A stacked articles accumulating apparatus functions by down-stacking. The apparatus includes a surface supported on an air cylinder member with a solenoid valve controlled by a photo eye sensor to release air from the cylinder member to maintain the top article of an accumulating articles stack on the support surface substantially at a predetermined elevation. Additional components include a limit switch for setting a minimum elevation of the support surface, a compressed air source supplying the air cylinder member, and an article supply mechanism. A method of article accumulation at substantially a predetermined level is also disclosed.