Automated paper tube filling machine for resinous plant material with adaptive fill control system

A method for filling paper tubes with particulate plant material, comprising:

• loading plant material into a hopper having a rounded bottom terminating in a recessed cavern;
• activating an agitator mechanism to move material toward the recessed cavern using alternating rotational directions at randomized intervals;
• placing a paper tube onto a spigot extending from the hopper;
• detecting tube presence using an optical sensor that measures differential reflectance between the spigot and the tube;
• activating an auger screw to convey material from the recessed cavern through the spigot into the tube;
• applying controlled resistance to the tube using an adjustable tension mechanism;
• monitoring tube position during filling using the optical sensor;
• calculating an overfill percentage based on tube geometry;
• stopping the auger when the tube reaches a predetermined fill position including the calculated overfill;
• and
• indicating fill completion via a visual indicator.

A modular filling lane assembly for integration into a multi-lane filling machine, comprising:

• a hopper section with a recessed cavern at a bottom portion thereof;
• an agitator mechanism within the hopper section;
• an auger assembly extending through the recessed cavern and a spigot;
• a dedicated motor drive for the auger assembly;
• an optical sensor system for tube detection;
• a tension control mechanism beneath the spigot;
• and
• control electronics for coordinating operation of components within the lane.