Patent Publication Number: US-2023148654-A1

Title: Systems and methods for an automatic filling machine

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/278,592, filed Nov. 12, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention is in the technical field of weighing and filling systems and more particularly to an accurate net weight-based filling system for producing prerolls that are compliant, consistent, repeatable, and scalable for automatic cone filling. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently available systems for weighing products and filling containers do not fill the container with an accurately measured amount of the substance. For example, in the smokable products industry, prerolled smokable products are typically hand filled and rolled. The person manually filling and rolling the product typically measures an amount of the smokable product on a weighing device and manually fills a preroll with the weighed smokable product. The weighing device may be of low quality and may not be accurate and smokable product may be lost in the transfer from the weighing device into the preroll. As such, an unknown amount of the smokable product may be filled in the preroll. 
     Additionally, federal, state, and local regulations may require that the amount of smokable substance within the preroll be within a predetermined tolerance. Specifically, at least some regulations require that the prerolled smokable product have an actual weight that is within the predetermined tolerance of a predetermined weight. More specifically, at least some regulations require that the actual weight of the prerolled smokable product be within ±3% or the predetermined weight. For example, some regulations require that the actual weight of the prerolled smokable product be with ±3% of 0.5 grams (g). Manually weighing and filling of prerolled smokable product may result in loses of up to 20% of the smokable product because the roller may not accurately weigh the product, resulting in the prerolled smokable product being discarded. 
     Currently available systems for automatically filling and weighing the prerolled smokable products use a volume method that is unreliable and not useful for many critical applications. Specifically, the volume method typically does not accurately weigh the product such that the actual weight of the prerolled smokable products is within the predetermined tolerance of the predetermined weight. More specifically, the volume method, and other weighing methods, have difficultly accurately weighing smokable products with speed and accuracy. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a weighing and filling system that overcomes the above referenced limitations by providing an accurate net weight based rolling system producing prerolls that are compliant, consistent, repeatable, and scalable for automatic cone filling. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a weighing and filling system including a measuring station. The measuring station includes a hopper for receiving a smokable product, a vibratory bowl for receiving the smokable product from the hopper, a weigh bowl for receiving the smokable product from the vibratory bowl, a weigh module attached to the weigh bowl for measuring the smokable product in the weigh bowl, and a puck defining a plurality of cavities for receiving the smokable product therein. Each cavity of the plurality of cavities is configured to receive a predetermined amount of smokable product within a predetermined tolerance of the predetermined amount. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a plurality of prerolled cones containing a smokable product using a measuring station and a tamping station. The measuring station includes a hopper, a vibratory bowl, a weigh bowl, a weigh module, and a puck. The tamping station includes an upper tube assembly including a plurality of tight tubes for containing the plurality of prerolled cones, a lower tube assembly including a plurality of loose tubes for containing the plurality of prerolled cones, and a seating platform. The method includes receiving the smokable product into the vibratory bowl. The method also includes metering the smokable product from the vibratory bowl to the weigh bowl. The method further includes measuring the smokable product in the weigh bowl using the weigh modules. The method also includes determining that the smokable product in the weigh bowl is within a predetermined tolerance of a predetermined amount of smokable product. The method further includes moving the smokable product from the weigh bowl to a plurality of cavities within the puck. The method also includes transferring the puck to the tamping station. The method further includes stacking the upper tube assembly on the lower tube assembly and the puck on the upper tube assembly. The method also includes vibrating the upper tube assembly, the lower tube assembly, and the puck with the seating platform to tamp the smokable product in the plurality of cavities into the plurality of prerolled cones. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features which are believed to be characteristic of the concepts disclosed herein, both as to their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of an accurate net weight based rolling system for producing prerolls that are compliant, consistent, repeatable, and scalable for automatic cone filling in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of the measuring station shown in  FIG.  1    in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a front view of the measuring station shown in  FIG.  1    in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a side view of the measuring station shown in  FIG.  1    in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a top view of the measuring station shown in  FIG.  1    in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of the tamping station shown in  FIG.  1    in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a front view of the tamping station shown in  FIG.  1    in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a side view of the tamping station shown in  FIG.  1    in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a top view of the tamping station shown in  FIG.  1    in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the hoppers and the linear feeder pans in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic side view of the hoppers and the linear feeder pans in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic front view of the hoppers and the linear feeder pans in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic top view of the hoppers and the linear feeder pans in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of the vibratory bowls in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic side view of the vibratory bowls in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    is a schematic front view of the vibratory bowls in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    is a schematic top view of the vibratory bowls in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of the weigh bucket scoops in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  19    is a schematic side view of the weigh bucket scoops in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  20    is a schematic front view of the weigh bucket scoops in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  21    is a schematic top view of the weigh bucket scoops in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  22    is a perspective view of the weigh modules in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  23    is a schematic side view of the weigh modules in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  24    is a schematic front view of the weigh modules in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  25    is a schematic top view of the weigh modules in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  26    is a perspective view of the puck in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  27    is a schematic side view of the puck in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  28    is a schematic front view of the puck in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  29    is a schematic top view of the puck in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  30    is a perspective view of the puck, the X-axis orienter, and the Y-axis orienter in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  31    is a schematic side view of the puck, the X-axis orienter, and the Y-axis orienter in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  32    is a schematic front view of the puck, the X-axis orienter, and the Y-axis orienter in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  33    is a schematic top view of the puck, the X-axis orienter, and the Y-axis orienter in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  34    is a perspective view of the upper tube assembly, the lower tube assembly, and the puck in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  35    is a schematic side view of the upper tube assembly, the lower tube assembly, and the puck in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  36    is a schematic front view of the upper tube assembly, the lower tube assembly, and the puck in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  37    is a perspective view of the seating platform, the short air cylinder, and the long air cylinder in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  38    is a schematic side view of the seating platform, the short air cylinder, and the long air cylinder in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  39    is a schematic front view of the seating platform, the short cylinder, and the long air cylinder in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  40    is a schematic top view of the seating platform, the short air cylinder, and the long air cylinder in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  41    illustrates a perspective view of a digital scale for measuring the accuracy of the smokable product contained in the prerolls in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
         FIG.  42    illustrates a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a plurality of prerolled cones containing a smokable product using a measuring station and a tamping station in accordance with aspects of the current disclosure. 
