Abstract: An apparatus for selectively feeding sheets from a stack of sheets in sequence along a paper line, has an endless carrier belt which advances the sheets individually and successively through a feeding zone. A vertically actuated feed gate operates between two opening positions to allow only the lowermost sheet in the stack to advance sequentially through each opening position and the opening of both positions is controlled. A stack lifter moves sequentially in a vertical path above and below the carrier belt so that the lowermost sheet advances when in contact with the carrier belt to advance a portion of the lowermost sheet in the stack through the first opening position. The apparatus also forms a second predetermined opening portion between the lifter and feed gate which moves the gripper surface through which the remaining portion of the sheet advances.