a bunch sheet depository is described . the depository comprises : a pressure plate for pressing on a bunch of sheets ; a picker aligned with the pressure plate and arranged to remove sheets individually from the bunch of sheets ; a link arm including a pivot , an urging portion coupled to the pressure plate and a resilient member ; and an actuator coupled to the resilient member . the actuator is operable , when actuated , to move the resilient member to rotate the link arm about the pivot and thereby cause compression of the bunch of sheets by the pressure plate using a force from the resilient member that reduces as the resilient member relaxes in response to the pressure plate moving as sheets are removed from the bunch of sheets .