Patent ID: 6318849
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: B41J,G06F,G06K,G11C,H04N

Abstract:
A fluid supply unit for supplying a plurality of different fluids to a plurality of supply slots, said supply slots being spaced apart at substantially regular intervals in an interleaved manner, said fluid supply unit comprising:an elongate element with a recess defined in one surface of the elongate element, the supply slots opening into said recess;fluid inlet means for each of said plurality of different fluids arranged at one end of the elongate element;a main channel flow means, defined at least partially by the elongate element, for each of said different fluids, a main channel flow means being in communication with each of said fluid inlet means; anda sub-channel flow means extending from each of the main channel flow means for placing each of said supply slots in communication with a corresponding main channel flow means;wherein the element is a one-piece moulded element, the number of fluids to be supplied is greater than 2 and at least one of said main channel flow means runs along said one surface of the elongate element and others of said main channel flow means run along an opposed surface of said elongate element, the sub-channel flow means being in fluid communication with said supply slots by means of through-holes through the surfaces of said elongate element.