Image developer, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

An image developer, comprising:

• a developer container configured to contain a developer for developing a latent image on a latent image bearer;
• a developer bearer configured to bear the developer, located close to or contacting the latent image bearer;
• and
• a developer feeding and collection roller configured to feed the developer onto the developer bearer and scrape the developer therefrom, rotating while pressing against the developer bearer,
• wherein the developer feeding and collection roller comprises:
• an inner layer formed of a foamed rubber in which an electroconductive material is dispersed;
• and
• an outer layer formed of an insulative foamed rubber, and
• wherein the following relationship is satisfied:
• α≧T
• wherein α represents a compression amount produced by the pressure of the developer feeding and collection roller on the developer bearer and T represents a thickness of the outer layer, and
• wherein an offset voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer when charged is applied to the developer feeding and collection roller.