Abstract: A separator for providing a gap between counted groups of previously overlapped articles of a stream of said articles. The separator includes a counter which counts the articles as they issue from the feed path. A spur path and an output path diverge from one another adjacent to a counting point at the counter. A diverter is adapted to divert articles to the spur path on command. Actuator means responsive to the completion of the count of articles causes the diverter to send articles to the spur path. Retention means is placed in the spur path to receive articles diverted into the spur path. Sensing means in the output path is responsive to the departure of the last article of a previously counted group to cause the retention means to transfer articles retained by it to the output path and to remove the diverter from its diverting position, thereby again to permit the passage of articles directly to the output path until a predetermined count is completed.