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 automated method for filling orders using an automated ordering system having a product conveyor, a computer controller, and a plurality of dispensers for dispensing products arrayed in a matrix in rows and columns, wherein the method of filling orders comprises the steps of: coupling each dispenser in a row to a first common control element in the controller; coupling each dispenser in a column to a second common control element in the controller, where the column of dispensers shares a common dispenser with the row of dispensers; and actuating the first and the second control elements simultaneously to dispense a product from the common dispenser onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A library apparatus for storage media such as optical disks includes a rotatable cell drum having several columns of cells for storing the storage media, a load/unload device for inserting and removing cartridges one at a time, at least one drive for reading from or writing to selected media, and an accessor which moves the storage media between the load/unload device and the cell drum, and between the cell drum and the drive. The load/unload device rotates in a collinear arrangement with the cell drum, and can rotate in unison with the cell drum, or independently of the cell drum. The collinear arrangement of the cell drum and the load/unload device reduces the overall size of the library.

Abstract: A tilt and height indicator for a forklift truck including a tape reel connected to the forks of the forklift to sense their relative height. An indicator panel includes plural sets of indicators, with each set indicating when the forks are in a proper pre-programmed position, just above, or just below this position, or well above or well below this position. The plural indicators may each be programmed to independent heights which are within the range of indicated heights for another indicator, such that infinitesimal differences in shelf heights may be accounted for. All indicators may be active at the same time, or the operator may change to a separate mode in which only a chosen indicator set is active. The present invention also includes a tilt sensor in the form of a rod connected to the piston of the tilt cylinder and adjustably mounting a magnet. A sensor box is mounted on the cylinder and includes a plurality of spaced Hall-effect transistors.

Abstract: A system for optimizing the position and use of cartridges of machine-readable data storage media in an automated super library. The invention is implemented in a super library that includes a main library bin with a plurality of cartridge slots, a picker, and multiple small libraries, where each small library has a small library bin with multiple slots, a picker, and at least one data drive. Mount queue times are estimated for each small library, and a main library picker is selectively operated to transfer cartridges between the small libraries based on the estimated mount queue times. This provides expedited access of the cartridges at the small libraries. The host processor maintains requests for such inter-library transfers in a main picker queue, for processing by the main picker. When each small library has a non-empty mount queue, the main picker processes small libraries' cartridge transfer requests by efficiently distributing cartridges along the small libraries.

Abstract: A first printed board transferred from a prior process on an inlet conveyer is placed on a moving unit at a first switching position. The moving unit moves to a second switching position while mounting the first printed board with electronic components from a component feeding section. During this process, a second printed board stands by at the second switching position via the inlet conveyer, a transit path and an intermediate conveyer. At the second switching position, the second printed board is placed on the moving unit while shunting out the first printed board onto an outlet conveyer for transfer to a subsequent process. The moving unit moves to the first switching position while mounting the second printed board with the electronic components from the component feeding section.

Abstract: An order selection system is disclosed together with a method of operating the system for retrieving multiple types of items stored in preselected storage locations and delivering retrieved items in an orderly sequence to a plurality of packing stations in accordance with the specific requirements of different orders. The order selection system comprises: a dispenser; a conveyor; a dispensing control system; a sorter; a plurality of stacking devices; and identifying means to identify the end of each order.

Abstract: This invention relates to a monitoring arrangement for a hanging file folder for identifying information contained in an electronic file folder locator system. A hanging file folder, as known in the art, includes a pair of laterally extending support bars along a pair of upper edges of the file folder wherein each upper edge is formed with a channel for holding a respective support bar, and the file folder is formed with a plurality of apertures into one of the upper edge channels at a plurality of spaced locations along that channel. The monitoring arrangement comprises a pair of parallel, substantially horizontal, support rails spaced apart within a file cabinet to suspend the file folder therebetween.

