Abstract: An apparatus for selectively storing a thin tray or sheet in an elongate storage location, and retrieving trays therefrom, includes a tray extractor and a transport assembly. The tray extractor comprises a tray engagement mechanism and a tray linear movement actuator. The tray engagement mechanism operates as a hand to selectively grip or release trays which are being handled by the apparatus. The tray linear movement actuator acts as an arm to position the tray engagement mechanism and, when operated, to move an engaged tray. The tray linear movement actuator comprises a linear movement link and pulley arrangement which moves an engaged tray along a linear path of motion, and which maintains the tray engagement mechanism in a selected orientation with respect to that path of movement. The tray engagement mechanism comprises an X-shaped scissors mechanism having a plurality of jaws thereon. Scissors motion of the mechanism opens and closes the pairs of jaw members to selectively engage or disengage a tray.