Abstract: Apparatus for collating sheet like elements that includes initially feeding the sheet elements by a first conveyor in a spaced tandom relation at a high linear velocity into a spiral carrier. The spiral carrier includes a plurality of arcuate fingers having spiral slots formed therebetween. The sheets traveling at the relatively high rate of speed are projected individually into the slots of the spiral carrier also traveling at a relatively high linear speed. As each of the sheets follows the inwardly spiraling path of the slots, their linear velocity is substantially reduced so that when the sheet edges contact a stop plate, they are decelerated from the initial high linear speed. The stop plate directs the sheets radially outwardly from the slots of the spiral carrier into frictional engagement between the endless belts of a second conveyor.