Abstract: Mechanized and fully automatically managed installation for the storage of objects, in particular motor vehicles or containers, including a central managing unit, at least one runway (14) or (16), storage cells (24), (26) distributed on each side of the runway and longitudinally orientated, at an angle of between 30.degree. and 60.degree. with the runway, at least one trolley (18), (22) comprising a wheeled frame fitted with an independent driving device and with guiding devices to enable the trolley to move along the runway and into the storage cells. The trolley includes a pivoting device, to be pivoted around the intersection point of the symmetry axis (16) of the runway and the symmetry axis (28) of the cell in which the motor vehicle has to be loaded or unloaded, so as to bring the guiding devices along said symmetry axis of the cell so the trolley can enter it and proceed with the loading or unloading of the vehicle.

Abstract: A transfer type circuit board fabricating system having a plurality of working modules each including (a) a conveyor device for transferring circuit boards in a predetermined transfer direction, (b) a working device for performing a predetermined operation on the circuit boards, and (c) a controller constituted principally by a computer, for controlling the working device, wherein the conveyor devices transfer the circuit boards one after another in the predetermined transfer direction through the working devices of the working modules, the system further having a coordinating control device constituted principally by a computer, for controlling the controllers of the working modules, on the basis of predetermined working schedule information stored therein, and status information which is received from the controllers of said working modules and which indicates operating states of the working modules.

Abstract: An automated book storage/retrieval apparatus is used in a library or the like storing a large number of books. A designated container is removed from a rack storing a plurality of containers, each having an internal space occupied by a plurality of subcontainers, each subcontainer being capable of storing a plurality of books. The designated container is conveyed to a working station where a selected subcontainer storing a book requested to be borrowed is raised to a position higher than that of the remaining subcontainers. With this operation, the spines of the books in the raised subcontainer can be easily seen by an operator at the working station, thus facilitating a search for and the removal of the desired book from the raised subcontainer.

Abstract: A process for handling products comprising the steps of providing a product handling system having a storage structure comprising a plurality of product pallet lanes having product pallets therein, simultaneously replenishing pairs of juxtaposed pallet lanes with corresponding pairs of pallets, determining if there is a product pallet lane depleted of product pallets such that the quantity of product pallets therein is below a first predetermined quantity; and automatically suspending the simultaneous replenishment of pairs of juxtaposed lanes if it is determined that there is a depleted lane, and replenishing only the depleted lane until the quantity of product pallets therein increases to a second predetermined quantity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible cable and support band assembly which is dynamically stable at high speeds over long lengths. This has been accomplished by cupping both the flexible cable and the support band in cross section along their lengths so that they cup one within the other to essentially move as a unit even though they are not attached except at their ends. A single support band can be employed to support multiple flexible cables. Additional support has been provided by employing resilient spaced apart strips along a track upon which the one or more flexible cables and support band slide. The resilient strips center the travel of the one or more flexible cables and support band and minimize rocking motion and vibration. Still further the one or more flexible cables and support band are arranged with respect to a robotic media library so that a single length of the one or more flexible cables and the support band will serve a range of lengths of the library.

Abstract: Substrates of a precedent lot are transported among first processing parts while being processed by the first processing parts. The circulating transportation for the precedent lot is interrupted after starting of the circulating transportation of the first substrate of the precedent lot before starting of the circulating transportation of the last substrate of the precedent lot. Thereafter, a substrate of a subsequent lot is transported among second processing parts while being processed by the second processing parts. Hence, processing of the substrates of the precedent and subsequent lots are concurrently processed, resulting in improving a through put.

Abstract: A device is described for automatically populating the top and bottom side of printed-circuit boards with SMD components, synchronously controllable switching points being arranged in the entry and outlet of the SMD (surface mounted device) insertion device.

Abstract: A fork-lift apparatus for use in a stacker crane has a running apparatus for traveling forward and backward and a carriage provided with a fork device and arranged for upward and downward movements by a lift apparatus for the purpose of carrying a load with the fork device to and from a desired rack in a multi-tier automatic warehouse. In particular, the carriage has at its lower region a swivel device, a swivel frame driven by the swivel device for rotating movement, and a ram fork provided in the swivel frame as driven by a drive device for movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge carrying system for performing carriage control so as to enable carriage of a cartridge even when a gap is made between arms and the cartridge.

