Patent Publication Number: US-11390403-B2

Title: Methods and systems for filling a prepackaged container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/655,152, filed Oct. 16, 2019, entitled “Methods and Systems for Filling a Prepackaged Container,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,822,123, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/746,248, filed Oct. 16, 2018, entitled “Methods and Systems for Filling a Prepackaged Container,” the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic vapor delivery systems are increasingly popular. Such systems have been developed for inhalation-based delivery of cannabis components and nicotine. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows an exploded view of a package configured to hold a vaporizer for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 1B  shows an exploded view of a package configured to hold a capsule for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 2A-2E  illustrate a method of filling a prepackaged container with a consumable using a filler station, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  show schematics of a package including a mount configured for securing a container for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  shows a schematic of a package including a cradle configured for securing a container for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  show schematics of a package including a mount configured to securing a container for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of a system for managing vaporizer security and/or traceability, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  shows a schematic of a package including a mount for securing a cartridge for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  shows a schematic of a package including a mount for securing a disposable device for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 9A-9H  show schematics of a system for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  show schematics of a rear view, a side view and a front view of an system for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic of a control panel on a front panel on the system of  FIG. 10C  for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are schematics of the system of  FIGS. 10A-10C , from a perspective side view and the perspective side view magnified to show portions of the system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12C  is a schematic of a filling assembly of the system of  FIG. 12A-12B , according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 13A-13D  are schematics showing images of an system for consumable filling, according to an embodiment, taken from a left side view, front view, right side view, a top view, respectively, with walls of the system made semi-transparent to show components in the interior of the system . 
         FIGS. 13E and 13F  are schematics showing line drawings outlining the system of  FIGS. 13A-13D , from a front view and a side view respectively. 
         FIG. 14A-14D  are schematics showing line drawings outlining the system of  FIGS. 13A-13D  for consumable filling, according to an embodiment, viewed from a left side view, front view, right side view, a top view, respectively. 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective side view of the system of  FIGS. 14A-14D , with the walls shown as semi-transparent to show a portion of the interior, according to an embodiment.  FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 15D  are schematics illustrating a perspective top view, another perspective top view, and a perspective front view of the filling system of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C  are schematics of the system of  FIG. 15 , according to an embodiment. The schematics show a magazine in a locked position, in an open position and in an open position during a loading operation, respectively. 
         FIGS. 17A-17D  are schematics illustrating a magazine configured to be used with the system of  FIG. 15 , shown from a top view, side view, front view, and a perspective side view. 
         FIG. 18A  is a schematic illustrating a perspective rear view of the system of  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 18B  is an enlarged view of the portion  18 B outlined in  FIG. 18A  to show an actuator coupled to move the magazine, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 19A  is a schematic illustrating a perspective front view of the system of  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 19B  is an enlarged view of the portion  19 B outlined in  FIG. 19A  to show one or more mechanisms to release and convey packages to one or more stations of the system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic of a top view of the system of  FIG. 15  according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic of a perspective side view of the system of  FIG. 15 , with the magazine removed, to show the stations, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 22A  is a schematic illustrating a perspective side view of the system of  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 22B  is an enlarged view of the portion  22 B outlined in  FIG. 22A  to show a reading station, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 23A  is a schematic illustrating a perspective side view of the system of  FIG. 15 , with the magazine removed, and  FIG. 23B  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 23A  to show a reading station and a filling station, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 24A and 24B  are schematics illustrating a side view of the system of  FIG. 15 , with the magazine removed, to show components of a filling assembly at a filling station, according to an embodiment.  FIG. 24A  shows one or more of the components of the filling assembly and  FIG. 24B  shows a sectional view of the filling assembly to show one or more of the components of the filling assembly that may have been occluded in  FIG. 24A . 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic of a filling assembly according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic of a front panel of the system of  FIG. 15  according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 27A  is a schematic illustrating a top view of the system of  FIG. 15 , and  FIG. 27B  is an enlarged view of the portion  27 B outlined in  FIG. 27A , to show a weighing station, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 28A  is a schematic illustrating a perspective front view of the system of  FIG. 15 , and  FIG. 28B  is an enlarged view of the portion  28 B outlined in  FIG. 28A  to show a marking station, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 29A  is a schematic illustrating a perspective side view of the system of  FIG. 15 , and  FIG. 29B  is an enlarged view of the portion  29 B outlined in  FIG. 29A , to show a sorting station, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  is a schematic of an exploded view of a package including a fillable component and a housing with a mount configured for securing the fillable component, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective side view of the package of  FIG. 30 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective side view of a fillable component to be included in the package of  FIG. 31 , illustrating a filling aperture included in the fillable component and covered by a membrane, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 33  is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a system, such as any of the systems described herein, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As the popularity of, and commercial interest in, electronic vapor delivery systems (also referred to as “vapor devices” or “vaporizers”) such as electronic cigarettes (“e-cigs”) continues to grow, their manufacture and distribution is becoming more globally widespread. However, regulation is not yet finalized in many jurisdictions, and varies widely across jurisdictions. For example, some jurisdictions may allow the manufacturing of vaporizers but forbid filling the vaporizers with consumables, such as cannabis. In addition, it might also be commercially advantageous to manufacture the vaporizer in one place (e.g., with lower labor cost) and fill the vaporizer with consumables in another place (e.g., closer to the source of the consumables). To streamline the production of filled vaporizers ready for consumers, it can be helpful to have standardization and quality control for vaporizers and the filling devices. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to be able to ensure the traceability of individual components of a vaporizer system (e.g., vaporizer cartridges and/or disposable vaporizers) and substances disposed within reservoirs of the components, and to be able to store information relating to each component and delivered substance for later access and usage. Systems and methods for achieving such objectives are set forth herein. 
       FIG. 1A  shows an exploded view of a package  100  configured to hold a vaporizer  105   a  (also referred to as a fillable component) for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. The package  100  includes a top section  110 , a base section  120  (also referred to as a bottom section  120 ), and a middle section  130  disposed between the top section  110  and the base section  120 . The middle section  130  includes a depressed region  135  (also referred to as a dented region  135 ) to receive the vaporizer  105   a  for consumable filling via an opening  108   a  located on the vaporizer  105   a.  The top section  110  includes a filling fixture  116  that is aligned with the opening  108   a  on the vaporizer  105   a  when the package  100  is assembled. During use, a filling device (e.g., a needle) can fill the vaporizer  105   a  via the filling fixture  116  and the opening  108   a.    
     The top section  110  also includes a perforated line  115  substantially along the perimeter of the depressed region  135  of the middle section. After the filling of the vaporizer  105   a  and before the use of the filled vaporizer  105   a,  the package  100  can be torn open along the perforated line  115  so as to retrieve the vaporizer  105   a.  In some embodiments, the depressed region  135  is substantially round (as illustrated in  FIG. 1A ). In some embodiments, the depressed region  135  is rectangular. In some embodiments, the depressed region  135  is elliptical. In some embodiments, the depressed region  135  can have any other appropriate shape. 
     The bottom section  120  of the package  100  includes a cover  122  and a receiving structure  124  separated by a folding line  123  (e.g., a perforated line). The receiving structure  124  defines an aperture  125  that has substantially the same shape as the depressed region  135  so as to receive the depressed region  135  when the package  100  is assembled. In addition, when the package is assembled, the cover  122  can be folded over along the folding line  123  so as to cover the top section  110  (including the filling fixture  116 ) and prevent undesired substance (e.g., dust) from entering the vaporizer  105   a  via the filling fixture  116 . 
     In some embodiments, the package  100  can be encoded with one or more types of information to facilitate the subsequent filling process. In some embodiments, the package  100  can be encoded with filling instructions to direct the filling system during filling. The instructions can include, for example, the type of consumable to be filled in the vaporizer  105   a,  the volume of the consumable, the speed of filling. 
     In some embodiments, the package  100  can be encoded with information regarding the consumable to be filled into the vaporizer  105   a.  In some embodiments, the vaporizer  105   a  can be configured to vaporize nicotine. In these instances, the information encoded on the package  100  can include nicotine concentration, nicotine plant genetics, and nicotine provenance data (e.g., the tobacco plant(s) from which the nicotine was derived, the grow location of the nicotine plant(s), the growth and/or harvesting date of the nicotine plant(s), etc.), among others. 
     In some embodiments, the vaporizer  105   a  can be configured to vaporize cannabis (or its derivatives. In these instances, the information encoded on the package  100  can include cannabinoid concentration(s) and cannabinoid provenance data (e.g., the cannabis plant(s) from which the cannabinoid(s) were derived, the grow location of the cannabis plant(s), the growth and/or harvesting date of the cannabis plant(s), the dispensary from which the cannabinoid(s) were obtained, etc.), among others. 
     In some embodiments, the vaporizer  105   a  can be configured to vaporize medicine. In these instances, the information encoded on the package  100  can include, for example, active ingredient (e.g., drug) concentration, inactive ingredient concentration, and/or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the information encoded in the package  100  can include information regarding the vaporizer  105   a  disposed within the package  100 . For example, the encoded information can include the identity of the manufacturer of the vaporizer  105   a,  the address of the manufacturer, the serial number (or other identification information) of the vaporizer  105   a , and the target market of the vaporizer  105   a,  among others. 
     In some embodiments, the vaporizer  105   a  is configured to be filled with a liquid consumable (e.g., cannabis oil). In some embodiments, the vaporizer  105   a  can be configured to be filled with a solid consumable, such as powders or leaves. In some embodiments, vaporizer  105   a  is configured to be filled with a mixture of liquid and solid materials. 
     In some embodiments, one or more types of the above mentioned information can be encoded into a tag (not shown in  FIG. 1A ) coupled to the package  100 , and the tag can be readable by the filling system that is employed to fill the vaporizer with the consumable. The tag can be disposed at any proper location, such as on the cover  122 , on the top section  110 , or any other locations. In some embodiments, the tag includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In some embodiments, the tag includes a bar code. In some embodiments, the tag includes a QR code. In some embodiments, one or more types of the above mentioned information can be stored in the memory of the vaporizer  105   a.    
     Various materials can be used to construct the package  100 . In some embodiments, the package  100  can be made of cardboard (or similar paper-based materials). In some embodiments, the package  100  can be made of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the package  100  can be made of a resin. In some embodiments, the package  100  can be made of glass. In some embodiments, the package  100  can be made of a metal. 
     In some embodiments, different portions of the package  100  can be made of different materials. For example, the middle section  130  can be made of rigid materials (e.g., metal or hard plastics) and the top section  110  can be made of a softer material (e.g., paper-based material). Any other proper combinations can also be used. 
