Feed device with automatic sheet alignment

An apparatus for aligning a sheet during a feeding process comprising:

• a first power driven roller means;
• a first idler means positioned so as to engage a workpiece between first roller means and said first idler means and feed the sheet in a given direction;
• a second power driven roller means;
• a second idler means;
• a registration gate which is substantially perpendicular to said given direction and placed in relation to said first roller means and said first idler means so that a forward edge of the sheet may be abutted against said gate so as to block said given direction of travel of said sheet;
• means for selectively directing power to said second power driven roller means;
• means for engaging the sheet between said second power driven roller means and said second idler means after said first power driven roller means has abutted the sheet against said registration gate, said engaging means including a wrap spring responsive to said selective power directing means;
• and,
• means for removing said registration gate from said direction of travel after said first roller means and said idler means have engaged the sheet for a preselected period, wherein said registration gate removing means and said engaging means operate substantially simultaneously.