     
    
    
     While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of an accurate net weight based rolling system  100  for producing prerolls that are compliant, consistent, repeatable, and scalable for automatic cone filling, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The accurate net weight based rolling system  100  includes a measuring station  200  and a tamping station  600 .  FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of the measuring station  200  shown in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  3    illustrates a front view of the measuring station  200  shown in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  4    illustrates a side view of the measuring station  200  shown in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  5    illustrates a top view of the measuring station  200  shown in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of the tamping station  600  shown in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  7    illustrates a front view of the tamping station  600  shown in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  8    illustrates a side view of the tamping station  600  shown in  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  9    illustrates a top view of the tamping station  600  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the measuring station  200  includes at least one hopper  202  and  204 . In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring station  200  includes two hoppers  202  and  204  for receiving the smokable product and feeding the smokable product to the rest of the measuring station  200 . In alternative embodiments, the measuring station  200  may include any number of hoppers  202  and  204  that enables the measuring station  200  to operate as described herein. The measuring station  200  also includes at least one linear feeder pan  206  and  208  that is connected to the hoppers  202  and  204  such that the hoppers  202  and  204  feed the smokable product to the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 . In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring station  200  includes two linear feeder pans  206  and  208  for receiving the smokable product from the hoppers  202  and  204  and feeding the smokable product to the rest of the measuring station  200 . In alternative embodiments, the measuring station  200  may include any number of linear feeder pans  206  and  208  that enables the measuring station  200  to operate as described herein. 
     The measuring station  200  further includes at least one vibratory bowl  210  and  212  that is connected to the linear feeder pans  206  and  208  such that the linear feeder pans  206  and  208  feed the smokable product to the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 . In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring station  200  includes two vibratory bowls  210  and  212  for receiving the smokable product from the linear feeder pans  206  and  208  and feeding the smokable product to the rest of the measuring station  200 . In alternative embodiments, the measuring station  200  may include any number of vibratory bowls  210  and  212  that enables the measuring station  200  to operate as described herein. The measuring station  200  also includes at least one weigh bucket scoop  214  and  216  for receiving the smokable product from the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 . In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring station  200  includes two weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  for receiving the smokable product from the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  and feeding the smokable product to the rest of the measuring station  200 . In alternative embodiments, the measuring station  200  may include any number of weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  that enables the measuring station  200  to operate as described herein. 
     The measuring station  200  further includes at least one weigh modules  218  and  220  is attached to the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  for weighing the smokable product in the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 . In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring station  200  includes two weigh modules  218  and  220  for weighing the smokable product in the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 . In alternative embodiments, the measuring station  200  may include any number of weigh modules  218  and  220  that enables the measuring station  200  to operate as described herein. The measuring station  200  also includes at least one feeder  222  and  224  for receiving the smokable product from the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 . In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring station  200  includes two feeders  222  and  224  for receiving the smokable product from the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  and feeding the smokable product to the rest of the measuring station  200 . In alternative embodiments, the measuring station  200  may include any number of feeders  222  and  224  that enables the measuring station  200  to operate as described herein. 
     The measuring station  200  further includes a puck  226  defining a plurality of cavities  228  for receiving the smokable product from the feeders  222  and  224 . In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring station  200  includes one puck  226  including  240  cavities for receiving the smokable product from the feeders  222  and  224 . In alternative embodiments, the measuring station  200  may include any number of pucks  226  including any number of cavities  228  that enables the measuring station  200  to operate as described herein. The measuring station  200  further includes at least one X-axis orienter  230  and at least one Y-axis orienter  232  that are connected to the puck  226  for positioning the cavities  228  below the feeders  222  and  224  to ensure that the smokable product is loaded into a cavity  228  without losing smokable product. The puck  226  is removably attached to a system chassis  234  of the measuring station  200  such that the puck  226  may be moved to the tamping station  600  without losing smokable product. The measuring station  200  also includes a main control console  236  is also attached to the system chassis  234 . 
