Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing articles, containers and the like includes stacks of opposing, vertically staggered shelf assemblies. A shelf associated with each shelf assembly is pivotally mounted for movement at least between an upwardly tilted receiving position and a downwardly tilted discharge position. A fluid-operating system is disclosed for maintaining each shelf in its upwardly tilted receiving position until a container is received and to prevent the lowering of the shelf to the discharge position until the next lower shelf is prepared to receive a container.

Abstract: A container storage and retrieval apparatus includes opposing stacks of vertically staggered shelf assemblies. Each shelf assembly includes a shelf pivotally mounted to a support structure and movable between at least an upwardly tilted, receiving position and a downwardly tilted, discharge position. Fluid-operated structure is provided to raise the shelf between at least the downwardly tilted, discharge position and the upwardly tilted, receiving position. A higher pressure fluid source and lower pressure fluid source are provided. Container indicator switching structure connects the raising structure to the higher pressure fluid source if a container is not present on the shelf, and to the lower pressure source if a container is present on the shelf. Transfer control structure is operatively connected between the shelf and the next lower shelf, and is adapted to prevent the lowering of the shelf to the discharge position unless the next lower shelf is in the receiving position.