Patent ID: 6298207
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A mechanism for replenishing particulate material from a particulate material receptacle to a remote reservoir, said replenisher mechanism comprising:a housing having a sensor for sensing a level of particulate material within said housing, a pair of spaced end walls, and a pair of spaced side walls, at least a portion of said side walls being flexible;an interface providing flow communication of particulate material between said particulate material receptacle and said housing;a delivery assembly providing flow communication of particulate material between said housing and said remote reservoir; andat least one agglomerate preventing assembly operatively associated with at least one of said flexible portions of said side walls for moving such at least one flexible portion in a manner to substantially prevent agglomeration and flake production in the particulate material within said housing, said assembly including a first pivot rod mounted in fixed spatial relation to the housing, a paddle supported on said first pivot rod, a second pivot rod carried by said paddle, a reciprocating actuator arm connected to said second pivot rod to selectively move said paddle about said first pivot rod, a lever pivotably mounted on said second pivot rod, whereby when said paddle is rotated about said first pivot rod by reciprocation of said actuator arm, said lever rotates about said second pivot rod providing movement of said at least one flexible portions of said side walls adjacent to said first pivot rod causing breaking of any particulate material bridges at that point.