     In some embodiments, the package  100  can further include a securing structure (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 3-5  below) to secure the vaporizer  105   a  within the package  100 . In some embodiments, the securing structure can include a mount to receive and secure the vaporizer  105   a.  In some embodiments, the securing structure can include a slot (or cradle) to secure the vaporizer  105   a.  In some embodiments, the securing structure can include an adhesive surface (e.g., an adhesive pad) on the bottom of the depressed region  135  to secure the vaporizer  105   a.  In some embodiments, the securing structure can include one or more Velcro straps to secure the vaporizer  105   a.  Any other appropriate securing techniques can also be used. 
     In some embodiments, in addition to the opening  108   a,  the vaporizer  105   a  further includes a mouthpiece, a precursor reservoir, fluidic channels (e.g., microfluidics or other passageways), one or more chambers, a power supply, memory, input/output module, a heating element, electronics, and a processor, all disposed within a common (e.g., monolithic) housing (details not shown in  FIG. 1B ). Optionally, the vaporizer  105   a  also includes one or more of: sensor(s), additive(s), membrane(s), and indicator(s), also disposed within the common housing. 
     The mouthpiece can comprise one or more of: ceramic, heat-resistant plastic, anodized aluminum, or any other suitable material. The power supply can include any suitable battery or fuel cell, for example having high-drain characteristics. The precursor reservoir can be in fluid communication with at least one of the mouthpiece, the one or more chambers (e.g., vapor expansion chambers), and the fluidic channels, to facilitate the triggering of carrier heating in response to a user&#39;s sucking/drawing on the mouthpiece during use, for example using a pressure sensor. Alternatively, the vaporizer  105   a  can include a mechanical interface (e.g., a button) that the user can actuate to trigger the heating and vaporization of the carrier. 
     The memory can include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The term memory may refer to various types of processor-readable media such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage, registers, etc. Memory is said to be in electronic communication with a processor if the processor can read information from and/or write information to the memory. Memory that is integral to a processor is in electronic communication with the processor. 
     The input/output module can include one or more of: a push-button control for causing vapor generation, a battery indicator, an electromechanical connector for charging and/or data communication, a light source (e.g., one or more light-emitting diodes), etc. The heating element can include a coil heater, rod-shaped heater, pancake heater, chemical heater, or any other heater that is sized, dimensioned, and constituted of material suitable for heating the carrier material. The electronics can include one or more of: a GPS receiver, an antenna, heater control circuitry, or a transceiver for wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) communication with a command center or other remote compute device (such as a mobile device of a user). The sensor(s) can include one or more of: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a position sensor, an orientation sensor, etc. 
     The processor can include one or more of: a general purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine and so forth. Under some circumstances, a “processor” may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The term “processor” may refer to a combination of processing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core or any other such configuration. 
     The additive(s) can include one or more flavorants. The membrane(s) can include a valved impermeable or semi-permeable material, for example comprising a rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc. The membrane can be a resealable membrane (e.g., after being pierced by a needle to access the reservoir via the needle). The indicator(s) can include one or more of: an illumination source (e.g., one or more light-emitting diodes), a speaker, a display screen, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the disposable vaporizer  105   a  is configured such that, when a user sucks, or “draws,” on the mouthpiece, the resulting change in pressure within the vaporizer  105   a  triggers heater control circuitry to pass a current through the heating element that is in contact with, or in sufficiently close proximity to, the carrier material or a wick material containing at least a portion of the carrier material, so as to cause the volatilization of a portion of the carrier material. The volatilized carrier material, or vapor, travels toward the mouthpiece via one or more of the expansion chamber(s) and the fluidic channels until it exits the vaporizer for inhalation by the user. 
       FIG. 1B  shows an exploded view of the package  100  configured to hold a capsule  105   b  (also referred to as a cartridge  105   b ) for consumable filling. Most components in the package  100  can be substantially the same as in  FIG. 1A , except that the securing structure in  FIG. 1B  is configured to hold the capsule  105   b,  instead of the vaporizer  105   a.  The capsule  105   b  includes an opening  108   b  to receive the consumable from the filling system. 
     The depressed region  135  in the middle section  130  is much larger than the capsule  105   b  as illustrated in  FIG. 1B . In some embodiments, the dimension of the depressed region  135  can be substantially similar to the dimension of the capsule  105   b  so as to facilitate securing the capsule  105   b.  In some embodiments, the same package  100  can be manufactured in batch, and different securing structures are used depending on whether the vaporizer  105   a  or the capsule  105   b  (or any other type of container) is used. 
     In some embodiments, the capsule  105   b  can further include a mouthpiece, a precursor reservoir, fluidic channels, one or more chambers, a heating element, membrane(s), input/output module, optionally sensor(s), and optionally additive(s), all disposed within a capsule housing (details not shown in  FIG. 1B ). The capsule  105   b  can be coupled to a pen section (not shown) when used by a user to consume the consumable filled in the capsule  105   b.  The pen section can include fluidic channels, a power supply, memory, input/output module, electronics, a processor, an input/output module, and optionally indicator(s), all disposed within a pen housing. 
     In some embodiments, the pen section can also be referred to as a “battery portion.” The capsule can be manufactured, shipped and/or sold separately from the pen section, and assembled by a user to form a vaporizer. To assemble the vaporizer, a user may, prior to use (e.g., upon purchase of a new capsule), connect the capsule  105   b  with the pen section of the vaporizer. The capsule  105   b  and the pen portion can be configured to be mechanically and electrically connected, for example by one or more of screw attachment, press-fit attachment, snap-fit attachment, magnetic attachment, or any other suitable connection means. 
     In some embodiments, the pen section can be reusable, and the capsule  105   b  can be disposable or replaceable. In some embodiments, both the pen section and the capsule  105   b  can be disposable. In some embodiments, both the pen section and the capsule can be reusable, i.e. the capsule  105   b  can be refilled after the consumable within the capsule  105   b  is at least partially consumed. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate the package  100  using the vaporizer  105   a  and the capsule  105   b  for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, any other appropriate container can also be disposed into the package  100  for subsequent filling. 
       FIGS. 2A-2E  illustrate a method  200  of filling a prepackaged container with a consumable using a filler station (also referred to as a filling system), according to an embodiment.  FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of the filler station, which includes an array of filling devices  201   a,    201   b,  and  201   c  (collectively referred to as filling devices  201 ). Three filling devices are shown for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, the filler station can include any other number of filling devices (e.g., 1 filling device, 2 filling devices, 4 filling devices, or more). In some embodiments, the filling devices  201  can be arranged into a one-dimensional (1D) array. In some embodiments, the filling devices  201  can be arranged into a two-dimensional (2D) array. In some embodiments, the filling devices  201  can be arranged into any other configurations. In some embodiments, each filling device can be substantially identical to each other. In some embodiments, the filling devices  201  can be different (e.g., configured for filling different consumables). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the filling device  201   c  includes a consumable tank  210  (also referred to as a consumable reservoir  210 ) and a filling tip  220  (also referred to as a filling needle  220 ) disposed on the consumable tank  210  to dispense the consumable contained in the consumable tank  210 . The consumable tank  210  is operably coupled to a post  230  and is movable along the post  230 . In some embodiments, the movement of the consumable tank  210  is implemented by a motor (not shown) controlled by a controller (not shown). In some embodiments, any other appropriate vertical translation technique can be used to replace or supplement the post  230 . 
     The filling device  201   c  also includes a base  240  to receive a prepackaged container that can be substantially similar to the package  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B  and described above. The base  240  further defines a depressed region  242  located underneath the filling tip  220  and a flat region  244  located adjacent to the depressed region  242 . 
       FIG. 2B  shows that a prepackaged container  250  is loaded into the filling device  201   c . The prepackaged container  250  can be substantially identical to the package  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B  and described herein. The depressed region  242  in the base can be configured to receive the middle section (e.g.,  130 ) of the prepackaged container  250  such that the top section  252  of the prepackaged container  252  (similar to the top section  110  in the package  100 ) is exposed to the filling tip  220 . The top section  252  includes a filling aperture  254  to receive the filling tip  220  such that the filling tip  220  can reach into the container disposed within the package for consumable filling. The flat region  244  can be configured to receive the cover  256  of the prepackaged container  250  (similar to the cover  122  in the package  100 ). 
     In some embodiments, the prepackaged container  250  can include a protective film (e.g., an elastomeric membrane) that can be used, for example, to prevent dust from entering the package. The protective film can be removed before the prepackaged container  250  is loaded into the filling device  201   c.  In some embodiments, the protective film can be kept on the prepackaged container and the filling tip  220  can pierce through the protective film to reach into the container. 
       FIG. 2C  shows that the filling tip  220  (and the consumable tank  210 ) is lowered to a position such that the filling tip  220  can reach the container within the package for consumable filling. In some embodiments, once the prepackaged container  250  is secured in the base  240  of the filling device  201   c,  the filling aperture  254  is automatically aligned with the filling tip  220 , i.e. moving down the filling tip  220  along the post  230  would cause the filling tip  220  to reach the container. In some embodiments, the filling tip  220  can be configured to have horizontal movements as well. In these instances, the filling tip  220  can be configured to search for the filling aperture  254  that might not be aligned with the filling tip  220 . 
       FIGS. 2D and 2E  illustrate that the once the container is filled, the filling tip  220  is raised up and the cover  256  of the prepackaged container  250  is folded toward the top section  252  of the prepackaged container  250 . In some embodiments, the cover  256  can cover the filling aperture  256  and substantially seal the middle section that contains the container. In some embodiments, the cover  256  can include an adhesive surface so as to be securely coupled to the top section  252  after the completion of the consumable filling. 
     In some embodiments, the relative orientation of the filling tip  220  and the base  240  can be arranged horizontally. In these instances, the filling tip  220  moves horizontally to reach the filling aperture  254 . In these instances, the filling device  201   c  can include a pump to dispense the consumable contained in the consumable tank  210  into the container. 
     In some embodiments, the filler station includes a reader (e.g., an RFID transceiver, a bar code scanner, etc.) to read information contained in the prepackaged container  250 . As describe herein, the prepackaged container  250  can be encoded with various types of information about the container, the consumable to be filled into the container, and/or filling instructions. In some embodiments, each filling device  201   a  to  201   c  includes a reader to read the information encoded in the corresponding prepackaged container loaded into its base. In addition, the information can be retrieved by the filling devices  201  after the prepackaged containers are loaded. 
