Abstract: The apparatus comprises a plurality of vacuum operated sheet moving organs mounted on a rotating counting disc which activates a counter each time a sheet is engaged by one of the sheet removing organs and moved from a first to a second position during the counting cycle, the counter actuating mechanism including a vacuum switch to inhibit the actuation of the counter if the vacuum to the sheet moving organs falls below a predetermined level due to the failure of the sheet moving organs to make proper contact with the sheets being counted, and a delay mechanism operative to prevent the vacuum switch from inhibiting actuation of the counter in the event of a momentary drop in the vacuum level upon improper initial contact of the sheet moving organs with the sheets but where proper contact is established before a predetermined position in the counting cycle is reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for counting flexible sheets comprising a support surface (15) for supporting a stack of sheets on edge including a rotary sheet removing assembly (5) mounted on an axis disposed at right angles to said support surface. The assembly includes a plurality of rotary suction organs (6) which are adapted to contact a side face of the free end of the stack and to deflect each sheet from its initial position and count it. The deflecting and counting is accomplished through the sequential application of vacuum to each of the organs during rotation of the assembly.To align the stack of sheets automatically on the sheet support surface it is set at acute angle to the vertical.A second support surface (16) is arranged at right angles to said first surface and at lower end of it, the second support surface being of arcuate configuration.The acute angle is between 20.degree. and 70.degree., and preferably 45.degree..