Abstract: System (10) for automatically conveying photosensitive cargo containers (15) through a storage compartment (14) of a vehicle, preferably a trailer (12) and selective environmentally controlled enclosures (32,40,42) comprises a conveyor device (18) positioned in the storage compartment (14) that cooperates with interconnected conveying device (34) in the enclosures (32,40,42). Devices are provided for aligning and positioning the rear exit end (16) of vehicle (12) snugly against the entrance port (30) of a proximally positioned enclosure (32). A system control device (100) connecting the conveying means (18) and conveying device (34) enables the cargo containers (15) to be automatically conveyed from the vehicle (12), through the entrance port (30) and into the proximal enclosure (32).

Abstract: In an automated storage and retrieval library system, a library controller is directed to examine a command queue, as well as the state of the grippers and the state of the data drive units. In general, upon completion of the examination, the controller determines whether an additional command, currently in the queue, can be executed in conjunction with (that is, before, during or after) execution of the current command, thereby optimizing the utilization of the accessor. For example, if the accessor is to execute an exchange command, a move command might be in the queue which requires moving a cartridge from the area in which the accessor will be located after the exchange is made but before the exchanged cartridge is moved to a new location. In such an event, the controller will direct that the move command be overlapped with the second half of the exchange command by using the empty gripper.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for the pitch cylinders (4A, 4B) of a bulldozer blade apparatus can include (a) main hydraulic pumps (30A, 30B) and an assistant hydraulic pump (31) to make up the assistant hydraulic circuit, (b) variable displacement hydraulic pumps (21A, 21B), or (c) fixed displacement hydraulic pumps (30A, 30B) and a plurality of solenoid selector valves such that the pitch cylinders can be connected in series. The assistant hydraulic pump (31) is connectable to delivery lines of the main hydraulic pumps through an assistant solenoid selector valve (32) which is controlled by an external signal. The blade (10) can be formed so that a line (14) tangential to the lower edge of the curved panel of the blade is inclined rearwardly with respect to the front face (13) of the blade edge member (12). Earth-moving work can be performed by inclining the blade (10) rearwardly by an angle (.theta..sub.

Abstract: A method of using a multi-access storage system including inserting and extracting containers from a conveyor in continuous motion.

Abstract: The sensor device includes a planar code carrier on one object, and on another object, a scanning device for an angle of view for determining a viewing direction lying therein, and also a computing circuit. A photodetector detects an illumination density during the course of the scanning of the angle of view according to the direction of light incidence. On the code carrier there is arranged a rectangular code field with its center line parallel to the scanning plane. The code field includes at least two rectangular positioning fields and a rectangular interfield lying in between. The positioning fields contain positional information on the objects which can be evaluated by the scanning device. In at least one interfield, the code includes at least one boundary line obliquely intersecting the center line, the scanning of which boundary line produces a distinct variation of the illumination density in dependence on the direction of light incidence, which corresponds to a viewing direction to be established.

Abstract: A system for filling orders, such as prescriptions for patients, comprising a device for holding packages. Each package has the same type of contents being held in a predetermined location by the holding device. Each package has an identity which defines the contents therein. The holding device has a plurality of predetermined locations corresponding to a plurality of different types of contents. Additionally, the system is comprised of a device for supplying packages to the holding device. Also, there is a device for picking a package from the holding device that is identified in the order for the purpose of restocking the holding device. The picking device is in communication with the holding device and supplying device. In a preferred embodiment, the contents of each package is a single dosage of medicine.

Abstract: An automatic warehouse has a plurality of stock units. One stock unit has one replenishing rack and one picking rack arranged so as to oppose each other with their sides, leaving a corridor between. Each rack has a plurality of shelves in both heights and length and each shelf has a size which accommodates only one article. Shifting mechanisms are provided for shifting articles to be shifted from shelves in the replenishing rack onto shelves in the picking rack. Replenishing mechanisms are provided for shifting articles to be stocked onto the replenishing rack and picking mechanisms are provided for picking articles to be picked up from the picking rack. Transfer devices are provided for transferring articles from the warehousing berth to the replenishing mechanism and from the picking mechanism to the delivery berth.