     In some embodiments, the information encoded in the prepackaged containers can be read by a central reader (e.g., separate from the filling devices  201 ). The retrieved information can be stored in a memory and then distributed to each filling device to direct the consumable filling process. For example, the filler station can include a reader to read the information on a prepackaged container and a conveyor system to deliver the prepackaged container to a filling device. The retrieved information (or a control signal based on the retrieved information) is then transmitted to the filling device that receives the prepackaged container to direct the consumable filling. 
     In some embodiments, the filler station further includes a memory (not shown) operably coupled to a processor (not shown). The memory can store data (e.g., in the form of a database table storing data records) associated with one or more of: carrier formulations, carrier provenance, capsule compatibility, capsules that have been filled at the filler station, filler station maintenance history, filler station maintenance schedule, and fill settings such as carrier dispense pressure, carrier dispense temperature, carrier dispense duration, carrier dispense volume, etc. 
     The filler station can also include a transceiver operably coupled to the processor and the memory. The transceiver can facilitates communications between the filler station and a server. For example, the filler station may send fill data to the server. Example fill data include, but are not limited to, identifiers of one or more of: capsule type, capsule capacity, carrier type, carrier amount, carrier origin/provenance, carrier constituent concentration(s), fill date/time stamp, fill conditions, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the prepackaged container  250  is prepared in one place and the method  200  can be performed in a difference place. For example, the prepackaged container  250  can be prepared in a place with low labor cost (or other manufacturing cost), and the filler station can be located within a jurisdiction that has favorable regulations on certain consumables, such as nicotine and cannabis. Alternatively or additionally, the method  200  can be performed near the source of the consumable so as to save transportation cost of the consumable and/or to preserve the freshness of the consumable. 
     In some embodiments, the package portion of the prepackaged container  250  can be assembled in a first place, the container within the prepackaged container  250  can be manufactured in a second place, and the method  200  can be performed in a third place. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  show schematics of a package  300  including a mount  320  for securing a container for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. The package  300  includes a top section  310  and a middle section  330 . The top section  310  further includes a first portion  312  that has a filling aperture  316  and a second portion  314 . The middle section  330  defines a depressed region  335  to contain the mount  320  (and accordingly the container to be included in the package  300 ). The mount  320  includes a base  322  and a clip  324  to secure the container, such as a vaporizer and/or a capsule described herein. 
     The first portion  312  of the top section  310  is separated from the second portion  314  of the top section  310  by a folding line, such as a perforated line. After the completion of consumable filling, the second portion  314  can be folded toward the second portion  314  and substantially cover the second portion  314 , including the filling aperture  316 . In other words, the second portion  314  can be configured as a cover for the package  300  and the container disposed within the package  300 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a schematic of a package  400  including a cradle  420  for securing a container for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. The package  400  includes a top section  410  and a middle section  430 . The top section  410  further includes three sections: a first section  412  disposed between a second section  414  and a third section  416 . The first section  412  and the second section  414  is separated by a folding line  413 , and the first section  412  and the third section  416  is separated by another folding line  415 . 
     The first section  412  defines the cradle  420  (also referred to as a slot  420 ) to secure the container. During use, the first section is assembled with the middle section  430 . The dimensions of the cradle  420  can be substantially similar to the container so as to secure the container within the cradle  420 . In some embodiments, the material defining the cradle  420  can be flexible (e.g., foam) such that the same cradle  420  can be employed to secure different containers. For example, the width and/or length of the cradle  420  can be slightly less than the width and/or length of the container. In this instance, although the cradle  420  has a rectangular shape, containers that are cylindrical or elliptical can also be secured into the cradle. 
     The third section  416  can be folded toward the first section  412  to substantially cover the first section  412  before the package  400  is filled with the consumable. In other words, the third section  415  can have similar functions as the top section  110  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B  and described above. After the container within the package  400  is filled with the consumable, the second section  414  can be folded over to cover the third section  416  and the first section  412  beneath the third section  416 . In other words, the second section  414  can have similar functions as the cover  122  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B  and described above. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  show schematics of a package  500  including a mount  520  for securing a container for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. The package  500  includes a top section  510  and a middle section  530 . The top section  510  further includes a first portion  512  that has a filling aperture  516  and a second portion  514 . The middle section  530  defines a depressed region  535  to contain the mount  520  (and accordingly the container to be included in the package  500 ). The mount  520  includes a base  522 , a fist clip section  524  on the width of the mount  522 , and a second clip section  526  on the length of the mount  522 . Therefore, the mount  520  can be configured to secure a container that has substantially the same lateral dimensions as the mount  520 , i.e. the length and width of the container are substantially similar to the length and width of the mount  520 . 
     The first portion  512  of the top section  510  is separated from the second portion  514  of the top section  510  by a folding line, such as a perforated line. After the completion of consumable filling, the second portion  514  can be folded toward the first portion  512  and substantially cover the first portion  512 , including the filling aperture  516 . In other words, the second portion  514  can be configured as a cover for the package  500  and the container disposed within the package  500 . 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of a system for managing vaporizer security and/or traceability, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the system  600  includes filler station  610  in communication with a command center  620  (e.g., a cloud-based server) and a user  630 . In some embodiments, such communications can be via one or more wireless networks. In some embodiments, wired communications can also be used. The user  630  is associated with a vaporizer  632 , a mobile device  634 , and/or a compute device  636  (e.g., a laptop or desktop computer). 
     The filler station  610  can be substantially similar to the filler station illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2E  and described above. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the filler station  610  includes a memory  612  operably coupled to a processor  614 . The memory  612  can store data (e.g., in the form of a database table storing data records) associated with one or more of: carrier formulations, carrier provenance, capsule compatibility, capsules that have been filled at the filler station  225 , filler station maintenance history, filler station maintenance schedule, and fill settings such as carrier dispense pressure, carrier dispense temperature, carrier dispense duration, carrier dispense volume, etc. The filler station  610  also includes a transceiver  616  operably coupled to the processor  614  and the memory  612 . The transceiver  616  facilitates communications between the filler station  610  and the command center  620 . For example, the filler station  610  may send fill data to the command center. Example fill data include, but are not limited to, identifiers of one or more of: capsule type, capsule capacity, carrier type, carrier amount, carrier origin/provenance, carrier constituent concentration(s), fill date/time stamp, fill conditions, etc. 
     The command center  620  includes a memory  621  operably coupled to a processor  625 , and a transceiver  626  configured to facilitate communications with the filler station  610 , the vaporizer  632  of a user, and the mobile device  634  and/or compute device  636  of the user  630 . For example, messages related to vapor device registration and/or vapor device validation can be exchanged between the command center  620  and the vaporizer  632 . Alternatively or in addition, messages related to user registration, vapor device registration and/or vapor device validation can be exchanged between the command center  620  and the compute device  636  of the user  630 . Alternatively or in addition, messages related to user registration, vapor device registration and/or vapor device validation can be exchanged between the command center  620  and the mobile device  634  of the user  630 . 
     The memory  621  stores a software application (“app”)  622 . In some implementations, an administrator of the command center  620  interacts with the software app  622  via an administrator view of the app, rendered via a graphical user interface (GUI) of a compute device in wireless or wired network communication therewith, and a user interacts with the software app  622  via a user view of the app, rendered via a graphical user interface (GUI) of a compute device of the user in wireless network communication with the command center  620 . The app  622  can include one or more software modules, such as a track module  623  and/or a trace module  624 . 
     The track module  623  can include instructions to cause the processor  625  to obtain contemporaneous (e.g., real-time or substantially real-time) location information for one or more vaporizer components (e.g., capsules or vaporizer pens), the vaporizer  632 , and/or one or more compute devices (e.g., the mobile device  634  or the compute device  636 ) of the user  630 . Such location can be obtained, for example, by querying one or more of the aforementioned devices (e.g., via one or more associated onboard location sensors of the device(s), such as a global positioning sensor (GPS) receiver). The track module  623  can also include instructions to cause the processor  625  to store the location information and, optionally, transmit the location information to one or more requestors of the wireless network. 
     The trace module  624  can include instructions to cause the processor  625  to request, store and/or transmit historical data associated with the manufacture and movement (e.g., within the supply chain), of one or more vaporizer components, the vaporizer  632 , and/or one or more compute devices (e.g., the mobile device  634  or the compute device  636 ) of the user  630 . In other words, the trace module  624  (optionally in combination with the track module  623 ) monitors the chain-of-custody of one or more vaporizers to ensure their safety and authenticity. The historical data can include one or more of: carrier ingredients, carrier formulation, nicotine concentration, nicotine plant genetics, nicotine provenance data (e.g., the tobacco plant(s) from which the nicotine was derived, the grow location of the nicotine plant(s), the grow and/or harvesting date of the nicotine plant(s), etc.) cannabinoid concentration(s), cannabinoid provenance data (e.g., the cannabis plant(s) from which the cannabinoid(s) were derived, the grow location of the cannabis plant(s), the grow and/or harvesting date of the cannabis plant(s), the dispensary from which the cannabinoid(s) were obtained, etc.), active ingredient (e.g., drug) concentration, inactive ingredient concentration, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 7  shows schematics of a package  700  including a mount  720  for securing a cartridge for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the cartridge that can be contained in the package  700  can be substantially similar to the cartridge  105   b  shown in  FIG. 1B  and described above. The package  700  includes a top section  710  and a middle section  730 . The top section  710  further includes a first portion  712  that has a filling aperture  716  and a second portion  714 . The middle section  730  defines a depressed region  735  to contain the mount  720  (and accordingly the cartridge to be included in the package  700 ). The mount  720  includes four legs to secure the cartridge from four directions. Therefore, the mount  720  can be configured to secure the cartridge (or any other container) that has substantially the same lateral dimensions as the mount  720 , i.e. the length and width of the cartridge are substantially similar to the length and width of the mount  720 . 
     The first portion  712  of the top section  710  is separated from the second portion  714  of the top section  710  by a folding line  713 , such as a perforated line. After the completion of consumable filling, the second portion  714  can be folded toward the first portion  712  and substantially cover the first portion  712 , including the filling aperture  716 . In other words, the second portion  714  can be configured as a cover for the package  700  and the cartridge disposed within the package  700 . 
       FIG. 8  shows schematics of a package  800  including a mount  820  for securing a disposable device for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the disposable device that can be contained in the package  800  can be substantially similar to the container  105   a  shown in  FIG. 1A  and described above. The package  800  includes a top section  810  and a middle section  830 . The top section  810  further includes a first portion  812  that has a filling aperture  816  and a second portion  814 . The middle section  830  defines a depressed region  835  to contain the mount  820  (and accordingly the disposable device to be included in the package  800 ). The mount  820  includes a first pair of legs  822  disposed along a first direction and a second pair of legs  824  disposed along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, the mount  820  can be configured to secure the disposable (or any other container) that has substantially the same lateral dimensions as the mount  820 , i.e. the length and width of the disposable device are substantially similar to the length and width of the mount  820 . 
