Abstract: A file storage apparatus (10) has a string or stack of drawer elements (14) vertically disposed along a side. A mechanical blocking shaft (28) is disposed on one side of the drawer (14) to allow only one drawer to be opened while blocking the remaining drawers preventing opening. A locking bar (62) is disposed on a second side of the drawers (14) for locking all of the drawers closed in response to an electrical access circuit (72) and for unlocking all of the storage units (14). An actuator member (72) interacts between the access circuit (72) and the locking bar (62) for moving the locking bar (62) between an unlocked and locked position.

Abstract: A cam (103) and follower (107) are used to move a file cabinet drawer (114) out of the closed position toward the open position. The cam (103) is rotated by a motor (113) via a shaft (123) wherein the cam surface (115) translates the rotational motion of the shaft (123) into the linear movement of the follower (107). The follower (107) is attached to the side of the file cabinet drawer (114) and moves the file cabinet drawer (114) forward enough so a user may open the file cabinet drawer without using handles. A hook (129) is connected to the cam (103) through a flexible stem (131) and locks the follower (107) in place disallowing unauthorized access to the file cabinet drawer (114). The hook (129) rotates along with the cam (103) to unlock the file cabinet drawer (114) when it has been selected for opening. The follower (107) is forced under the hook (129), which will flex at the flexible stem (131), when the file cabinet drawer (114) is returned to the closed position.