Abstract: A three-dimensional warehouse in which its working efficiency is improved with respect to the receiving and taking out of articles and its housing efficiency is improved. The warehouse has entrance/delivery stations provided at a plurality of stories, for housing blocks provided on a vertical plane. The warehouse also has horizontal conveyors disposed to circulate along the periphery of a housing area by connecting the horizontal conveyor of the same story. The warehouse may further include a vertical conveyor for connecting the horizontal conveyors in the vertical direction. The articles can be taken in and out efficiently by driving and selecting the conveyor and the entrance/delivery stations to be used.

Abstract: An automated system for storing, retrieval and transporting of goods of any shape and size in aisleless warehouses, ships, airplanes, trains and the like. The system also provides aisleless warehouses, parking lots and the like and enables a computerized fully automated handling of stored items such as loading and evacuating of containers. The system provides the moving of the goods by placing same on pallets which travel on a flat and smooth floor. The pallet is provided with elastic air cushions which enable its hovering over the flat surface and a drive to enable the movement to any required direction.

Abstract: An automated memory cartridge system prioritizes requests for tape retrieval. The requests to transfer cartridges may be assigned a priority relating to the importance of the request. The system will recognize these requests and organize them so that higher priority requests will be executed ahead of other lower priority requests. This prioritization will be accomplished in such a manner which allows even very low priority requests to eventually be carried out.

Abstract: An automated ordering system has a gathering conveyor belt and a plurality of product dispensers for dispensing products onto the gathering conveyor belt, the plurality of product dispensers arrayed in a matrix in rows and columns wherein each row of product dispensers and each column of product dispensers share common control elements. The product dispensers are of cartridge type utilizing gravity to eject products from a cartridge suspended above the gathering conveyor belt onto the gathering conveyor belt. A universal product dispenser platform accepts a wide range of different sizes and shapes of cartridges storing products to be dispensed. The universal product platform provides support for an actuator for singulating products mounted to the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically organizing a variable number of lots into a batch which can be treated with high efficiency in a semiconductor wafer manufacturing line is installed for changing the number of lots organized into a batch between preceding and succeeding processes when such change is required.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a variety of products for effectively processing and carrying plural kinds of works such as semiconductor wafers includes a plurality of processing stations for processing plural kinds of works, a carriage system for carrying plural kinds of works, and a transfer system for delivering works between the carriage system and a processing station. A method for carrying a variety of products is realized in which the carriage system simultaneously carries plural kinds of works between the plurality of processing stations and stops at a predetermined position of the transfer system, whereas the transfer system identifies and delivers the desired kind of work to and from the carriage system.

Abstract: A loading/unloading apparatus used in conjunction with stations from which or to which objects are loaded or unloaded. The loading/unloading apparatus includes a pickup/receiving member which is used in the transfer of objects to and from the stations. The pickup/receiving member includes one or more driven roller elements which are arranged close to an end of the pickup receiving member and which are utilized in the transfer of the object either to or from the station. The loading/unloading apparatus also includes moving devices for moving the pickup/receiving member in a translational direction along a longitudinal axis of the pickup member either towards or away from the station. The loading/unloading apparatus is particularly adapted for use with passive loading/unloading stations which are not provided with electrical power.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for moving container between over/under, entrance/exit gravity rollerway conveyors also holds the containers at a position for user interface in removing articles from or inserting articles into the container. The power operated scissors mechanism moves the carriage vertically between the conveyors, while a first piston-cylinder tilts the carriage at an angle to match an aligned conveyor with respect to a first axis and a second piston-cylinder tilts the carriage about a second orthogonally arranged axis to determine an appropriate user interface tilt. An automatic control, in response to a single input command from the user, cycles the carriage for unloading a container, loading a new container, and placing the new container at a predetermined user position. Additional user commands can override the predetermined user position to adjust the tilt and height of the carriage for the user, which adjustment may be temporary or stored as a new predetermined user position.

Abstract: A system and method for paperless, self-contained partial case picking of goods in a distribution center for cartons or containers subsequently shipped to a customer store. A set of cartons or containers is moved along a pick face in a series of move cycles. Operator display units provided at the pick face prompt workers to distribute goods from batches on the pick face to the cartons. The operator display units define contiguous put zones for each worker and assign each worker to particular batches of goods for each move cycle. The operator display units can include key entry means for the workers to signal the end of pick cycles, and in one embodiment to adjust pick quantities and distributions in real time according to changing circumstances. The put and pick zone assignments are reconfigured for each move cycle depending on factors such as worker ability and the picking difficulty of the batches assigned.

