Magnetic brush development apparatus

Magnetic brush development apparatus for applying developer material to a latent electrostatic image in which flow of developer material, distributed in balance across the length of the apparatus, is assured. The apparatus includes a housing having a portion defining a sump adapted to contain a supply of developer material. A magnetic brush is located substantially within the housing in spaced relation to the sump portion for applying developer material to the latent image. A feed mechanism, located within the housing between the sump portion and the magnetic brush transports developer material from the sump to the magnetic brush. An agitating and transporting mechanism, located in said sump portion, agitates developer material and transports developer material to the feed mechanism. In the preferred embodiment the agitating and transporting mechanism is a ribbon blender. In order to assure the desired balanced developer material distribution in the apparatus housing under all conditions, a magnet is attached to the external wall of the housing adjacent to the sump portion.