Picker with integrated lifting mechanism for package retrieval and transfer

A method of retrieving a frozen container from a cold storage environment, the method comprising:

• positioning a picker mechanism in front of a selected container stored on a palletized shelf within a cold storage environment;
• engaging opposing sides of the selected container with a pair of clamping belts associated with the picker mechanism;
• actuating the clamping belts to impart a lateral displacement to the selected container relative to the palletized shelf, wherein the lateral displacement separates the container from a frozen adhesion associated with the container resting on the palletized shelf in the cold storage environment;
• retracting the clamping belts and the displaced container into a pickup region associated with the picker mechanism;
• moving the picker mechanism from the selected container location to a transfer location adjacent to a receiving window;
• and
• ejecting the container from the picker mechanism into the receiving window.

A method of retrieving a frozen container from a cold storage environment, the method comprising:

• positioning a picker mechanism in front of a selected container stored on a palletized shelf within a cold storage environment;
• extending a telescopic board from the picker mechanism into a gap between the palletized shelf such that the telescopic board is inserted underneath the selected container;
• actuating a vertical displacement mechanism associated with the telescopic board, wherein the vertical displacement separates the container from a frozen adhesion associated with the container resting on the palletized shelf in the cold storage environment;
• retracting the telescopic board and the displaced container into a pickup region associated with the picker mechanism;
• moving the picker mechanism from the selected container location to a transfer location adjacent to a receiving window;
• and
• activating a push mechanism that includes a motorized push board to eject the container from the picker mechanism into the receiving window, wherein the frozen container ejected by the picker mechanism is received by a fork assembly located within a heated chamber, and wherein the method further includes coordinating a timing of the push mechanism and a position of the fork assembly to enable passive handoff of the frozen container from the picker mechanism to the fork assembly.