Abstract: A storage system including a container storage area in the form of a multi-rack, multi-tier storage carousel, a vertical conveyor for transporting conveyors vertically and input and output shuttle units for conveying containers between the vertical conveyor and the storage carousel. The vertical conveyor includes a loading zone which is below the operating levels of the shuttle units. The storage carousel and the shuttle units are driven by a common mechanically synchronized drive. The vertical conveyor is driven intermittently and independently of the drive for the rest of the system.

Abstract: A device for storing plate-from parts such as lead frames including an elevator which carries and positions a storing magazine that receives the lead frames and a loading conveyor which conveys the lead frames to the storing magazine. The loading conveyor is computer-operated so as to shift via a feed screw in a horizontal and perpendicular direction relative to a direction in which the lead frames are transferred. The line position of the loading conveyor is automatically adjusted to match the line position of a transporting conveyor which supplies the lead frames to the loading conveyor and also to match the line position of the storing magazine.

Abstract: An automated cartridge system optimizes the time it takes to execute a series of cartridge requests. After cartridge requests are received, the library controller calculates the approximate time it will take to execute each possible sequence of pending cartridge requests. The library controller then executes the first request in the sequence of pending requests which will take the shortest elapsed time. This series of calculations and executions continues until all requests are completed. It is another object of the present invention to carry out the motion optimization in such a manner that assures that a particular cartridge request is not put off indefinitely. Each time a hand or arm is allocated to a request, all other requests waiting for these mechanisms have their calculated execution times reduced to increase the likelihood of execution.

Abstract: An article selecting and collecting apparatus having a plurality of vertically spaced elongated ramps with a continuous conveyor and articulated selector slidingly attached to a rail adjacent each conveyor. The articulated selector slides along the rail to a selected portion of the rack for selecting an article from the rack and placing it on the adjacent conveyor. The conveyor carries the article to a spiral chute at a distal end for collecting with other selected articles.

Abstract: In a method for storing individual pieces the identity and size of each individual piece is determined and a corresponding reference signal is produced that is sent to a computer. As parameters of the size the edge lengths of the pieces are used. Based on the parameters a storage location in the storage in the storage facility is selected so as to optimize the use of the available storage space. The individual piece is directly positioned into storage at the selected storage location, which is recognized and saved in the computer. Upon request, the individual piece can be removed with computer assistance from the storage facility.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes an accessor device to magnetically hold a stored item while the item is transported within the system. To sense the presence of a magnetically attractable label on the item, the device generates a pulsed signal having a first strength. The reluctance of the magnetic field is compared with a base value; if the comparison indicates that a label is present, the device generates another pulsed signal having a greater strength to "lock" the item against the accessor. The device then generates another pulsed signal having a reduced strength to maintain and hold the item against the accessor during transportation. Less power is used and, therefore, less heat generated.

Abstract: A system for filling orders, such as prescriptions for patients, comprising a device for holding packages. Each package has the same type of contents being held in a predetermined location by the holding device. Each package has an identity which defines the contents therein. The holding device has a plurality of predetermined locations corresponding to a plurality of different types of contents. Additionally, the system is comprised of a device for supplying packages to the holding device. Also, there is a device for picking a package from the holding device that is identified in the order for the purpose of restocking the holding device. The picking device is in communication with the holding device and supplying device. In a preferred embodiment, the contents of each package is a single dosage of medicine.

Abstract: An automated order system (AOS) having an arrayed matrix of product dispensers oriented at a compound angle with respect to an underlying gathering conveyor belt. Each dispenser includes a flexible belt ejector mechanism for dispensing products stored therein. The flexible ejector mechanism includes an L-shaped guide track that is mounted adjacent to the dispenser to minimize the amount of space required for each dispenser in the matrix. Thus, more product dispensers may be installed in the AOS over a given fixed conveyor length. Furthermore, the compound angle facilitates resupply of the dispensers and minimizes the likelihood of damage to an ejected product upon impact with the conveyor. A cartridge is also included in each dispenser having a trough and adjustable product shelf for aligning the product stack and properly positioning the bottom-most product for positioning.

