1) A-frame picking system
Utilized to facilitate the picking of a wide size and shape variety of individual items, the A-frame is extremely popular with drug and pharmaceutical distribution facilities. As the name implies, individual items are loaded or stacked in two rows of dispensing magazines (one or more magazines per item) that are arranged side-by-side, forming an "A-frame". A belt conveyor passes through the long tunnel created by the A-frame. As orders are filled, one at a time, items automatically dispensed from the bottom of selected magazines are kicked onto the belt conveyor, and then they are carried to the end of the tunnel where they fall into a tote. The tote is then transported by another conveyor to an order and/or packing station.