     The first portion  812  of the top section  810  is separated from the second portion  814  of the top section  810  by a folding line  813 , such as a perforated line. After the completion of consumable filling, the second portion  814  can be folded toward the first portion  812  and substantially cover the first portion  812 , including the filling aperture  816 . In other words, the second portion  814  can be configured as a cover for the package  800  and the disposable device disposed within the package  800 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9H  show schematics of a system  900  for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. The system  900  includes a frame  905  to hold/support other components in the system  900 . The frame  905  defines a front panel  960  and a base  940  to receive a package  950  for filling or refilling (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9D ). A needle  920  is located within the space defined by the front panel  960  and the base  940 . The needle  920  can be moved vertically to reach the package  950  and fill/refill the package  950  via a filling aperture  954  on the package  950 . In some embodiments, a motor  970  is included in the system  900  to control the movement of the needle  920 . In some embodiments, the filling aperture  954  is covered and/or sealed by a silicone piece before filling/refilling, and the needle  920  can be configured to pierce this silicone piece to reach the container included within the package  950 . 
     The needle  920  is operably coupled to a consumable container  910  (e.g., an oil container) that is in thermal communication with a heater  915  (see,  FIG. 9B ). In some embodiments, the heater  915  can include an electrical heater. The system  900  also includes a first control panel  932  to control the consumable conditions and a second panel  934  to control the temperature of the consumable. In some embodiments, the control panels  932  and  934  can receive instructions via buttons. In some embodiments, the control panels  932  and  934  can include a touch screen to receive instructions from the user. In some embodiments, the control panels  932  and  934  can receive instructions via voice commands from the user. 
     In some embodiments, the control panels  932  and/or  934  can configured to be communicating with a remote controller (not shown in  FIGS. 9A-9H ). A user can control the operation of the system  900  via the remote controller. In some embodiments, the operation status of the system  900  can be displayed on the first control panel  932 . 
       FIGS. 10A-10C  show schematics of a rear view, a side view, and a front view, respectively, of an system  1000  for consumable filling, according to an embodiment. The system  1000  can be similar in structure and/or function to the system  900  described above. The system  1000  includes a frame  1005  to hold/support one or more components in the system  1000 . The system  1000  can be directed to filling a fillable component with a consumable substance as described in further detail herein. The frame  1005  includes a front panel  1060 , a base  1040  to receive a package  1050  for filling or refilling (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 10B and 10C ), and supports a filling assembly  1090  (also referred to herein as a “pump assembly”). The system  1000 , as shown in  FIG. 10B , includes an emergency button  1047  configured to terminate functioning of the system  1000  and/or freeze the functioning of the system  1000  (e.g., by disrupting power to one or more components of the system  1000 ). In some embodiments, the system  1000  includes an air regulator  1049  that can be used to regulate air pressure for use in the functioning of one or more components (e.g., motors, actuators, valves, etc.) included in the system  1000 . 
     The front panel  1060  includes a control panel  1065  that can be configured with one or more control components (e.g., buttons, lever, switches, displays, and the like) as shown in  FIG. 10C  and described in further detail herein.  FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of the control panel  1065  of  FIG. 10C , according to some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the front panel  1065  can include one or more temperature monitor and/or temperature control panels  1034   a  and  1034   b  that are configured to monitor and control the temperature of a consumable substance held in the system  1000  and/or of a heating assembly or element disposed near the consumable substance held in the system  1000 . For example, the temperature control panel  1034   a  can be configured to monitor and/or control temperature conditions of consumable substance held in a supply reservoir (described in further detail below) and/or of a heating assembly or element disposed near the supply reservoir of the system  1000 . As another example, the temperature control panel  1034   b  can be configured to monitor and/or control temperature conditions of consumable substance held in a filling syringe (described in further detail below) and/or of a heating assembly or element disposed near the filling syringe of the system  1000 . 
     The front panel can further include one or more buttons configured to control one or more components of the system  1000 . For example, the control panel  1065  can include buttons  1038  configured to control movement of one or more actuators to effect one or more functions of the system  1000  related to filling a fillable component with a quantity of a consumable substance. For example, in some embodiments, one or more buttons  1038  can include buttons configured to move and/or manipulate a syringe connected to a supply reservoir and/or a consumable substance stored in a syringe head serving as a supply reservoir. The buttons can be configured to control the drawing of a quantity of consumable substance from a supply reservoir and/or the injection of the quantity of consumable substance drawn via the needle  1020  (e.g., by controlling an actuator coupled to a syringe plunger or syringe barrel). In some embodiments, one or more buttons  1038  can include buttons configured to control the movement of one or more holders of one or more packages (e.g., package  1050  which can be substantially similar in structure and/or function to any of the packages disclosed above such as  700 ,  800 , etc.) including a fillable component (e.g., a vaporizer or a vaporizer capsule, or the like) (e.g., by controlling one or more actuators coupled to the one or more holders). In some embodiments, the one or more buttons  1038  can include buttons configured to control the movement of one or more portions of a filling syringe (described in further detail herein), for example, to dispense the quantity of consumable substance into a fillable component. In some embodiments, the one or more buttons  1038  can include buttons configured to control the movement of one or more fixtures configured to hold a package on the base  1050  while the fillable component in the package  1050  is being filled via the needle  1020 . 
     The front panel  1065 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , can further include one or more levers  1039  configured to switch the system  1000  between a manual mode where the system  1000  is operated manually and an automatic mode where the system is programmatically automated, using a processor and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions readable by the processor, to perform a stored sequence of functions. The front panel  1065 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , further includes a reset button  1049  configured to reset one or more states and/or functions of the system  1000 , and a start button  1051  configured to begin a sequence of functions (e.g., a stored sequence of programmed functions) upon being manually operated. 
     The base  1040  is mounted on the frame  1005  of the system  1000  and is configured to support the package (e.g., package  1050 ) before, during and after filling a fillable component included in the package via the insertion of the needle  1020 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the system  1000  includes a retaining device  1045  configured to maintain a position of the package  1050  relative to the base (e.g., hold the package  1050  in position on the base  1040  and prevent upward movement during eventual removal of a needle from the package  1050 ) while being filled. The retaining device  1045  can be actuated by a motor  1046  to transition between an initial position and a retaining position relative to the package  1050 . For example, the motor  1046  can be configured to vertically raise and lower the retaining device  1045  such that the retaining device  1045  is in a raised position during placement of the package  1050  on the base  1040  and removal of the package  1050  from the base  1040 . When the package  1050  is on the base  1050 , the motor  1046  can lower the retaining device  1045  to contact and clamp the package  1050  against the base  1040 . In some embodiments, rather than moving the retaining device  1045  vertically up and down, the motor  1046  can be configured to horizontally advance and retract the retaining device  1045  relative to the package  1050  such that the retaining device  1045  can immobilize the package  1050  during and after the filling of consumable substance in a fillable component of the package  1050 . As shown in  FIG. 12B , the retaining device  1045  can have two extension members that are configured to contact the package  1050  in two locations (e.g., on either side of an opening configured to receive a needle). In some embodiments, the retaining device  1045  can be U-shaped. 
     The frame  1005  of the system  1000  supports the filling system  1090  that can be operated to fill the fillable component in the package with consumable substance.  FIG. 12A  is a schematic of a perspective side view pf the system  1000  showing the filling assembly  1090  which is shown in magnified view in  FIG. 12B .  FIG. 12C  is a schematic of a sectioned side view of the filling assembly  1090  showing a portion of the internal components of the filling assembly  1090  shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the filling assembly  1090  can be mounted on a linear actuator  1070  such that actuating the linear actuator  1070  in the direction indicated by the arrow head A in  FIG. 12B  moves the filling assembly  1090  from a first position, where the needle  1020  is spaced from and not in contact with a package  1050  held on the base  1040 , to a second position where the tip of the needle  1020  is positioned within a reservoir of a fillable component included in the package  1050  (e.g., within a reservoir of a vaporizer or a reservoir of a vaporizer capsule), having pierced through a membrane included in the package  1050 . Actuating the linear actuator  1070  in the direction indicated by the arrow head A′ in  FIG. 12B  can retract the filling assembly  1090  from the second position where the tip of the needle  1020  is positioned within a reservoir of a fillable component included in the package  1050 , to the first position, where the needle  1020  is spaced from and not in contact with the package  1050 . The linear actuator  1070  can be any suitable actuator using any suitable means of activation (e.g., servo motors, pneumatic actuators, etc.) 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C , the filling system  1090  includes a supply reservoir  1053  (also referred to as a barrel, or a syringe head, herein), a filling syringe  1057 , a tube  1055  fluidly coupling an interior of the supply reservoir  1053  with an interior of the filling syringe  1057 , and a needle  1020  in fluidic communication with the filling syringe  1057 . The needle  1020  can be coupled to (e.g., held by or mounted to) a needle holder  1063 . In some embodiments, the filling assembly  1090  includes one or more check valves configured to gate the flow and/or a direction of flow of consumable substance from the supply reservoir  1053  to the filling syringe  1057  via the tube  1055 , and/or to gate the flow and/or direction of flow of consumable substance between the filling syringe  1057  to the needle  1020 . The supply reservoir  1053  can be of any suitable capacity (e.g., 350 cc). 
     The filling assembly  1090  includes a first heating element  1015  configured to heat the consumable substance stored in the supply reservoir  1053  to a predetermined first temperature. The filling assembly  1090 , in some embodiments, further includes a second heating element  1017  configured to heat, to a predetermined second temperature, the consumable substance drawn into the barrel  1061  of the filling syringe  1057 . In some embodiments, the second heating element  1017  can be configured to heat both the contents of the barrel  1061  and the tube  1055 . In some instances, the first and/or second predetermined temperatures can be based on one or more temperature sensitive properties of the consumable substances (e.g., viscosity, flow rate, etc.). 
