are configured to work together to automatically, and sanitarily, fill and cap vape oil cartridges.

A system for transferring articles, includes a plurality of gripping devices, configured to grip respective articles which pass along a first conveyor, wherein each gripping device is movable independently from the remaining gripping devices. A control unit is configured for controlling the gripping devices. A first detection sensor is configured to detect a first value indicating a position of an article on the first conveyor. The control unit is configured for receiving the first value; positioning a gripping device at the article, as a function of the first value; gripping the article with the gripping device; adjusting, as a function of the first value, a speed of the gripping device which grips the article, and releasing the article from the gripping device when the article reaches a release position.

A rail can include first and transverse channels defined therein. A container can include a rod, a spring, a first plate assembly, and a second plate assembly. The first plate assembly can include a first transverse bearing disposed in the first transverse channel. The second plate assembly can include a second transverse bearing disposed in the second transverse channel. A robotic assembly can include a robotic arm. The robotic arm can include opposing grips defining a grip space therebetween. A processing system including one or more processors can be configured to, via the robotic assembly: align the grip space with the container rod; drive the rod against the spring; allow the spring to relax and thereby separate the first plate assembly from the second plate assembly; position the rod such that the first transverse bearing and the second transverse bearing are simultaneously withdrawn from the first and second transverse channels.

A rail can include first and transverse channels defined therein. A container can include a rod, a spring, a first plate assembly, and a second plate assembly. The first plate assembly can include a first transverse bearing disposed in the first transverse channel. The second plate assembly can include a second transverse bearing disposed in the second transverse channel. A robotic assembly can include a robotic arm. The robotic arm can include opposing grips defining a grip space therebetween. A processing system including one or more processors can be configured to, via the robotic assembly: align the grip space with the container rod; drive the rod against the spring; allow the spring to relax and thereby separate the first plate assembly from the second plate assembly; position the rod such that the first transverse bearing and the second transverse bearing are simultaneously withdrawn from the first and second transverse channels.

A rail can include an entry portion, an exit portion, and a middle portion disposed between the entry and exit portions. The middle portion can be lower than the entry and exit portions. The rail can be configured to couple with a container such that the container is movable, along the rail, from the entry portion to the exit portion. A first storage rack can be disposed on a first side of the rail middle portion and a second storage rack can be disposed on an opposing side of the rail middle portion. A processing system can be configured to: receive an order; analyze the order based on an inventory of the first storage rack and the second storage rack; and cause the container to move from the rail entry portion to the rail middle portion based on the analysis.

A rail can include an entry portion, an exit portion, and a middle portion disposed between the entry and exit portions. The middle portion can be lower than the entry and exit portions. The rail can be configured to couple with a container such that the container is movable, along the rail, from the entry portion to the exit portion. A first storage rack can be disposed on a first side of the rail middle portion and a second storage rack can be disposed on an opposing side of the rail middle portion. A processing system can be configured to: receive an order; analyze the order based on an inventory of the first storage rack and the second storage rack; and cause the container to move from the rail entry portion to the rail middle portion based on the analysis.

The technology described herein generally relates to particular form of folded package and the method of forming that folded package. The package packages loose particles into a conical container and secures the filling with a folded distal end. More specifically, loose plant matter, such as crumbled dried leaves, are supplied as filling and the package may further be provided with a fluid core.