Method For Picking A Package

A method for retrieving a package from a rack of storage bins in a row and column array, each said storage bin having a floor supporting the package, and each package having a leading portion and an opposing trailing portion, The method comprising:

• driving a pick head having a platform to an access location corresponding to a selected said storage bin, wherein the platform has a cam with a leading portion and an opposing trailing portion;
• and
• opening a scissor-type device to telescope the platform into the selected said storage bin in the rack from the access location of the pick head such that:
• the leading portion of the cam progressively tilts the leading portion of the package away from and off of the floor in the selected said storage bin as the leading portion of the cam progressively telescopes into the selected said storage bin under the package;
• the trailing portion of the cam progressively tilts the trailing portion of the package towards and back on to the floor in the selected said storage bin as the trailing portion of the cam progressively telescopes under and past the trailing portion of the package;
• and
• closing the scissor-type device to telescope the platform out of the selected said storage bin in the rack from the access location of the pick head such that the trailing portion of the cam engages the trailing portion of the package to drag the package on the floor out of the selected said storage bin.

A method for retrieving a package from a rack of storage bins in a row and column array, each said storage bin having a floor supporting the package, and each package having a leading portion and an opposing trailing portion, The method comprising:

• driving a pick head having a platform to an access location corresponding to a selected said storage bin, wherein the platform has a cam with a leading portion and an opposing trailing portion;
• unwinding a spool of drive tape to drive the platform into the selected said storage bin in the rack from the access location of the pick head such that:
• the leading portion of the cam progressively tilts the leading portion of the package away from and off of the floor in the selected said storage bin as the leading portion of the cam progressively telescopes into the selected said storage bin under the package;
• the trailing portion of the cam progressively tilts the trailing portion of the package towards and back on to the floor in the selected said storage bin as the trailing portion of the cam progressively telescopes under and past the trailing portion of the package;
• and
• winding the spool of drive tape to drive the platform out of the selected said storage bin in the rack from the access location of the pick head such that the trailing portion of the cam engages the trailing portion of the package to move the package out of the selected said storage bin.