Patent ID: 6565197
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An ink supply system for an ink jet printer comprising:a replaceable ink jet cartridge having a top panel, a bottom panel, and an interior region; a jet plate mounted to said bottom panel; a first fitting integrally molded into said top panel and positioned approximately above said jet plate, said fitting defining an opening through said top panel and into said interior region; an ink supply tube from an external ink reservoir; a connecting tube coupled to said ink supply tube which is sized to fit through said opening; and a second fitting configured to form a substantially air tight seal when mated with said first fitting; wherein said second fitting is secured at an upper portion of said connecting tube such that connecting tube extends through said second fitting, such that when said second fitting is mated to said first fitting, said connecting tube also extends through said opening, and a lower portion of said connecting tube is proximate to said jet plate, and such that when said second fitting is not mated to said first fitting, said connecting tube is completely removed from said interior region.