Developing device using a single component developer

A device for developing an electrostatic latent image by applying a thin film of developer formed on an image bearing member comprising:

• storing means for storing therein a quantity of one-component developer, said storing means having an outlet port at a predetermined location;
• transporting means for transporting said developer along a predetermined path through a developing region where said developer is applied to said image bearing member to develop said latent image;
• and
• supplying means including a cylindrical support and a flexible layer formed on said cylindrical support, said supplying means being disposed in the vicinity of said outlet port of said storing means for receiving said developer from said storing means to be supplied to said transporting means, said supplying means being supported to be rotatable and driven to rotate in a first predetermined direction so as to be in sliding contact with said transporting means and to thereby cause said developer to be formed into a thin film of charged developer on said transporting means;
• and
• wherein said transporting means includes a developing sleeve comprised of a cylindrical support, an intermediate layer formed on said support and an electrode layer formed on said intermediate layer, said electrode layer being comprised of a dielectric material with a plurality of fine electrode particles dispersed therein and separated from one another, and said sleeve being rotatably supported and driven to rotate in a second predetermined direction.