Air operated material handling equipment for use with similar articles which may be received separately, or en masse from intermediate bulk storage with apparatus for dispensing the articles for movement along one or more guided paths in an organized series of individual pieces disposed closely adjacent one to the other but with additional capability for providing narrow space intervals therebetween whereby the pieces are moved essentially on a single piece basis. Containers having elongated longitudinal axes are moved from an orientation wherein the longitudinal axes are disposed vertically and in side by side relationship through a confined channel having cooperatively curved inner and outer radiuses to a zone of reception and storage wherein the longitudinal axes are disposed in side by side and stacked relationship. Subsequently the articles are moved from such position down guide chutes and/or over a cascade element to separate individual articles and for moving such individual articles in one or more single row arrangements laterally and sidewardly along a guided path wherein the longitudinal axes are horizontally disposed along a single plane with the articles in the desired single piece series arrangement. Jets of air are delivered by angularly disposed nozzles to impinge against the articles for separating such articles from bulk storage and for movement to a single piece aligned position. Additional air is discharged in sheet or bulk air blast to facilitate the desired separation and dispensing of articles and also to prevent damage to such articles when being moved or dropped in somewhat bulk relationships.