     During operation of the measuring station  200 , smokable product is loaded into the hoppers  202  and  204  and the hoppers  202  and  204  feed the smokable product into the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 . As discussed in greater detail below, the hoppers  202  and  204  and the linear feeder pans  206  and  208  are designed to feed the smokable product to the measuring station  200  in consistent manner. The linear feeder pans  206  and  208  then feed the smokable product to the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 , which meters the smokable product to the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  in a controlled and predictable manner such that each weigh bucket scoop  214  and  216  is filled with a precise, predetermined amount of smokable product. The weigh modules  218  and  220  then precisely weigh the smokable product in each weigh bucket scoop  214  and  216  to ensure that each cavity  228  is filled with the predetermined amount of smokable product. If the smokable product in the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  is within a predetermined tolerance of the predetermined amount of smokable product, the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  feed the smokable product into the feeders  222  and  224  which feed the smokable product into the cavities  228 . The X-axis orienter  230  and the Y-axis orienter  232  move the puck  226  such that empty cavities  228  are positioned below the feeders  222  and  224  and the process is repeated until all of the cavities  228  are filled. The puck  226  is then moved to the tamping station  600  for packing as described below. Additionally, as described below, each portion of the measuring station  200  has been precisely designed to feed a consistent amount of smokable product through the measuring station  200  such that each cavity  228  contains the predetermined amount of smokable product within the predetermined tolerance. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6 - 9   , the tamping station  600  includes a table  602 , an air nozzle  604 , a pneumatic piston  606 , a seating platform  608 , a first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610 , an upper tube assembly  612 , a lower tube assembly  614 , a short air cylinder  616 , a long air cylinder  618 , and a receiving tray  620 . The table  602  provides structural support for the tamping station  600  and the air nozzle  604 , the pneumatic piston  606 , the seating platform  608 , the first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610 , the upper tube assembly  612 , the lower tube assembly  614 , the short air cylinder  616 , the long air cylinder  618 , and the receiving tray  620  are supported by or attached to the table  602 . 
     The air nozzle  604  is attached to the table  602  and is configured to seat cones into the upper tube assembly  612  such that the cones receive the smokable product while minimizing loss of the smokable product. Specifically, the preassembled cones are manually placed in the upper tube assembly  612  and the air nozzle  604  is used to manually seat the cone in the upper tube assembly  612  such that each cone fits snuggly in the upper tube assembly  612 . In the illustrated embodiment, the air nozzle  602  includes a flat brush design that allows the operator to swiftly seat the cones into position for tamping. In the illustrated embodiment, the air nozzle  604  is configured to disperse air evenly into two cones simultaneously. In alternative embodiments, the air nozzle  604  may be configured to disperse air evenly into any number of cones simultaneously. 
     The seating platform  608  is attached to the table  602  and configured to tamp and fill the cones. The seating platform  608  is attached to the short air cylinder  616  and the long air cylinder  618 . The seating platform  608  supports and tamps the cones to form an even pack while seated in the loose cones. The seating platform  608  has two positions, “up”, or “start”, and “down”, or “tamp”. The long air cylinder  618  moves the seating platform  608  from the filling position (tight tubes) to the tamping position (loose tubes) and back up to be transferred onto the lower tube assembly  614 . The short air cylinder  616  is equipped with specialty software and hardware to control the short air cylinder&#39;s  616  amplitude and stroke for a desired tamping action and bounces the cones to compaction according to customer preferences. 
     The pneumatic piston  606  is configured to vibrate the upper tube assembly  612 , the lower tube assembly  614 , and the puck  226 . The vibrations caused by the pneumatic piston  606  is used to settle the smokable product into the cones and assist in the tamping process. The receiving tray  620  allows the operator to move the packed cones away from the upper tube assembly  612  and the lower tube assembly  614  for twisting and packaging. 
     During operations, the cones are preassembled and placed in the upper tube assembly  612  and seated into the upper tube assembly  612  using the air nozzle  604 . The puck  226  is filled with smokable product as described above. The first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  is attached to the puck  226  such that the smokable product remains in the cavities  228 . The puck  226  and the first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  are stacked onto the upper tube assembly  612  and the lower tube assembly  614  as shown in  FIGS.  6 - 9   . The seating platform is in the state position and the first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  is removed to enable the smokable product to fall into the cones. The upper tube assembly  612 , the lower tube assembly  614 , and the puck  226  are vibrated by the pneumatic piston  606  to settle the smokable product in the cones. The puck  226  is removed and returned to the measuring station  200 . The seating platform  608  is lowered to tamping position by the long air cylinder  618 . The cones descend from the upper tube assembly  612  to the loose, frictionless lower tube assembly  614  and are continuously vibrated. The short air cylinder  616  has software and hardware that control amplitude and stroke for a tamping action and bounces the cones to compaction. The upper tube assembly  612  is removed to expose the filled, tamped cones. The precisely filled, tamped cones are then slid onto the receiving tray  620  with no loss of product and are slightly elevated to expose the cones for ease of access for removal and/or end twisting. 
       FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the hoppers  202  and  204  and the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 .  FIG.  11    is a schematic side view of the hoppers  202  and  204  and the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 .  FIG.  12    is a schematic front view of the hoppers  202  and  204  and the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 .  FIG.  13    is a schematic top view of the hoppers  202  and  204  and the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  10 - 13   , the hoppers  202  and  204  include a V-shaped container  1002  including a screen  1004  and a gate  1006 . The screen  1004  has a predetermined mesh size that ensures that the smokable product is small enough to fit into the cavities  228  and the cones. More specifically, the screen  1004  is used to filter out inconsistencies in the product such as clumps. The container  1002  is sized and shaped to ensure that the smokable product is consistently fed to the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG.  12   , the container  1002  has sides  1008  that are arranged at an angle α relative to the horizontal  1010 . In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is about 70° to about 75° or about 71.0111°. The angle α is configured to consistently feed the smokable product to the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 . The gate  1006  is configured to open and close to feed the smokable product to the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 . The angle of the V-shaped container  1002  allows the product to flow consistently. Too steep or too shallow of an angle may cause product to clog. 
