A distinctive method and apparatus (20) for accumulating different types
of individual articles (28) can include a delivery device (132) which
provides an initial-plurality (134) of an initial-type of individual
articles. At least a first-accumulator mechanism (142) can be automated
to provide a first-plurality (144) of a first-type of individual
articles. The first-type of articles differ from the initial-type of
articles, and at least a first-transport device (146) can move the
first-plurality of articles to a first-packing location. Additionally, an
automated assembly mechanism (136) can be configured to operatively
combine the first-plurality (144) of articles with the initial-plurality
(134) of articles.