Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an accumulation module for a product delivery system includes an input shaft configured to receive an external drive force. A transfer shaft reverses an operation of the external drive force to define a reversing drive force. An output shaft receives the reversing drive force. An accumulation belt is operated by the reversing drive force. The accumulation belt operates in opposition to the external drive force.

Abstract: A material delivery interface includes a fixed assembly that is coupled to a primary structural attachment. The fixed assembly includes a fluid inlet and a wired input, wherein the fixed assembly defines a central axis. A rotational assembly is rotationally coupled to the fixed assembly and that rotates about the central axis with respect to the fixed assembly. The rotational assembly includes an inner portion having a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and an outer portion having a wired output, wherein a conduit extends from the wired input to the wired output.

Abstract: A material delivery interface includes a fixed assembly that is coupled to a primary structural attachment. The fixed assembly includes a fluid inlet and a wired input, wherein the fixed assembly defines a central axis. A rotational assembly is rotationally coupled to the fixed assembly and that rotates about the central axis with respect to the fixed assembly. The rotational assembly includes an inner portion having a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and an outer portion having a wired output, wherein a conduit extends from the wired input to the wired output.

Abstract: A robotic material handling apparatus comprises a packing head using vacuum to lift bottles, and a robot arm including two four-bar linkages. The four-bar linkages include a tubular structural member forming a rigid link with an internal passageway extending along the robot arm. A vacuum source is connected by hoses to the internal passageways and to the packing head as a way in integrating the vacuum lines into the robot arm. The packing head has bottle-lifting stations using vacuum to lift bottles, each including a seal shaped to sealingly engage a shoulder on the bottle. A vacuum source is connected to the seal for suctionally gripping the bottle using the shoulder to lift the bottle, regardless of whether a bottle cap is present or is missing.