Patent ID: 8892008
Filing Date: 2014-11-18
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus useful in printing, comprising: a rotatable vessel configured to contain a toner marking material, the rotatable vessel comprising a body section having a substantially round cross-section, a first end at one axial end of the body section, a second end axially distal from the first end, and helical features on an internal surface of the body section configured to transport at least a portion of the toner marking material in an axial direction between the first end and the second end as the rotatable vessel is rotated; a magnetic strip configured to extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction substantially along an entire length of the body section between the first end and the second end of the rotatable vessel and to be held stationary with respect to the rotatable vessel as the rotatable vessel rotates; and a plurality of beads comprising at least one material configured to be attracted to the magnetic strip, the magnetic strip being switchably magnetized and demagnetized on demand, and when magnetized, causing the plurality of beads to be held stationary with respect to the rotatable vessel as the rotatable vessel rotates.