Systems and techniques for assembling and introducing cartridges into beverage containers during packaging

A transport system (106) for conveying cartridges (101) from a source to an introduction system (107) during a packaging process, the transport system (106) comprising:

• an inlet (1248) comprising an inlet opening configured to receive cartridges (101) from the source;
• at least one straight-line tube (1357) extending between the inlet (1248) and a transition guide (2359), the at least one straight-line tube (1357) having a diameter approximately at least 1.1 times a width of the cartridges (101);
• a plurality of assist jet slots disposed along the at least one straight-line tube (1357), each assist jet slot being configured to receive a assist jet for injecting a gas into the at least one straight-line tube (1357) to propel the cartridges (101);
• a plurality of pressure sensors disposed along the at least one straight-line tube (1357) and configured to detect the presence or movement of the cartridges (101);
• and
• at least one vent positioned along the at least one straight-line tube (1357) to discharge excess gas during propulsion of the cartridges (101) through the transport system (106).

A method of transporting cartridges (101) from a source to an introduction system (107) during a packaging process, the method comprising:

• receiving cartridges (101) from the source at an inlet (1248) of a transport system (106);
• directing the cartridges (101) from the inlet (1248) into a straight-line tube (1357) via a first elbow (1356), the straight-line tube (1357) having a diameter approximately 1.1 times a width of the cartridges (101);
• propelling the cartridges (101) through the straight-line tube (1357) by injecting a gas into the straight-line tube (1357) through at least one assist jet;
• and
• dispensing the cartridges (101) from a transition guide (2359) of the transport system (106) into the introduction system (107).