Apparatus and method for handling particulate material

摘要

Particulate material, such as toner, is stored within a hopper ( 12 ) which leads to a feed screw ( 30 ). The feed screw ( 30 ) moves the particulate material through an outlet passageway ( 24 ) into a discharge spout ( 26 ). The outlet ( 46 ) of the discharge spout ( 26 ) delivers the toner into the inlet of a funnel ( 52 ). The funnel ( 52 ) delivers the toner into the inlet ( 50 ) of a toner cartridge ( 48 ). The toner cartridge ( 48 ) and funnel ( 52 ) are mounted by a carriage ( 56 ) for back and forth movement below the outlet ( 46 ). The rate of toner feed is coordinated with the cartridge travel so that the toner is substantially evenly distributed into the cartridge ( 48 ).