Abstract: An inter-system transport mechanism for moving data cartridges between robotic data cartridge handling systems in an automated fashion is disclosed. Each data cartridge handling system includes a carousel-type storage mechanism for storing a plurality of data cartridges. A gripper mechanism comprising a gripper assembly, an extension axis assembly, and a vertical rail assembly is provided to transport the data cartridges to the storage mechanism and the inter-system transport mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an automated video cassette library is provided which is actuated in response to command signals originated by an individual at a location remote from such apparatus to transfer a select video cassette in a horizontal plane from a cassette shelf to a cassette player each of which is located in a compact housing. The apparatus is then ready for use by another individual who may select another video cassette for playing upon another video player each of which is located in the same housing. The cassette player plays the video cassette and communicates the recorded program to the individual's television set. Upon completion of each play, the video cassette is rewound and automatically transferred from the cassette player to the cassette shelf.

Abstract: A delivery system, which is capable of quickly and correctly delivering an item to a destination. In the delivery system of the present invention, a moving section is capable of holding an item to be delivered. A driving mechanism is capable of moving the moving section in a plane. A frame section encloses the plane in which the moving section is moved. A plurality of input sections are capable of independently inputting data, and are provided to the frame section. A control section is capable of controlling the driving mechanism on the basis of the data inputted by the input sections so as to move the moving section in the plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for targeting a robotics materials handling and sequencing system having a plurality of storage bins. A targeting cassette is inserted into one or more of the stationary storage bins and a laser scanner is utilized to read an identification code on the targeting cassette. Based upon the reading of the laser scanner, the position of the targeting cassette is calculated. Additional storage locations can be calculated either by targeting the location or using an interpolation method to calculate the location of the remaining storage bins.

Abstract: A system and method for the repetitive selection of a group of items which utilizes a series of sensors associated mounted in a frame structure adjacent supplies of items so that the manual selection of an item or items from a supply can be monitored. A programable logic controller is utilized for allowing the system to be "taught" so that it can easily be used for the repetitive selection of many different desired groups of items without the necessity of rewiring or constructing a totally new device.

Abstract: An automated system for loading, unloading and storing articles from a roy store, and for transporting them into a work area by a self-powered trolley vehicle provided with gripping members; the self-powered vehicle and the rotary store (10) are each provided with interactive computer units which can communicate with each other by a wireless connecting system comprising directional data receiving and transmitting units to provide the computer unit of the rotary store with article storing data received by the computer unit of the self-powered vehicle from a central control unit.

Abstract: An article control system has an article stand on which articles on which articles are placed. An article monitor apparatus monitors the entry and exit of articles to and from the article stand. The monitor apparatus includes a planar matrix sensor for detecting the article and a signal processing system for both driving the matrix sensor and detecting the articles placed on the matrix sensor. The matrix sensor is disposed on the upper surface of the article stand. The article stand preferably includes an article placing stand on which the articles are placed and an article confirmation stand on which articles taken from the article placing stand are temporarily placed for confirmation.

Abstract: A method for storing articles in an automatic storage facility 10 comprises steps of checking whether a scheduled warehousing amount of articles is greater than an available storage capacity of an intended storage facility on the basis of the scheduled warehousing amount and the available storage capacity, and assigning partial amount of the scheduled warehousing articles to warehouse in an overflow area 26 when the scheduled warehousing amount is greater than the available storage capacity, and subsequently initiating warehousing operation for all of articles to be warehoused to the automatic storage facility 10 and the overflow area 26.

Abstract: A system for filling orders in a warehouse utilizes a main conveyor for routing items in the warehouse, including to a primary and secondary picking area. The primary picking area is used for picking high volume items, and is subdivided into multiple subgroups of primary pick faces. The second picking area is used for picking items that are not available for picking in the first picking area. Picking is performed in alternating short pick periods. Picking from a first subgroup of primary pick faces is performed in a first pick period, and picking from the second subgroup of primary pick faces is performed in an alternating pick period. Items are assigned to the first picking area dynamically for each picking period on the basis of which items are the highest moving items during an individual pick period. The system utilizes a pivotally mounted diverting chute to direct items into the pick faces, etc., and a self opening pick face.