A device and method for storing toner within an image forming apparatus having an upper reservoir (202) and a lower reservoir (204). A sensor paddle (506) is positioned within the lower reservoir (204) for determining a toner level within the lower reservoir (204). The sensor paddle (506) rotates within an angular displacement from a fall point to a toner rest point. The device further includes a drive gear (502) for rotating the sensor paddle (506) and cam mechanism (508) positioned adjacent to the drive gear (502). The cam mechanism (508) is connected to the sensor paddle (506) and has a cam angular displacement relative to the drive gear (502) about equal to the sensor paddle angular displacement. A pawl (504) having at least one opening (532) is mounted on at least one post (530) extending axially outward from the drive gear (502) and includes a boss (534) positioned within the cam track (520). Upon a predetermined angular displacement of the sensor paddle (506), the boss (534) moves along the cam track (520) resulting in the pawl (504) radially extending outward from the drive gear (502) and contacting a toner supply mechanism (300) for transferring toner from the upper reservoir (202) to the lower reservoir (204).
