Patent ID: 6715950
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: B43K

Abstract:
A multi-color marking assembly comprising:plural parallel colorant supply units connected together in side-by-side relation; each colorant supply unit comprising an elongated colorant containment tube having an axis and a porous wick structure packed into said tube, said wick structure projecting from said tube along said axis for transporting liquid colorant out of said tube; said wick structures having flat end surfaces located outside the associated containment tubes; a colorant applicator that includes a carrier (22) spanning said colorant supply units so that an end surface on each said wick structure is located within the carrier, and a porous capillary colorant marking element extending along said carrier, in facial contact with said wick structures, for simultaneously applying parallel strips of different colorants to a work surface when the marking assembly is moved over a work surface; said marking element having flat interior surface thereof in firm facial contact with the flat end surfaces on said wick structures, whereby colorants are transferred from said wick structures into said porous marking element.