Abstract: An object picking system includes a plurality of object storage and discharge devices. Each object storage and discharge device includes an object storage section housing a stack of objects and an object discharge mechanism for discharging the bottommost object of the stack of objects. Each object discharge device is inclined so that part of the weight of the objects rests on the sides of the object storage sections. Each object storage section accommodates a support between a top and bottom of the object storage section to support an upper stack of objects in the object storage section. The support reduces the load on the bottommost object when the stack of objects in the object storage section is large. An auxiliary panel along one side of the object storage section has an adjustable position so that different size objects can be securely held in the object storage section. A horizontal plate is a predetermined height above a bottom surface of the object storage section.

Abstract: An object discharge mechanism for discharging a bottommost object from a stack of objects includes a bottom platform on which the bottommost object of the stack of objects rests. The platform has a longitudinal slot running along the object discharge direction. The upper portion of a belt, stretched between two vertically mounted pulleys, runs through the longitudinal slot parallel to the upper surface of the bottom platform. Discharge projections are mounted periodically on an outer surface of the belt. The discharge projections push objects across the bottom platform in the object discharge direction when the belt is rotated. The object discharge mechanism also includes a lifting member for lifting all objects above the bottommost object in the stack of objects. The lifting member reduces the frictional force created by the weight of the stack of objects on the bottommost object during discharge of the bottommost object.

Abstract: An object discharge mechanism of an object picking device for discharging a bottommost object from a stack of objects includes a bottom platform on which the bottommost object of the stack of objects rests. The platform has a longitudinal slot running along an object discharge direction. The upper portion of a belt, stretched between two vertically mounted pulleys, runs through the longitudinal slot parallel to the upper surface of the bottom platform. Discharge projections are mounted periodically on an outer surface of the belt. The discharge projections push objects across the bottom platform in the object discharge direction when the belt is rotated. The object discharge mechanism also includes a lifting member for lifting all objects above the bottommost object in the stack of objects. The lifting member reduces the frictional force created by the weight of the stack of objects on the bottommost object during discharge of the bottommost object.