This invention provides an agitator blade and toner cartridge employing such an agitator blade that enables a higher capacity of toner while lowering the load exerted by the print engine motor as toner is agitated. This blade and cartridge also allows for greater efficiency at low toner levels as the blade is brought closer to the inner wall of the cartridge toner tank. The blade consists of an axially directed axle shaft having a plurality of rigid, radially directed ribs that extend to a location proximate to the inner wall of the tank. A plurality of cross bar members are mounted between each pair of ribs. Each cross bar includes axially extended, rib-engaging wings. The wings are mounted so that the cross bars are generally prevented from passing between the ribs when the cross bars are driven by the ribs in the normal direction of agitator rotation. However, the wings are sufficiently resilient so that a predetermined level of toner resistance at high fill levels causes the wings and cross bars to elastically deform and pass through the ribs, leaving only the thinner ribs to traverse the toner in that cycle. The toner cartridge can include a volume extension member that is sized to fit within the empty space of a corresponding print engine. The cartridge can also include a compound angle doctor blade for better toner distribution.

 
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