     In some embodiments, the filling syringe  1057  includes a tip (not shown) fluidically coupled to the needle  1020 , a barrel  1061  and a plunger  1062  insertable into the interior of the barrel. As shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C , the plunger  1062  is coupled to the linear actuator  1033 . The linear actuator  1033  is configured such that actuating the linear actuator  1033  in the direction indicated by the arrow head B in  FIGS. 12B and 12C  can draw and/or retract the plunger  1062  from a first position, where the tip of the plunger  1062  is closer to the tip of the filling syringe  1057 , to a second position where the tip of the plunger is farther away from the tip of the filling syringe  1057 . Actuating the linear actuator  1033  in the direction indicated by the arrow head B′ can advance the plunger  1062  from the second position where the tip of the plunger is farther away from the tip of the filling syringe  1057 , to the first position, where the tip of the plunger  1062  is closer to the tip of the filling syringe  1057 . The linear actuator  1033  can be any suitable actuator using any suitable means of activation (e.g., servo motors, pneumatic actuators, etc.) The linear actuator  1033  and the plunger  1062  can be configured such that movement of the plunger  1062  from the first position to the second position in the direction B can induce a drop in pressure in the interior of the barrel  1061  that is in fluidic communication with the supply reservoir  1053  via the tube  1055 . The drop in pressure can induce a pressure differential that causes a flow of consumable substance from the supply reservoir  1053  to the interior of the barrel  1061  of the filling syringe  1057  via the tube  1055  and via the check valve  1059   a.  During such a flow one or more check valves may be included in the filling assembly  1090  to gate the flow direction (e.g., one or more check valves configured to prevent back flow into the supply reservoir  1053 , to prevent flow into the needle  1020 , etc.). As shown, in some embodiments, the filling assembly  1090  can include a first check valve  1059   a  to gate the direction of flow of fluids between the tube  1055  and the filling syringe. 
     The plunger  1062  engages with the interior walls of the barrel  1061  to form a fluid-tight seal. The linear actuator  1033  and the plunger  1062  can be further configured such that movement of the plunger  1062  from the second position to the first position in the direction B′ can induce a positive increase in pressure in the interior of the barrel  1061  that is in fluidic communication with a lumen of the needle  1020  via the tip of the filling syringe (not shown). The increase in pressure within the barrel  1061  can induce a pressure differential that causes an extrusion and/or a flow of consumable substance from the barrel  1061  to the tip of the needle and therefrom (e.g., into the reservoir of a fillable component of a package) via the needle  1020  and via the check valve  1059   b.  During the flow of consumable substance from the interior of the barrel  1061  to the needle  1020  the check valve  1059   a  can prevent back flow into the tube  1055 . 
     The needle  1020  mounted to the needle holder  1063  can be substantially similar to filling needle  220  and/or needle  920  described previously. The needle  1020  can be moved (e.g., along with the filling assembly  1090 ) between the first position to the second positon of the needle  1020  by actuating the linear actuator  1070  in the direction indicated by the arrow head A to reach the package  1050  and fill/refill the package  1050  via a filling aperture  1054  on the package  1050 . In some embodiments, the filling aperture  1054  is covered and/or sealed by a resealable membrane (e.g., an elastomeric membrane such as a silicone membrane) before filling/refilling, and the needle  1020  and/or the movement of the actuator  1070  can be configured to pierce this membrane without permanently deforming the membrane to reach the reservoir of the fillable component included within the package  1050 . 
     In some embodiments, the filling system described herein can be configured to receive, validate, fill, and/or quality check one or more packages including fillable components in a semi-automated and/or a fully automated manner.  FIGS. 13A-13D  are schematics showing images of an example filling system  1100  (also referred to herein as “Automated Filling Machine”) from a right side view, front view, left side view and a top view respectively, with the walls of the system  1100  made partially transparent to show the components housed within. 
       FIGS. 13E and 13F  are line drawings showing a front view and a side view of the system  1100  according to an embodiment.  FIGS. 14A-14D  are schematics showing line drawings of sectional views of the system, outlining one or more components of the system  1100 , as seen from a right side view, front view, left side view, and a top view, respectively.  FIG. 15A  is a schematic illustrating a perspective left side view of an interior of the filling system  1100 , according to an embodiment.  FIGS. 15B, 15C, and 15D  are schematics illustrating a first additional perspective views of the left side, a second perspective view of the left side, and a perspective front view of the interior of the filling system  1100  of  FIG. 15A , respectively, according to an embodiment. The filling system  1100  can be substantially similar in structure and/or function to the filling system  900  and/or  1000  described above. For example the system  1100  can include a frame  1105  (also referred to as a housing), a filling assembly  1190 , an emergency stop button  1147 , a control panel  1165  including one or more temperature control panels (e.g. temperature control panel). These may be substantially similar in structure and/or function to the frame  1005 , the filling assembly  1090 , the emergency stop button  1047 , the control panel  1065  and/or the temperature control panels  1034   a,    1034   b  described above. The system  1100  can additionally include components and/or properties configured for one or more stations directed to one or more functions (e.g., automated functions) of the system  1100 . 
     In some embodiments, the one or more functions of the system  1100  can include reading an identifier associated with a package, filling consumable substance into a fillable component included in the package, measuring an amount of consumable substance filled into a package, writing an ID label onto the package, and/or determining one or more quality control properties associated with a filled package, as described in further detail herein. 
     The system  1100  can include a magazine  1141  configured to be loaded with a set of empty packages (e.g., package  1150 ) and to release each package of the set of empty packages in a sequential manner such that each package (e.g., packages  1150   a,    1150   b  . . .  1150   e ) may be presented at each station of the one or more stations for each of the one or more functions to be carried out. In some embodiments, the magazine  1141  can include a slide mount  1187  that can be mounted on a slidable rail such that the magazine can be slid out to be loaded with a set of packages with empty fillable components that can be filled using the system  1100 .  FIGS. 16A and 16B  are schematics of a perspective view of the system  1100  showing the magazine  1141  in a first position locked inside the frame  1005  and a second position after being slid out of the frame  1005  for loading with packages  1150 , respectively. The magazine  1141  when slid out can be loaded with packages with empty fillable components as shown in  FIG. 16C . 
       FIGS. 17A-17D  are schematics of the magazine  1141  from a top view, side view, front view and a perspective side view respectively. The magazine  1141  can define a number of slots  1196  (e.g., five slots) configured to receive stacks of packages  1150  arranged in columns. The slots  1196  can be defined by a front housing portion  1197   a,  a back housing portion  1197   b,  and a number of dividers  1197   c  coupling the front housing portion  1197   a  to the back housing portion  1197   b,  with the slots  1196  disposed between the dividers  1197   c,  as illustrated in  FIG. 17A . The magazine  1141  can define an opening  1197   d  in the front and back housing portion at the base of each slot such that the bottommost package  1150  in each column or tower of packages  1150  in each slot can be accessed via the opening  1197   d.    
     The system can include an actuator  1181  configured to translate each package from the magazine  1141  onto a movable conveyor belt  1176 , shown in  FIGS. 14B and 14D .  FIGS. 18A and 18B  show a perspective rear view of the system  1100  (magnified in  FIG. 18B ) showing the actuator  1181  that can be actuated to eject and release a series of packages, sequentially, from the magazine  1141  and onto the conveyor belt  1176 . For example, the actuator  1181  can include a pusher member that can be advance through the opening  1197   d  at the base of each slot of the magazine  1141  to push the bottommost package  1150  from the magazine  1141  onto the conveyor belt  1176 . The pusher member can then be retracted such that any packages  1150  previously stacked on top of the bottommost package  1150  will drop, with a new package  1150  becoming the bottommost package  1150 . The actuator  1181  can repeat the motion to push each package  1150  from the stacked column of packages  1150  onto the conveyor belt  1176 , and then horizontally translate to perform the same unloading operation on an adjacent stacked column of packages  1150  in another slot of the magazine  1141 . 
     The conveyor belt  1176  can be configured to receive each released package (e.g., package  1150   f  shown for example in  FIG. 14D  and  FIG. 19B ) and convey the package in a suitable direction (e.g., the direction indicated by the arrow E in  FIG. 20 ) to a position on the belt (e.g., a left edge shown in  FIG. 14D , a top edge shown in  FIGS. 19B and 20 ) where a second actuator  1182  can be actuated to move (e.g., push) the package from the conveyor belt  1176  to a platform  1177 . In some embodiments, the platform  1177  can be a motorized stage. The actuator  1182  is shown in an actuated position in  FIG. 19B  such that a package  1150   a  was moved from the conveyor belt  1176  to the platform  1177  into the station  1171 . 
     In some embodiments, each package can be positioned at each station on the platform  1177  via holders  1145  on a movable arm  1184 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 19B , package  1150   a  is positioned at station  1171 ,  1150   b  at station  1172 , package  1150   c  at station  1173 , and so on, using holders  1145 . In some embodiments, the holders  1145  can be mounted on a movable arm  1184  moved using one or more actuators  1183  (e.g., pneumatic solenoid air valves as shown in  FIG. 20  for example), such that the holders  1145  can be used to slide over the platform  1177  and retain each package at each station on the platform  1177 . After the completion of a function at a station (e.g., after completion of a reading of an identifier of a package, completion of filling, and so on) the movable arm  1184  can be translated in a direction opposite arrow E such that each package can be advanced to the next station, retracted from over the platform  1177  and moved back to receive the next package in the sequence of packages released from the magazine  1141  and delivered from the conveyor belt  1176  by the actuator  1182 . 
     In some embodiments, the platform  1177  of the system  1100  can be configured to include each of the one or more stations of the system  1100  shown in  FIG. 15 . In some embodiments, the system  1100  can include a reading station  1171  (also referred to as a reading assembly or an identifier reading assembly), a filling station  1172  (also referred to as a filling assembly), a marking station  1173  (also referred to as a marking assembly), a weighing station  1174  (also referred to as a weighing assembly), and/or a sorting station  1175  (also referred to as a weighing assembly), as shown in a top view in  FIG. 20  and in perspective side view in  FIG. 21 . 
     The reading station  1171 , for example shown in  FIGS. 20, 21, 22A and 22B, 23A, 23B , can include a reading assembly (also referred to as an identifier reading assembly) that includes a reading device  1171   a  that can be configured to read an identifier associated with a package. The reading device  1171   a  can be any suitable device that can read, using or based on any suitable reading technology including optical, audiological, frequency dependent, cryptographic methods dependent, wireless communication dependent (e.g., Bluetooth®) and/or the like, a identifier of any suitable type including a QR code, a bar code, a ID number label, an RF ID, an identifier read using near-field communication (NFC), and/or the like attached or associated with a package. The identifier can be associated with a package at a manufacturer of the package and the identifier can provide information related to an authenticity of the package. The reading device  1171  can send the read identifier to a processor coupled to the system  1100  where the identifier can be checked for authenticity. In some embodiments, the checking for authenticity can be done locally (i.e. by one or more processors locally coupled to the system  1100 ) and in some embodiments the checking can be done remotely via one or more processors remotely coupled to the system  1100  (e.g., via a cloud based connection). 
