Apparatus for counting bundled notes, especially banknotes

An apparatus for counting bundled notes having narrow side edges, including a displaceably mounted packet holder for supporting a packet (P) of said notes and a device for separating individually the notes to be counted (S), comprising a plurality of shovel-shaped separating elements (1) which are arranged successively in a direction of movement on a carrier (21) moved continuously past a counting station (34) and which, on a side facing the notes to be counted (S), each of said separating elements having a suction face (2), said suction face provided with open suction orifices (3) connectable to a suction-air source, a marginal region of each of said notes to be counted is laid against said suction face as a result of a suction effect, is simultaneously lifted off from the packet (P), and thereby temporarily assumes a counting position, said region of said notes resting against the suction face of each of said separating elements when the following separating element arrives, engages behind a following separating element on arrival of said following separating element and all counted notes of the packet pass successively onto a side opposite the suction face of the separating elements forming a sliding face (7), and a counting device (60, 61, 62) for counting particular individually separated notes associated with said counting station wherein the carrier of the separating elements (1) is a rotating endless band (21), with at least one straight portion, wherein the counting station (34) is installed at said straight portion, and wherein the suction face (2) of the separating elements (1) overlaps an edge strip oriented essentially parallel to side narrow side edges of the notes.