Device for counting and loading small items into containers

A counting and batching device for items (24) such as tablets, capsules or caplets is faster than the electronic radial feeder counters, and is more easily adjustable for different quantities, sizes and shapes of items (24) than slat counters or disk counters. The device has a hopper (10) with an adjustable feed gate (12) and a first vibrator (20) to cause items (24) to flow from the feed gate (12). A V-guide sorting trough (22) is positioned beneath the feed gate (12) having a slot (28) at it's base to hold a single row of items (24), and a second vibrator (26) funnels items (24) into a single row moving along the slot (28). A moving belt (36) receives items (24) from the trough (22) and transports them in a single row between stationary guides (38) past an electronic counter (46) to a diverter (50) where a predetermined number of items (24) are diverted into at least two diverter streams. Loading positions (60) are provided under each diverter stream with provision for positioning and removing containers (62) independently into each loading position (60).