Apparatus for dispensing finely divided particulate material

Claim 1

Apparatus to dispense finely divided particulate xerographic toner material including a resilient cylindrical member having an outer surface formed of opened-celled cavities being of such a size as to be capable of holding therein toner material for being transported thereby, the open-celled cavities also being of such a size that when expanded they are capable of permitting the discharge of toner material therefrom, a loading station adjacent said cylindrical member, a discharge station adjacent said cylindrical member, a pair of first boss members projecting into said cylindrical member along spaced-apart lines to define said loading station therebetween, said first boss members projecting into said cylindrical member sufficiently to cause the expansion of the celled cavities at said loading station for the reception of toner material therein, a pair of second boss members projecting into said cylindrical member along spaced-apart lines to define said discharge station therebetween, said second boss members projecting into said cylindrical member sufficiently to cause the expansion of the celled cavities at said discharge station for the discharge of toner material therefrom, means for rotating said cylindrical member whereby sequential portions of the surface thereof move between said loading station whereat toner material may be received into the expanded celled cavities thereof and said discharge station whereat toner material may be discharged from the expanded celled cavities thereof and side members in contact with the end faces of said cylindrical member to prevent toner material from passing between said loading station and said discharge station thereadjacent.