     The filling station  1172  can include a filling assembly  1190  configured to fill a fillable component included in a package. The filling assembly  1190 , for example shown in  FIGS. 20, 21, 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B, and 25 , can be substantially similar in structure and/or function to the filling assembly  1090  described previously. For example, the filling assembly  1190  can include a needle  1120 , a needle holder  1163 , a linear actuator  1170  upon which the filling assembly  1190  is mounted and which can be actuated to move the needle  1120  in and out of a first and/or second position, a supply reservoir  1153 , a heating element  1115  to heat the consumable substance store in the supply reservoir  1153 , a filling syringe  1157  including a barrel  1161  and a plunger  1162 , a tube  1155  connecting the filling syringe  1157  to the supply reservoir  1153 , an actuator  1133  coupled to the filling syringe  1157  such that activating the actuator  1133  can move the plunger  1162  between a first and a second position to advance and/or retract the plunger  1162  to inject and/or dispense the contents of the barrel  1161  via the needle  1120 , and so on. In some embodiments, as shown, the filling assembly  1190  can be mounted on the linear actuator  1170  such that activating the linear actuator  1170  in the direction indicated by the arrow head C in  FIG. 24A  can move the filling assembly  1190  from a first position, where the needle  1120  is spaced from and not in contact with a package  1150   b  held at the station  1172  on the platform  1177 , to a second position where the tip of the needle  1120  is positioned within a reservoir of a fillable component included in the package  1150   b  (e.g., within a reservoir of a vaporizer or a reservoir of a vaporizer capsule) having pierced through a membrane included in the package  1150   b . Activating the linear actuator  1170  in the direction indicated by the arrow head C′ in  FIGS. 21 and 24A  can retract the filling assembly  1190  from the second position where the tip of the needle  1120  is positioned within a reservoir of a fillable component included in the package  1050   b,  to the first position, where the needle  1120  is away and not in contact with the package  1150   b.  The linear actuator  1170  can be any suitable actuator using any suitable means of activation (e.g., servomotors, pneumatic actuators, etc.). 
     As shown in for example  FIG. 25 , the filling system  1190  includes a supply reservoir  1153  (also referred to as a barrel, or a syringe head, herein), a filling syringe  1157 , a tube  1155  fluidically coupling an interior of the supply reservoir with an interior of the filling syringe, and a needle  1120  in fluidic communication with the filling syringe  1157  held by a needle holder  1163 . In some embodiments, the filling assembly  1190  includes one or more check valves configured to gate the flow and/or a direction of flow of consumable substance from the supply reservoir  1153  to the filling syringe  1157  via the tube  1155 , and/or to gate the flow and/or direction of flow of consumable substance between the filling syringe  1157  to the needle  1120 . The supply reservoir  1153  can be of any suitable capacity (e.g., 350 cc). 
     The first heating element  1115  can be configured to heat the consumable substance stored in the supply reservoir  1153  to a predetermined first temperature. The heating element  1115  can be or include any suitable heating device configured to heat a fluid to a predefined temperature. For example, the heating element  1115  can include an aluminum heating block electrically coupled (e.g., wired) to a resistance coil. The coil and/or the heating block can be supplied with a current sufficient to raise the temperature of the heating block to a predefined level. In some embodiments, the heating element  1115  can be included in or form an enclosure surrounding at least a portion of the supply reservoir  1153  such that the consumable substance stored in the supply reservoir  1153  can be heated by the heating element  1115 . The filling assembly  1190 , in some embodiments, further includes a second heating element  1117  configured to heat, to a predetermined second temperature, the consumable substance drawn into the barrel  1161  of the filling syringe  1157 . The second heating element  1117  can be substantially similar to the first heating element  1115 . For example, the second heating element  1117  can be any suitable heating device configured to heat a fluid to a predefined temperature. In some embodiments, the heating element  1117  can be included in or form an enclosure surrounding at least a portion of the barrel  1161  such that the consumable substance stored in the barrel  1161  can be heated by the heating element  1117 . In some instances, the first and/or second predetermined temperatures can be based on one or more temperature sensitive properties of the consumable substances (e.g., viscosity, flow rate, etc.). 
     In some embodiments, the filling syringe  1157  includes a tip (not shown) fluidically coupled to the needle  1120 , a barrel  1161  and a plunger  1162  insertable into the interior of the barrel. As shown in  FIG. 25 , the plunger  1162  is coupled to the linear actuator  1133  which is configured such that activating the linear actuator  1133  in the direction indicated by the arrow head D in  FIGS. 24B and 25  can draw and/or retract the plunger  1162  from a first position, where the tip of the plunger  1162  is closer to the tip of the filling syringe  1157 , to a second position where the tip of the plunger is farther away from the tip of the filling syringe  1157 . Activating the linear actuator  1133  in the direction indicated by the arrow head D′ can advance the plunger  1162  from the second position where the tip of the plunger is farther away from the tip of the filling syringe  1157 , to the first position, where the tip of the plunger  1162  is closer to the tip of the filling syringe  1157 . The linear actuator  1133  can be any suitable actuator using any suitable means of activation (e.g., servomotors, pneumatic actuators, etc.). The linear actuator  1133  and the plunger  1062  can be configured such that movement of the plunger  1162  from the first position to the second position in the direction D can induce a drop in pressure in the interior of the barrel  1161  that in fluidic communication with the supply reservoir  1153  via the tube  1155 . The drop in pressure can induce a pressure differential that causes a flow of consumable substance from the supply reservoir  1153  to the interior of the barrel  1161  of the filling syringe  1057  via the tube  1055  and via the check valve  1159 . During such a flow one or more check valve may be included in the filling assembly  1190  to gate the flow direction (e.g., one or more check valves configured to prevent back flow into the supply reservoir  1153 , to prevent flow into the needle  1120 , etc.). As shown, in some embodiments, the filling assembly  1190  can include a check valve  1159  (which can be a first check valve) to gate the direction of flow of fluids between the tube  1155  and the filling syringe. 
     The plunger  1162  engages with the interior walls of the barrel  1161  to form a fluid-tight seal. The linear actuator  1133  and the plunger  1162  can be further configured such that movement of the plunger  1162  from the second position to the first position in the direction D′ can induce a positive increase in pressure in the interior of the barrel  1161  that is in fluidic communication with a lumen of the needle  1120  via the tip of the filling syringe (not shown). The increase in pressure within the barrel  1161  can induce a pressure differential that causes an extrusion and/or a flow of consumable substance from the barrel  1161  to the tip of the needle and therefrom (e.g., into the reservoir of a fillable component of a package) via the needle  1120  and via the check valve  1159  (which can be a second check valve). During the flow of consumable substance from the interior of the barrel  1161  to the needle  1120 , the check valve  1159  can prevent back flow into the tube  1155 . 
     In some embodiments, the filling syringe  1157  in combination with the linear actuator  1133  can be configured to draw a predefined quantity of consumable substance (e.g., 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, and/or the like, including any increments within the range of values). In some embodiments, the linear actuator  1133  and the plunger  1162  can be configured to draw the predefined quantity of consumable substance and deliver the predefined quantity via the lumen of the needle  1120 . For example, linear actuator  1133  can be configured to translate the plunger  1162  by a specified distance to achieve a specific pressure differential and/or a specific volume with a lower pressure defined within the barrel  1161  of the filling syringe  1157 , based on the predefined quantity of consumable substance to be drawn and/or delivered. 
     The needle  1120  can be substantially similar to filling needle  220 ,  920 , and/or  1020  described previously). The needle  1120  can be moved (e.g., along with the filling assembly  1190 ) between the first position to the second positon by activating the linear actuator  1170  in the direction indicated by the arrow head C to reach the package  1050  for filling/refilling the package  1150  via a filling aperture  1154  on the package  1150   b.  In some embodiments, the linear actuator  1170  can be configured to move the filling assembly  1190  up and down relative to the package  1150 . For example, the linear actuator  1170  can move the syringe  1057 , supply reservoir  1153 , and needle  1120  up and down simultaneously (e.g., due to the barrel  1161 , supply reservoir  1153 , and needle  1120  being coupled and stationary relative to one another). In some embodiments, an actuator can be configured to control the movement of the needle  1120  independently of a remaining portion of the filling assembly (e.g., independently of the syringe  1057  and/or supply reservoir  1153 ). In some embodiments, the filling aperture  1154  of a fillable component of a package  1150   b  is covered and/or sealed by a resealable membrane (e.g., an elastomeric membrane such as a silicone membrane) before filling/refilling, and the needle  1120  and/or the movement of the actuator  1170  can be configured to pierce this membrane without damaging the membrane to reach the reservoir of the fillable component included within the package  1150   b.    
     In some embodiments, the system  1100  can include temperature control panels  1134   a  and  1134   b  shown in FIG,  26 , and in some embodiments, include an air pressure monitor and/or regulator  1134   c.  The temperature control panels can be configured to adjust and/or set pre-determined temperature settings for the first and/or the second heating elements  1117  and  1115 . 
     The system  1100  includes a weighing station  1173  shown in  FIGS. 27A and 27B , that a package is passed through after filling, in some instances. The movable arm  1184  can move and position a package  1150   c  at the weighing station  1173 . The weighing station  1173  can include a load cell  1173   a  configured to precisely weigh the package  1150   c.  In some embodiments, the weighing station  1173  can be configured to determine using the load cell  1173   a  a weight of the package  1150   c  after the package  1150   c  has been filled with a quantity of consumable substance. Based on the weight of the package  1150   c  measured by the load cell, the weighing station  1173  (and/or a controller of the system  1100  in communication with the weighing station  1173 ) can determine whether the volume of the quantity of consumable substance supplied to the package  1150   c  during the filling stage is within a predetermined range. For example, the weighing station  1173  can be configured to determine whether the weight of the package  1150   c  is within a predetermined range or above a threshold weight. If so, the weighing station  1173  can determine that the package  1150   c  passes the quality check. If the weight of the package  1150   c  is outside of a predetermined range or below a threshold weight, the weighing station  1173  can determine that the package  1150   c  fails the quality check. 