     The linear feeder pans  206  and  208  are configured to transfer smokable product from the V-shaped container  1002  to the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  with minimal noise. The linear feeder pans  206  and  208  include a sensor (not shown) that activates the linear feeder pans  206  and  208  when the smokable product is low in the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 . The linear feeder pans  206  and  208  include a sloped channel  1012  that is attached to the V-shaped container  1002  and a vibratory feeder  1014  configured to vibrate the V-shaped container  1002  and the sloped channel  1012  to move the smokable product. Specifically, vibration of the vibratory feeders  1014  vibrates the V-shaped container  1002 , the screen  1004 , and the sloped channel  1012  to move the smokable product through the screen  1004 , the V-shaped container  1002 , and the sloped channel  1012 . As discussed herein, the main control console  236  includes a plurality of controls that variably and adjustably control the hoppers  202  and  204  and the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 . 
     Specifically, the main control console  236  includes controllers that include variable amplitude and frequency control that is adjustable. Because the consistency of the smokable product varies greatly, the amplitude and frequency of the vibrations of the vibratory feeders  1014  may be varied to ensure the consistency of the smokable product fed to the measuring station  200  remains constant. That is, the vibratory feeders  1014  may be mechanically and electronically adjusted for product consistency. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibratory feeders  1014  are powered by digitally adjustable RC 24 vdc variable amplitude and frequency control devices. The RC control devices and the angles α of the sides  1008  of the V-shaped container  1002  are designed and configured to ensure that the consistency of the smokable product that is fed to the measuring station  200  remains constant. 
       FIG.  14    is a perspective view of the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 .  FIG.  15    is a schematic side view of the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 .  FIG.  16    is a schematic front view of the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 .  FIG.  17    is a schematic top view of the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 . The vibratory bowls  210  and  212  are the key to achieving an accurate weight. The process of weighing out a product is dependent on the flowability of the product. The vibratory bowls  210  and  212  enable a thin consistent flow of product that can be quickly shut off once the weigh modules  218  and  220  reach the target weight. 
     The vibratory bowls  210  and  212  are customized to meter the smokable product into the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  in a controlled and predictable way. As shown in  FIGS.  14 - 17   , the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  include a bowl  1402 , a sweep  1404 , and a channel  1406 . The bowl  1402  is configured to contain and receive the smokable product from the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 . The sweep  1404  is positioned within the bowl  1402  and is adjustable to control the flow of smokable product to the channel  1406 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sweep  1404  includes a cork-screw ramp that is rotatably positioned within the bowl  1402  to move smokable product from the bowl  1402  to the channel  1406 . The sweep  1404  is configured to rotate within the bowl  1402  such that smokable product is raised to the channel  1406 . The speed and duration of rotation of the sweep  1404  may be adjusted to control the amount and consistency of smokable product fed to the channel  1406  and the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 . The channel  1406  is attached to and extends from the bowl  1402  such that the channel  1406  extends over the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 . As the smokable product is fed to the channel  1406  by the sweep  1404 , the smokable product on the channel  1406  is push off the channel  1406  onto the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 . The channel  1406  is sized and shaped to smoothly deliver smokable product to the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  in a controlled and consistent manner. The vibratory bowls  210  and  212  include supports  1408  that double isolate the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  from the remainder of the measuring station  200  to prevent vibration from affecting the rest of the system. As discussed herein, the main control console  236  includes a plurality of controls that variably and adjustably control the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 . 
     Specifically, the main control console  236  includes controllers that include variable amplitude and frequency control that is adjustable. Because the consistency of the smokable product varies greatly, the controllers that control the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  may be varied to ensure the consistency of the smokable product fed to the measuring station  200  remains constant. The variable amplitude and frequency controllers that control the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  are used to meter the smokable product in a controlled and predictable manner. The vibratory bowls  210  and  212  can be both mechanically and electronically adjusted for product consistency. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  are powered by custom digitally adjustable 24 vdc variable amplitude and frequency controllers. As such, the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  rapidly flow the smokable product to the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  mounted on the weigh modules  218  and  220 , to achieve fast cycle time, then slow down to meter the smokable product more precisely as the net weight nears the target. Accordingly, the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  are designed to precisely meter the smokable product to the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 . 
       FIG.  18    is a perspective view of the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 .  FIG.  19    is a schematic side view of the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 .  FIG.  20    is a schematic front view of the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 .  FIG.  21    is a schematic top view of the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 .  FIG.  22    is a perspective view of the weigh modules  218  and  220 .  FIG.  23    is a schematic side view of the weigh modules  218  and  220 .  FIG.  24    is a schematic front view of the weigh modules  218  and  220 .  FIG.  25    is a schematic top view of the weigh modules  218  and  220 . The weigh bucket scoops  214  are specially designed with shallow sides to minimize the product drop height from the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 . This allows the weigh modules  218  and  220  to capture a more accurate weight. The closer the output of the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  is to the weigh bucket scoops  214 , the more accurate the system will be. 
