Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a tote dispenser that removes the bottom tote from as stack of totes which is then ejected by a conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the tote dispenser includes a first pair of support members which support all but the bottom tote in the stack, while a second pair of support members applies a force that removes the bottom tote from the stack. The first and second pairs of support members can be disengaged so that the stack of totes can be realigned relative to the support members so that the next tote at the bottom of the stack can be removed.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a decline station for moving items between two structures at different heights. In one embodiment, the decline station includes a receiving ramp which receives an item from the first, upper structure. The receiving ramp is aligned with a pivot ramp so that items can be transferred from the receiving ramp onto the pivot ramp. The pivot ramp includes at least two positions: a receiving position where the pivot ramp is coplanar with the receiving ramp and a discharge position where the pivot ramp is aligned with another, lower ramp in the station—e.g., another pivot ramp or a discharge ramp. The item is transferred between ramps until it is eventually discharged onto a second, lower structure.