Automated methods for handling tote pans

Claim 1

An automated method of moving tote pans each having an inverted U-shaped handle on the exposed end wall of the tote pan, normally stored in vertical rows of storage bins on each side of an aisle to a merchandise picking site using an automated vehicle which moves essentially axially back and forth along the aisle and comprises an operator-controlled tote pan retractor equipped with a first tote pan engaging finger and also equipped with a second tote pan-engaging finger, the steps of: moving the vehicle along the aisle to a predetermined vertical row of storage bins; vertically locating the operator-controlled tote pan retractor at a predetermined bin elevation; extending the first tote pan-engaging finger of the retractor transverse of the aisle outwardly at said bin elevation; elevating said first finger to engage the inverted U-shaped handle on the exposed end wall of the tote pan; pulling on the handle of said predetermined tote pan to displace the pan from its storage bin onto the retractor the pulling step comprises pulling on the handle with said first finger until the handle is centrally disposed on the retractor and, thereafter, elevating the second finger of the retractor into said handle, lowering the first finger out of the handle and pulling on the handle with said second finger until the tote pan is entirely upon the retractor; and moving the vehicle along the aisle to a merchandise picking site.