     The weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  and the weigh modules  218  and  220  are used to precisely weigh the smokable product that is to be deposited into cavities  228 . The weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  are pivotably attached to the weigh modules  218  and  220  such that the smokable product is weighed and transferred to the cavities  228  by the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  and the weigh modules  218  and  220 . Specifically, the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  are configured to receive the smokable product from the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  and pivot relative to the weigh modules  218  and  220  to deposit the smokable product in the cavities  228 . The weigh modules  218  and  220  are configured to measure the weight of the smokable product to ensure that the amount of smokable product dispensed by the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  is within the predetermined tolerance of the predetermined amount of smokable product. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  18 - 21   , the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  include a scoop  1802 , a hinge  1804 , and a servo pivot attachment  1806 . In the illustrated embodiment, the scoop  1802  is custom 3D printed out of amphora polymer for a light net weight design that complies with FDA regulations. In alternative embodiments, the scoop  1802  may be formed of any material and by any method that enables the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  to operate as described herein. The weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  include a servo mechanism (not shown) to dump the smokable product into the feeders  222  and  224  after the predetermined amount of smokable product has been received. Additionally, the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  also include a small magnet that ensures stability when the scoop  1802  returns to its resting position and an air blow-off to clean the scoop  1802  after each cycle. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  22 - 25   , the weigh modules  218  and  220  include a scoop mount  2202  and isolation supports (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the weigh modules  218  and  220  include weight sensors that have a capacity from 1 gram to 100 kilograms. Preferably, the weigh modules  218  and  220  have a capacity of 1 kilogram. Additionally, the weigh modules  218  and  220  provide a resolution of 0.01 g, +/−0.02 g accuracy with the custom software. An analog output is read in increments of 1/10,000 of a millivolt (mv); or one millionth of a volt from the weigh modules  218  and  220 . The weigh modules  218  and  220  are fitted with a custom cover to reduce interference and protect each weigh modules from damage. The scoop mount  2202  mount the weigh modules  218  and  220  to the hinge  1804  and the isolation supports isolate the weigh modules  218  and  220  from the rest of the measuring station  200 . 
     One or more of the designed hoppers  202  and  204 , the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 , the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 , the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 , and the feeders  222  and  224  may include a coating that enables the system  100  to process a wider variety of smokable products. For example, at least some smokable products include infused smokable products and surfaces with a decreased coefficient of friction process infused smokable products more efficiently. As such, equipment within the system  100  that contacts the smokable product may be coated with a coating that decreases the coefficient of friction for the equipment and enable the equipment to process infused smokable product. In the illustrated embodiment, the portions of the designed hoppers  202  and  204 , the linear feeder pans  206  and  208 , the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 , the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216 , and the feeders  222  and  224  that directly contact the smokable product are coated with a polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) coating that is water resistant and lowers the coefficient of friction of the equipment. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the feeders  222  and  224  each include a vertical channel  302  and a cone  304 . The vertical channel  302  is attached to the system chassis  234  and the cone  304  is attached to the vertical channel  302 . The vertical channel  302  receives the smokable product from the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  and feeds the smokable product to the cone  304 . The cone  304  is cone shaped with a hole  306  at an end  308  of the cone  304  such that the smokable product is funneled into select cavities  228 . 
       FIG.  26    is a perspective view of the puck  226 .  FIG.  27    is a schematic side view of the puck  226 .  FIG.  28    is a schematic front view of the puck  226 .  FIG.  29    is a schematic top view of the puck  226 . The puck  226  is specially designed to capture pre-weighed product in individual cavities that can be transported to a container without losing product. The low friction UHMW  610  has holes offset to the cavities that create an opening when the cavity and the hole are aligned. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  26 - 29   , the puck  226  includes a puck body  2602  and two handles  2604 . The puck body  2602  defines the plurality of cavities  228 , the handles  2604  are attached to the puck body  2602 , and the first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  is attached to a bottom  2606  of the puck body  2602 . Preferably, the puck body  2602  defines  240  cavities  228  and is formed from any suitable material. In alternative embodiments, the puck body  2602  defines any number of cavities  228  that enables the puck  226  to operate as described herein. Preferably, the puck  226  is a custom designed and machined piece of acetal specially designed to catch all the dispensed product and transfer it to the feeders  222  and  224  with minimal product loss, less than 0.007 g. Additionally, the puck cavities are specifically designed and machined at a special angle α, depending on the smokable product being deposited in the preroll cones, with a large enough diameter to prevent clogging. 
     The first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  maintains the smokable product in the cavities  228  when the puck  226  is moved to the tamping station  600  for further processing. More specifically, the first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  is used as a slide plate and latched in place with a latch (not shown). Once the puck  226  is filled and positioned above the preroll cones, the latch is released and the first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  slides to allow the smokable product to fall into the preroll cones. 
       FIG.  30    is a perspective view of the puck  226 , the X-axis orienter  230 , and the Y-axis orienter  232 .  FIG.  31    is a schematic side view of the puck  226 , the X-axis orienter  230 , and the Y-axis orienter  232 .  FIG.  32    is a schematic front view of the puck  226 , the X-axis orienter  230 , and the Y-axis orienter  232 .  FIG.  33    is a schematic top view of the puck  226 , the X-axis orienter  230 , and the Y-axis orienter  232   
     As shown in  FIGS.  30 - 33   , the puck  226  is attached to the X-axis orienter  230 , the X-axis orienter  230  is attached to the Y-axis orienter  232 , and the Y-axis orienter  232  is attached to the system chassis  234 . The X-axis orienter  230  and the Y-axis orienter  232  together define an XY orienter  3002 . The X-axis orienter  230  and the Y-axis orienter  232  each include at least two linear actuators driven by high precision smart motors. Additionally, the X-axis orienter  230  and the Y-axis orienter  232  are specifically programmed with custom software comprising instructions executable on at least one processor to move with 1/10,000 of an inch precision. The X-axis orienter  230  includes at least one 250 mm stroke motor and the Y-axis orienter  232  includes at least one 450 mm stroke motor. Both actuators of the X-axis orienter  230  and the Y-axis orienter  232  work with each other to move to the puck  226  so that all  240  cavities on the puck  226  can be filled by the measuring station  200 . 
