Patent ID: 6647235
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A replenisher for agitating particulate toner to facilitate flow of said toner in an electrophotographic apparatus; said replenisher comprising:a sump in said replenisher adapted to receive said toner; an agitator element rotatably mounted within said sump and adapted to impart both shear and normal forces to said toner as said agitator element is rotated in said sump, wherein said agitator element comprises: a beater element comprising: a shaft rotatably mounted and extending through said sump; a hub mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith; and a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly from said hub wherein some of said plurality of blades impart a shear force and a force normal along the axis of rotation of said hub to said toner in said sump when said hub is rotated and wherein others of said plurality of blades impart a shear force and a normal force towards or away from said axis of rotation to said toner in said sump when said hub is rotated.