     In some embodiments, the system  1100  includes a marking station  1174  that can include a marking device  1174   a  (for example, a laser marker). Marking can be carried out using any suitable technology such as laser etching or the like. The marking device  1174   a  can be configured to mark the package  1150   d  with a second identifier. The second identifier can be, for example, a branding mark and/or an identification associated with the substance filled in the reservoir of the package. In some embodiments, the second identifier can be used to validate and/or authenticate the package before use by a user. In some embodiments, a package  1150  can be marked by the marking device  1174   a  after being filled and weighed. In some embodiments, a package  1150  can be marked by the marking device  1174   a  after being filled and prior to being weighed. In some embodiments, a package  1150  can be marked by the marking device  1174   a  prior to being filled. In some embodiments, the marking station  1184  can be optional and not included in the system  1100 . 
     The functions of reading at the reading station  1171 , filling at the filling station  1172 , weighing at the weighing station  1173  and marking at the marking station  1174  are described as being performed on a set of packages in an example sequence herein. In some embodiments, the operational steps described with respect to the stations (e.g., reading station  1171 , filling station  1172 , weighing station  1173 , and/or marking station  1174 ) can be performed in any suitable order sequentially or simultaneously. In some embodiments, any or all of the different functions or steps can be performed simultaneously or in parallel on different packages. For example, a package  1150  can be moved (e.g., via the holder  1145  described below and/or a conveyor assembly) from one station to the next station for the operation of each station relative to the package  1150 . While a first package  1150  is being acted upon by a first station (e.g., the reading station  1171 ), a second package  1150  can be acted upon by a second station (e.g., the filling station) based, at least in part, on the results of a previous station relative to the second package  1150  (e.g., based on the results of optically reading an identifier of the second package  1150 ). 
     The system  1100  includes the sorting station  1175  shown in  FIGS. 29A and 29B , where the station can be configured to determine if one or more quality control properties of the filled and marked package is satisfactory and, based on the determination, sort the packages into a fail set and a pass set. If the package  1150  is considered satisfactory (e.g., having a weight measured by the load cell  1173   a  within a threshold range), the package  1150  can be moved to a pass chute  1185  (e.g., via a holder  1145  translating toward the pass chute  1185  and pushing the package  1150  into the pass chute  1185 ). If the package  1150  is considered to have failed the quality check (e.g., having a weight measured by the load cell  1173   a  outside of a threshold range), however the package can be moved to the fail chute  1186 . For example, a platform  1188  disposed adjacent an end of the platform  1177  can be mounted on an actuator  1189  (e.g., a goniometer, a tilt stage, and/or the like) configured to tilt the platform  1188  (e.g., tilt in one or more axes) such that any package  1150  disposed on the platform  1177  during the tilt will slide down the fail chute  1186 . Containers can be disposed underneath the end of each of the pass chute  1185  and the fail chute  1186  to collects packages  1150  that have traveled down each of the chutes. 
     In some embodiments, the system  1100  (e.g., the reading station  1171  in addition or alternatively to an optical scanner, the filling station  1172 , or a separate portion of the system) can include a chip connector (not shown) configured to access a tracking component (e.g., a tracking chip) which may be or include an integrated circuit (e.g., Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs)) of a fillable component disposed within the package  1150 . The tracking component can include, for example, a memory and/or a processor and can include, for example, two chip connectors configured to be coupled to (e.g., via contact) by a device configured to read and/or write to the tracking component. For example, the chip connector can include an actuator configured to actuate the chip connector such that the chip connector advances through an opening in the package  1150  to contact the chip connectors. The opening can be an opening aligned with the chip connectors and can be a separate opening from an opening in the package  1150  aligned for access of the needle  1120  with the membrane of the fillable component. The chip connector can be coupled to a processor configured to read the tracking component via the chip connector to determine information related to, for example, the authenticity of the pod or filling information. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to write information to the tracking component via the chip connector related to operation of the fillable component, the programming or formatting of the tracking component, and/or the consumable substance delivered to the reservoir of the fillable component. Such reading and writing can occur before, during, or after filling the reservoir of the fillable component (e.g., while the fillable component is being filled at the filling station  1172  or when at any of the other stations described herein). In some embodiments, rather than including a chip connector, the fillable component can be configured to communicate wirelessly (i.e., without requiring a physical connection) with a processor of the system  1100  such that the information can be transmitted from the fillable component to the processor and/or vice versa. In some embodiments, the system  1100  can be configured to attach a tracking component, such as an integrated circuit (IC) or a wireless tag (e.g., RFID) to the fillable component such that the tracking component can be read by a device of a user (e.g., a vaporizer pen or another system). In some embodiments, a tracking component can be coupled to and/or read from the package  1150 , rather than the fillable component disposed within or coupled to the package  1150 . 
       FIG. 33  is a flowchart of an example process of operation of a system  1300  for filling fillable components disposed in a set of packages with a consumable substance, as described herein, according to an embodiment. The system can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the systems described herein, such as the system  900 , the system  1000 , and/or the system  1100 . Additionally, portions of the flowchart of  FIG. 33  can be used for the operation of any suitable system such as systems  900 ,  1000  and/or  1100 . The packages can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the packages described herein, such as the packages  1150  or  1209 . 
     In some embodiments, the system  1300  for a set of fillable components with a consumable substance can include a memory, processor, and a transmitter such as a transceiver. For example, the system  1300  can include a control assembly (not shown) including a memory, a processor, and a transceiver and can be substantially similar in structure and/or function to the filler station  610  described previously. The system  1300  can be configured such that it can be powered on, at  1399   a.  An authorized user can sign in, at  1399   b,  before use. For example, an authorized user can be required to complete an authentication process at  1399   b.  In some embodiments, the system  1300  can receive an input from a user (e.g., a user ID and/or a password) and send the information to a server  1320 , which can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the command center  620  described previously. The system  1300  can receive information (e.g., a machine ID, a list of batch numbers associated with a list of consumable substances, a logo information of a producer of the consumable substance, etc.) from the server  1320  that can be used to authenticate the user and/or the machine and/or run for use of the system  1300  to fill a set of fillable components with a consumable substance. The processor included in the system  1300  can be programmed to control the functioning of the system  1300  by controlling the components of the system  1300 . 
     A batch of consumable substance (e.g., an oil and/or carrier material) can be selected at  1399   c.  One or more parameters of the system  1300  can be set at  1399   d.  The system  1300  can be supplied with packages including fillable components (also referred to herein as “pods”) in an empty state at  1399   r.  A supply reservoir (e.g., supply reservoir  1153 ) of the system  1300  can be loaded with a specified batch of consumable substance based on (e.g., corresponding to) the selection of the batch of consumable substance before the system  1300  is started or initiated at  1399   e  via the processor to implement a set of instructions to run the system  1300 . In some implementations, the system  1300  can be initiated via the processor to carry out one or more test runs including filling of a “dummy” fillable component in a package or another container with oil (e.g., for priming purposes) every time a new syringe is installed and discarding the “dummy” fillable component or container. In some embodiments, a test or priming run can be carried out at every instance of replacement of one or more components of the system  1300  (e.g., after replacement of a syringe, a reservoir, an actuator, and/or the like). In some instances, the system  1300  can be programmed to perform a test run to test one or more functions of the system  1300 . For example, a test run can be carried out to test marking (e.g., printing of a logo, etc.,). In some implementations, the system  1300  can be supplied and loaded with a set of packages in a magazine (e.g., the magazine  1141 ) before or after being powered on. The system  1300  can be powered on, authenticated, and one or more parameters of the system  1300  can be set (e.g., via a control panel and/or display) before initiation of the actuators of the system  1300  at  1399   e.    
     In use, the system  1300  can be initiated such that packages from a set of packages are sequentially and individually ejected from a magazine (e.g., magazine  1141 ) by a first actuator (e.g., first actuator  1181 ), conveyed via a conveyor belt (e.g., conveyor belt  1176 ), and transferred to a platform (e.g., platform  1177 ) by a second actuator (e.g., second actuator  1182 ). Each package is then advanced through each station of the system  1300  (which may be similar to stations  1171 ,  1172 ,  1173 ,  1174  and  1175 ) (e.g., by the movement of a holder assembly (e.g., the holder  1145 ) including a movable arm (e.g., the movable arm  1184 )). The system  1300  can be programmatically configured such that packages can be moved through any suitable set of stations in any suitable order. For example, in some instances, a package can be advanced to a reading station (e.g., the reading station  1171 ) where an identifier (e.g., a QR code) associated with the package (e.g., on a surface of the package or on a surface of the fillable component disposed in the package and viewable through an opening in the package) can be scanned at  1399   f.  The system  1300  (e.g., via the control assembly) can send information associated with the identifier to a server  1320  along with information associated with the system  1300  and/or oil to be delivered to the fillable component (e.g., a machine identifier associated with the system  1300 , a serial number associated with the identifier read from the fillable component, etc., another identification of the fillable component based on the identifier). 
     In some instances, the system  1300  (e.g., a control assembly of the system  1300 ) can receive information from the server  1320  via the transceiver and perform a validation at  1399   g  of the fillable component based on the identifier. For example, the system  1300  can initiate a look up (locally or via the server) for whether the fillable component is from a known or trusted source based on the identifier. In some instances, if the validation is failed, the package can be advanced directly to a sorting station (e.g., the sorting station  1175 ) such that the invalidated fillable component can be ejected via a fail chute (e.g., the fail chute  1186 ) into a container of failed packages at  1399   q.  For example, the control assembly of the system  1300  can instruct intermediate stations through which the package may pass on the way to sorting station (e.g., the stations  1172 ,  1173 , and/or  1174 ) to skip their respective functions while the package is disposed at each respective intermediate station. In instances where the package is successfully validated, the package can be advanced to a filling station (e.g., filling station  1172 ) and at  1399   h  filled with a specified quantity of the consumable substance based on a preset parameter of the system  1300 . The consumable substance can be delivered to the fillable component of the package at a preset temperature (e.g., set during the initial stages of interaction with a control panel of the system  1300  or by the server  1320  after selecting an oil batch at  1399   c ). The package can then be advanced to a weighing station (e.g. the weighing station  1173 ) at  1399   i,  weighed (e.g., by a load cell), and then advanced to a marking station and/or marking assembly (e.g., marking station  1174 ) at  1399   j  where a second identifier (e.g., a logo, an ID, etc.,) can be marked on the package and/or on the fillable component within the package. 
     In some instances, the system  1300  can evaluate the measured weight at  1399   k,  and if the measured weight of the package is not satisfactory (e.g., outside of a threshold weight range or below a threshold value), the package can be advanced to the sorting station and, at  1399   q,  to the fail chute therefrom. If the weight is considered satisfactory, for example based on meeting a threshold weight for the specified consumable substance, the package can be advanced at  1399   l  to the pass chute at the sorting station and the system  1300  can send additional data to a server. In some embodiments, the marking station engages with each package prior to the weighing station. In some embodiments, the weighing station can weigh each package prior to the package being advanced to the marking station. 