       FIG.  34    is a perspective view of the upper tube assembly  612 , the lower tube assembly  614 , and the puck  226 .  FIG.  35    is a schematic side view of the upper tube assembly  612 , the lower tube assembly  614 , and the puck  226 .  FIG.  36    is a schematic front view of the upper tube assembly  612 , the lower tube assembly  614 , and the puck  226 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  34 - 36   , when the puck  226  is moved to the tamping station  600 , a second thin layer of low friction UHMW  3402  is stacked on the lower tube assembly  614 , the upper tube assembly  612  is stacked on the second thin layer of low friction UHMW  3402 , the first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  is stacked on the upper tube assembly  612 , and the puck  226  is stacked on the first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610 . The pneumatic piston  606  is attached to the second thin layer of low friction UHMW  3402  to enable the pneumatic piston  606  vibrate the upper tube assembly  612 , the lower tube assembly  614 , and the puck  226  to settle smokable product in the cones. 
     During operations, the cones are preassembled and placed in the upper tube assembly  612  and seated into the upper tube assembly  612  using the air nozzle  604 . The puck  226  is filled with smokable product as described above. The first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  is attached to the puck  226  such that the smokable product remains in the cavities  228 . The puck  226  and the first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  are stacked onto the upper tube assembly  612  and the lower tube assembly  614 . The seating platform is in the state position and the first thin layer of low friction UHMW  610  is removed to enable the smokable product to fall into the cones. The upper tube assembly  612 , the lower tube assembly  614 , and the puck  226  are vibrated by the pneumatic piston  606  to settle the smokable product in the cones. The puck  226  is removed and returned to the measuring station  200 . The seating platform  608  is lowered to tamping position by the long air cylinder  618 . The cones descend from the upper tube assembly  612  to the loose, frictionless lower tube assembly  614  and are continuously vibrated. The short air cylinder  616  has software and hardware that control amplitude and stroke for a tamping action and bounces the cones to compaction. The upper tube assembly  612  is removed to expose the filled, tamped cones. The precisely filled, tamped cones are then slid onto the receiving tray  620  with no loss of product and are slightly elevated to expose the cones for ease of access for removal and/or end twisting. 
     The procedure described above produces the final product in two stages. The first stage is a tight stage, and the second stage is a loose stage. Before the puck  226  is placed on the upper tube assembly  612 , the cones are placed in the custom-made upper tube assembly  612  then seated with the air nozzle  604 . The puck  226  is placed on top of the upper tube assembly  612  and then product is vibrated into the cones. Because the cones fit tightly (hence the need to seat them with air) there is no leakage. The next step is to lower the filled prerolled cones to the second level of loose tubes of the lower tube assembly  614  by removing the puck  226  while simultaneously using both air and vibration to get the filled prerolled cones and the seating platform  608  support into the lower tube assembly  614 . Now that the filled preroll cones are in the bottom, loose, tubes of the lower tube assembly  614 , the custom designed seating platform  608  vibrates up and down causing the cones to be tamped. The duration of this process determines the degree of firmness which is set by the operator. The precisely filled, tamped cones are then slid onto the receiving tray  620  with no loss of product so that the final cone net weight remains the regulatory required +/−3%. The tops of the cones are slightly elevated to expose them for ease of access for removal and/or end twisting. 
     The upper tube assembly  612 guides all the smokable product into the preroll cones. Additionally, the pneumatic piston  606  is attached to the upper tube assembly  612 to move all the smokable product from the puck  226  to the lower tube assembly  614 . The lower tube assembly  614 , also referred to as loose fit tubes, are also custom sized for frictionless tamping. 
       FIG.  37    is a perspective view of the seating platform  608 , the short air cylinder  616 , and the long air cylinder  618 .  FIG.  38    is a schematic side view of the seating platform  608 , the short air cylinder  616 , and the long air cylinder  618 .  FIG.  39    is a schematic front view of the seating platform  608 , the short air cylinder  616 , and the long air cylinder  618 .  FIG.  40    is a schematic top view of the seating platform  608 , the short air cylinder  616 , and the long air cylinder  618 . 
     The long air cylinder  618  moves the seating platform  608  from the filling position (tight tubes) to the tamping position (loose tubes) and back up to be transferred onto the lower tube assembly  614 . The short air cylinder  616  is equipped with specialty software and hardware to control the short air cylinder  616  amplitude and stroke for a desired tamping action and “bounces” the cones to compaction according to customer preferences. The seating platform  608  supports and tamps the cones to form an even pack while seated in the “loose” tubes. the platform has two positions, “up”, or “start”, and “down”, or “tamp”. 
