Apparatus for processing layers such as stack layers of paper

An apparatus for processing layers of substantially pressure-stiff material, each layer having edge faces transverse to each other and defining a layer plane, said apparatus comprising:

• a base frame;
• a stacking station on said base frame;
• table means including at least one layer table, wherein said at least one layer table has a table face for receiving the layers, said table face positionable in a table plane in said stacking station;
• wherein said at least one layer table is displaceable relative to said base frame in a lift direction oriented transverse to said table plane in said stacking station, said at least one layer table receiving said layers successively to form a stack of layers supported on said at least one layer table;
• feed conveyor means for feeding layers to said table means, said feed conveyor means including support means circulating along an endless path;
• aligning means for precisely and positively aligning the layers on said table face, said aligning means including a first aligning member and a second aligning member for engaging opposing edge faces of said layers;
• and
• wherein said first aligning member has a drive for positively and continuously pushing the layers along said table face in a first aligning direction, and said second aligning member has a drive for moving said second aligning member in a second aligning direction opposite to said first aligning direction to adjust the operational position of said second aligning member.