     In some instances, the system  1300 , at  1399   l , can communicate with the server  1320  via the transceiver and send additional information associated with filling a set of fillable components. For example, the system  1300  can send a machine ID associated with the system  1300 , and/or a set of serial numbers or other identifying information associated with the set of fillable components and/or packages filled and passed and/or failed during a run. In some instances, the system  1300  can send information including a batch number associated with the consumable substance used to fill each fillable component of a set of fillable components, and a weight measured for each fillable component. The system  1300  can also send additional information (e.g., a time, date, place stamp, source of consumable substance, etc.,) associated with the filling that can be documented by the server  1320  and linked to the set of fillable components such that the information can be retrieved at a later time point. For example, in the event of a recall of a specific consumable substance the association between the set of fillable components and the consumable substance under recall can be used to trace the fillable components that may have to be recalled and/or locked from further use. 
     In some instances, the system  1300  can evaluate at  1399   m  if a magazine is empty of packages and actuate the ejection of another package from the pod only if the magazine is loaded with at least one package. In instances where the system  1300  determines the package to be empty the system  1300  can instruct the process to terminate and the system to be stopped at  1399   n  or power off the system  1300  at  1399   o.  The system  1300  can also evaluate if the supply reservoir  1353  is empty at  1399   p  and if so stop the system  1300  at  1399   n  or power off the system  1300  at  1399   o.    
       FIG. 30  is an exploded view of an example package or apparatus  1209  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 31  is a rear view of the apparatus  1209 . The package  1209  can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the packages described herein, such as the packages  1150  described above. The package or apparatus  1209  can include a housing  1231  that includes a cover portion  1210  and a base portion  1235 . The base portion  1235  defines an interior defining a space  1237  that can hold a fillable component  1205 . The fillable component  1205  can be, for example, a cartridge assembly (also referred to as a capsule or pod) configured to be used with a vaporizer pen or device after removal from the interior  1237  of the base portion  1235 . The package or apparatus  1209  can be configured such that the interior can be accessed from the outside via an opening  1267  defined in the housing  1231 . 
     The housing  1231  includes a mount  1220  coupled to the base portion  1235 . The mount  1220  is configured to hold the fillable component  1205  and maintain a position of the fillable component  1205  within the interior of the base portion  1235 . For example, the mount  1220  can maintain a position of the fillable component  1205  within the interior  1237  of the base portion  1235  while the apparatus is being held on a base or platform of a filling apparatus (e.g., filling apparatus  900 ,  1000 , and/or  1100 ). In some embodiments, the mount  1220  includes a first securing tab  1295   a  and a second securing tab  1295   b  configured to receive the fillable component  1205  between the first  1295   a  and second securing tab  1295   b.  In some embodiments, the first and/or the second securing tabs  1295   a  and  1295   b  are configured to have an initial configuration relative to each other to which the first and/or second securing tabs  1295   a  and  1295   b  are biased (also referred to as a contracted configuration). The securing tabs can be configured to be expanded by applying force to the first and/or the second securing tab during placement of the fillable component  1205  such that the securing tabs  1295   a  and  1295   b  can automatically revert toward the first configuration of being contracted when the force is removed. Due to being biased toward the initial configuration, the securing tabs  1295   a  and  1295   b  can retain the fillable component  1205  between the securing tabs by gripping the fillable component  1205 . In some embodiments, the apparatus  1209  can include a mount that includes a first second, third and a fourth securing tabs each of the four securing tabs configured to engage with the fillable component  1205 . For example, the first securing tab and the second securing tab can be disposed opposite each other and the third securing tab and the fourth securing tab can be disposed opposite each other. One or both sets of securing tabs can be biased toward a gripping configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 30 , the cover portion  1210  of the apparatus  1200  includes a first cover portion  1291  and a second cover portion  1292 . The first cover portion  1291  can be disposed in a first position relative to the second cover portion  1292  in a closed configuration (shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31 ) and in a second position relative to the second cover portion  1292  in an open configuration (not shown). In the closed configuration, the fillable component  1205  can be enclosed within the interior  1237  of the housing  1231 . In the open configuration, the housing  1231  can be opened and the fillable component  1205  can be retrieved from the interior  1237  of the housing  1231 . The cover portion  1210  can be transitioned between a closed configuration and an open configuration by separating the first cover portion  1291  from the second cover portion  1292 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 30 , the first cover portion  1291  can be coupled to the second cover portion  1292  via a removable elongated tab  1294 . In some embodiments, the cover portion  1210  can include a hinge  1299  coupling the first cover portion  1291  to the second cover portion  1292  in the open configuration and the closed configuration. The elongated tab  1294  and the hinge  1299  can collectively form at least a portion of a perimeter of the cover portion  1210 . In some embodiments, the cover portion  1210  the elongated tab  1294  can serve as a tamper proof seal and/or a child resistant seal configured to be removed before transitioning the first cover portion  1291  from the second cover portion  1292  such that the fillable component  1205  cannot be removed from the interior  1237  of the housing unless the elongated tab  1294  is first removed. In some embodiments, the second cover portion  1292  can be is coupled to the base portion  1235  via ultrasonic welding. 
     The fillable component  1205  can include an resealable (e.g., elastomeric) membrane  1227 . The fillable component  1205  can be coupled to the mount  1220  such that the resealable membrane  1227  is aligned with the opening  1267  in the housing  1231 . The opening  1267  and the elastomeric membrane  1227  are configured to provide access for a needle (e.g., needle of a filling apparatus) to access a reservoir of the fillable component  1205 . The opening  1267  can be smaller than the outer profile of the fillable component  1205  but sufficiently large such that the resealable membrane  1227  can be pierced by a needle via the opening  1267  to fill a reservoir of the fillable component  1205 . In some embodiments, the resealable membrane  1227  can be made using silicone via double injection moulding methods. 
     In some embodiments, after the fillable component  1205  is filled via the opening and the resealable membrane  1227 , the package  1209  can be coupled to a backing (not shown) having a larger outer perimeter than the outer perimeter of the package  1209 . The backing can cover the opening  1267 . The package  1209  can be coupled to the backing via, for example, adhesive. The backing can be formed of, for example, plastic or cardboard. 
     In some embodiments, the package  1209  can include an identifier  1295  on an outer surface of the package  1209 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , the identifier  1295  can be disposed on the surface of the package  1209  defining the opening  1267 . The identifier  1295  can be, for example, an identifier imprinted or marked on the package  1209  and readable by a consumable filling apparatus such as apparatus  900 ,  100 ,  110  etc. 
     The fillable component  1205 , and any of the fillable components of any of the packages or systems described herein (e.g., vaporizer  105   a  and/or capsule  105   b ), can be any suitable fillable component configured to receive a consumable substance via a piercable membrane aligned with an opening in a package as described herein. For example, the fillable component  1205 , and any of the fillable components (e.g., vaporizers, cartridge assemblies, and/or capsules) described herein can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the vaporizers, cartridge assemblies, and/or capsules described in the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/886,244 filed on Aug. 13, 2019, entitled “Methods and Systems for Heating Carrier Material Using a Vaporizer,” in the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/886,256 filed on Aug. 13, 2019, entitled “Methods and Systems for Delivering a Dose Using a Vaporizer,” and in in the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/886,240 filed on Aug. 13, 2019, entitled “Variable-Viscosity Carrier Vaporizers with Enhanced Thermal and Hydrodynamic Properties,” the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     The terms “instructions” and “code” should be interpreted broadly to include any type of computer-readable statement(s). For example, the terms “instructions” and “code” may refer to one or more programs, routines, sub-routines, functions, procedures, etc. “Instructions” and “code” may comprise a single computer-readable statement or many computer-readable statements. 
     The term “automatically” is used herein to modify actions that occur without direct input or prompting by an external source such as a user. Automatically occurring actions can occur periodically, sporadically, in response to a detected event (e.g., a user logging in), or according to a predetermined schedule. 
     Some embodiments described herein relate to a computer storage product with a non-transitory computer-readable medium (also can be referred to as a non-transitory processor-readable medium) having instructions or computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium) is non-transitory in the sense that it does not include transitory propagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wave carrying information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable). The media and computer code (also can be referred to as code) may be those designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital Video Discs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), and holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as optical disks; carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random-Access Memory (RAM) devices. Other embodiments described herein relate to a computer program product, which can include, for example, the instructions and/or computer code discussed herein. 
     Some embodiments and/or methods described herein can be performed by software (executed on hardware), hardware, or a combination thereof. Hardware modules may include, for example, a general-purpose processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Software modules (executed on hardware) can be expressed in a variety of software languages (e.g., computer code), including C, C++, Java™ Ruby, Visual Basic™, and/or other object-oriented, procedural, or other programming language and development tools. Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code or micro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containing higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, embodiments may be implemented using imperative programming languages (e.g., C, Fortran, etc.), functional programming languages (Haskell, Erlang, etc.), logical programming languages (e.g., Prolog), object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Java, C++, etc.) or other suitable programming languages and/or development tools. Additional examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code. 
     Various concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments. Put differently, it is to be understood that such features may not necessarily be limited to a particular order of execution, but rather, any number of threads, processes, services, servers, and/or the like that may execute serially, asynchronously, concurrently, in parallel, simultaneously, synchronously, and/or the like in a manner consistent with the disclosure. As such, some of these features may be mutually contradictory, in that they cannot be simultaneously present in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features are applicable to one aspect of the innovations, and inapplicable to others. 
     In addition, the disclosure may include other innovations not presently described. Applicant reserves all rights in such innovations, including the right to embodiment such innovations, file additional applications, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisional s, and/or the like thereof. As such, it should be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, features, logical, operational, organizational, structural, topological, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the embodiments or limitations on equivalents to the embodiments. Depending on the particular desires and/or characteristics of an individual and/or enterprise user, database configuration and/or relational model, data type, data transmission and/or network framework, syntax structure, and/or the like, various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be implemented in a manner that enables a great deal of flexibility and customization as described herein. 
     All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. 
     As used herein, in particular embodiments, the terms “about” or “approximately” when preceding a numerical value indicates the value plus or minus a range of 10%. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. That the upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure. 
     The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” 
     The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the embodiments, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the embodiments, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc. 
     In the embodiments, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03. 
     While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlined above, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in a certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and such modification are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. The embodiments have been particularly shown and described, but it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.