       FIG.  41    illustrates a perspective view of a digital scale  4102  for measuring the accuracy of the smokable product contained in the prerolls. Quality control, if desired, may then be done by randomly selecting cones of the finished rack of 240 prerolls and emptying the contents into a container on the NTE approved milligram tabletop balance or digital scale  4102 . 
     The system  100  further comprises software, firmware, and custom circuit boards to provide precision net weigh automation to achieve resolution and accuracy of  0 . 01 g using weigh module technology. The system  100  therefore achieves a resolution and accuracy others can only achieve with force restoration technology. 
     As can be seen, the measuring station  200  is completely enclosed in the system chassis  234  to isolate contact surfaces from major electronics, pneumatics, wires, etc. housed in the system chassis  234 . Access hatches allow for easy access during service. Additionally, all electronics, logical components, control boards, interface elements are located an in exterior mounted enclosure. Polyethylene Terephthalate (P.E.T.) buckets minimize static electricity providing product accrual prevention and limiting product loss of USDA/FDA compliant material. 
     The main control console  236  is also attached to the system chassis  234 . The main control console  236  is located in the front of the measuring station  200  and electronically connected to a main control box in a box in the rear of the measuring station  200  that is sized to contain all the electronics required to operate the measuring station  200 . Controls contained in the main control box can be adjusted manually through a custom graphical user interface on the main control console  236  using an input device selected from the group consisting of a touchscreen, a stylus, a keyboard and mouse combination, or voice control. Preferably, the input device is a touchscreen. All functions of the measuring station  200  are controlled through the main control console  236  using instructions executable on a proprietary, custom programmed and manufactured microprocessor-based firmware, hardware and software that sets parameters for the measuring station  200 , and when programmed, are maintained in a storage for use later on similar smokable products run through the measuring station  200  to speed production. 
     The customize software comprises instructions operable on a processor to control and/or adjust parameters of the measuring station  200  for various different smokable products, such as, for example, cone capacity, fill/tap tray, a position fill puck, the expanded aperture hoppers, coordinated with back feeders, to accommodate unique flow characteristics of smokable material, the high amplitude, pneumatic hopper vibrators for even product supply distribution, includes pneumatic control valves, air fittings, hopper modifications for mounting, etc., the feeder bowls for product singulation and flow control for accurate weighing with coordinating “top-off” lane gates, a plurality of input dip funneling assemblies prevent product loss as a result of spillage, a plurality of simultaneous dual cone filling positions for added speed, fully programmed with orienting, breeze shield to prevent disturbance from ambient disturbed air during operation, 360° access door as well as top loading access door that can be configured with lockout options, a specialized P.E.T., weigh bucket to achieve accuracy, provide stability and ensure highest possible resolution, high resolution weigh modules integrated with special custom analog to digital (A/D) hardware and custom programming to achieve unsurpassed and consistent prerolls, adjustable leveling feet to accommodate irregular facility floors. 
     For example, using the main control console  236 , and operator can set the following parameters, assuming a custom high precision 500-gram weigh modules with 150% safe overload. Then assume a 250-gram dead load that includes the weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  hardware. The maximum resolution of the system  100  with high precision standard controls would be 0.002% of 500 gram or 1/100 gram if great care is taken in regard to other combined load factors. However, actual accuracy as defined above, under normal operating conditions could not be guaranteed to be greater than 0.025 grams; i.e., +/−0.01 accuracy could be achieved but expect +/−0.02. 
     The measuring station  200  further comprises variable amplitude and frequency control in an enclosed space. Depending on the smokable product that is being prerolled, the amount and height of the frequency used to vibrate the smokable product from the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  into the weigh modules  218  and  220  will need to be varied. Additionally, these parameters will need to be adjusted for the size of the preroll cones and the speed that a user requires for the filling of the prerolls. Various types of smokable product can be used with the system  100  and all of these parameters are controlled using the main control console  236 . 
     In this embodiment, a 24 vdc variable amplitude and frequency control is used to rapidly achieve a fast cycle time, then slow down to meter the smokable product more precisely as the net weight nears the target. The variable amplitude and frequency control also maintains consistent speeds, regardless of the head pressure of the smokable product. 
     The variable amplitude and frequency control is adjustable because ground smokable product consistency varies greatly. The variable amplitude and frequency control also control the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  is used to meter the ground smokable product in a controlled and predictable way. The vibratory bowls  210  and  212  is in turn fed by linear feeder pans  206  and  208  that is small, specially designed and mounted on the vibratory bowls  210  and  212 , that is fed from custom designed hoppers  202  and  204  comprise special angles, screens and other innovations that allow the system  100  to adapt to the consistency of the smokable product. The linear feeder pans  206  and  208  and vibratory bowls  210  and  212  can be both mechanically and electronically adjusted for product consistency. In one embodiment, the linear feeder pans  206  and  208  is powered by proprietary digitally adjustable RC controls and the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  is powered by custom digitally adjustable 24 vdc variable amplitude and frequency-controlled devices. The vibratory bowls  210  and  212  rapidly flow the smokable product to weigh bucket scoops  214  and  216  mounted on the weigh modules  218  and  220 , to achieve fast cycle time, then slow down to meter the smokable product more precisely as the net weight nears the target. 
     Using instructions executable on a processor in the main control console  236  the system  100  is capable of achieving a resolution of 0.01 grams, +/−0.02 grams accuracy. An analog output from the weigh modules  218  and  220  is converted from increments of 1/10,000th of a millivolt (mV), or one (1) millionth of a volt, 0.00000001 V into a digital equivalent number for use by the main control console  236 . The weigh modules  218  and  220  is also fitted with a custom cover to reduce electrical interference to protect the weigh modules  218  and  220  from damage. 
