(57) An apparatus for developing an electrostatic latent image recorded on an image bearing
member (10) is developed by transporting an electrically conductive developer material
into contact therewith in a development zone (78). The developer material is transported
by a magnetic transporting means (38), and the pressure applied on the developer material
in the development zone (78) is controlled so as to maintain the conductivity thereof
at a selected level. The applied pressure may be varied by controlling the mass flow
rate of developer material through the development zone (78) or by controlling the
magneticfield strength. Mass flow rate may be controlled by a blade (74) which defines
a gap through which developer material flows, the blade position being adjustable
by a positioning means (76). Alternatively, the main flow rate may be controlled by
varying the rate of rotation of the rotatable part (66 or70) ofthetransporting means
(38).
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