a singulating and counting device includes a bulk housing for storing a plurality of substantially identical articles , an exit channel , and in the exit channel , forwardly - and rearwardly - directed jet apertures , each of which is fluidly connected to a positive pressure source . a forwardly - directed jet generated by the positive pressure source through the forward jet aperture can accelerate singulated articles in the exit channel , thereby increasing the interval between individual articles and rendering them more easily and accurately counted . a rearwardly - directed jet generated by the positive pressure source through the rearwardly - directed jet aperture can cause articles in the exit channel to return to the housing . a controller operatively connected with the pressure source selectively controls the application of positive pressure to the aforementioned apertures to induce or halt singulation of the articles ; the controller may be operatively associated with a sensor that detects and counts articles passing through the exit channel .