Abstract
Systems and methods for assembling and introducing cartridges containing remediating component(s) into packaged beverages are provided herein. In particular, an introduction system containing a dropping mechanism actuatable between a retaining position and a releasing position is provided herein. The introduction system comprises a transition guide configured to receive cartridges from a source and the dropping mechanism disposed below the transition guide. The dropping mechanism retains a cartridge in the retaining position and permits the cartridge to be released into a beverage container in the releasing position. A control system actuates the dropping mechanism in synchronization with beverage container movement. The dropping mechanism may include a rotatable member and retaining plate configuration with slots that rotate into alignment with a dropping slot, or a sliding gate and releasing plate configuration where the sliding gate translates to align a dropping slot with an opening to release cartridges into moving beverage containers.