     In one embodiment, the weigh modules  218  and  220  is a ceramic capacitance sensor that has a high resolution and easier to use in automation. The ceramic capacitance sensor works by measuring changes in capacitance. The net weight of the smokable product on the capacitance sensor changes the capacitance between the two conductors, and an electric field is created between them that is measured with a high degree of accuracy. 
     In another embodiment, the weigh modules  218  and  220  comprises a tuning fork type sensor. The tuning fork type sensor has a wire that is vibrated, under controlled conditions. When net weight is applied, and the vibration frequency is measured to accurately determine the net weight. 
     In another embodiment the weigh modules  218  and  220  use a weigh modules strain gauge. A 5-15 VDC input is sent through fine wires (strain gauges) precisely glued to various locations on body of the weigh modules  218  and  220  to compensate for side load, non-level conditions, etc. is used. The body of the weigh modules  218  and  220  bends, causing the fine wires to change conductivity and output a voltage in microvolts. This analog voltage is then measured to accurately determine the smokable product net weight, and, in some cases, converted and then digitized. 
     There is also provided a method for using the system  100 , comprising the steps of first providing, a two-stage cone holding/tamping tray system  100 . 
     First, the system  100  weighs and fills ground smokable product into “preroll” smoking cones, then compacts the smokable product to desired density, at the rate of 1500 cones per hour. The finished smoking cones contain a precise, regulatory compliant, +/−3% of labeled net weight. The flexible design allows the processing of products with diverse or difficult flow characteristics. 
     Because ground smokable product consistency varies greatly, the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  are used to meter the ground smokable product in a controlled and predictable way. The vibratory bowls  210  and  212  is in turn fed by small specially designed linear feeder pans  206  and  208  mounted on the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  from the hoppers  202  and  204  that is custom designed with special angles, screens and other innovations that allow the system  100  to adapt to the consistency of the smokable product. The linear feeder pans  206  and  208  and the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  can be both mechanically and electronically adjusted for product consistency. The linear feeder pans  206  and  208  is powered by proprietary digitally adjustable RC controls and the vibratory bowls  210  and  212  is powered by custom digitally adjustable 24 vdc variable amplitude and frequency-controlled devices. The vibratory bowls  210  and  212  rapidly flow the smokable product to weigh buckets mounted on net weight sensors, or weigh modules, to achieve fast cycle time, then slow down to meter the smokable product more precisely as the net weight nears the target. 
     To catch the correct net weight to 0.01 g resolution, +/−0.02 g accuracy the weigh modules analog output is read in increments of 1/10,000 millivolt (mv)—or one millionth of a volt. This highly specialized measurement device digitizes and registers tiny output changes in less than 10 milliseconds then makes decisions based on algorithms according to the my level. All functions including the vibratory bowl and vibratory feeder speeds are controlled instructions operable on one or more than one processor with custom firmware. The main controls comprise the custom based firmware, where the custom based firmware comprising instructions executable on the one or more than one processors, hardware, and software. The executable instructions set parameters that, once programmed, are maintained in a memory for use later for the same or similar products. 
     As the vibratory bowls feed the weigh buckets, stable target net weights are achieved. Then the verified weighed product is “ready” for discharge into cavities in the filling puck. The filling puck is mounted on a high precision servo driven XY orienter. Once the filling puck is in one of 120 predetermined positions, within +/−0.1 mm, the weighed product is emptied into the filling puck at that position. The size, angles and specialty materials of the filling puck and cavities are custom designed and machined in such a way that the smokable product can later be vibrated into the tamping station  600  with no loss, bridging, clogging or accrual of product. 
       FIG.  42    is a flow chart of a method  4200  of a method of manufacturing a plurality of prerolled cones containing a smokable product using a measuring station and a tamping station. The measuring station includes a vibratory bowl, a weigh bowl, a weigh module, and a puck. The tamping station includes an upper tube assembly including a plurality of tight tubes for containing the plurality of prerolled cones, a lower tube assembly including a plurality of loose tubes for containing the plurality of prerolled cones, and a seating platform. The method  4200  includes receiving  4202  the smokable product into the vibratory bowl. The method  4200  also includes metering  4204  the smokable product from the vibratory bowl to the weigh bowl. The method  4200  further includes measuring  4206  the smokable product in the weigh bowl using the weigh modules. The method  4200  also includes determining  4208  that the smokable product in the weigh bowl is within a predetermined tolerance of a predetermined amount of smokable product. The method  4200  further includes moving  4210  the smokable product from the weigh bowl to a plurality of cavities within the puck. The method  4200  also includes transferring  4212  the puck to the tamping station. The method  4200  further includes stacking  4214  the upper tube assembly on the lower tube assembly and the puck on the upper tube assembly. The method  4200  also includes vibrating  4216  the upper tube assembly, the lower tube assembly, and the puck with the seating platform to tamp the smokable product in the plurality of cavities into the plurality of prerolled cones. 
     What has been described is a new and improved system for an accurate net weight based rolling system producing prerolls that are compliant, consistent, repeatable, and scalable for automatic cone filling, overcoming the limitations and disadvantages inherent in the related art. 
     As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.” 
     In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label, or other subsequent reference label. 
     The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples. 
     The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.