Patent ID: 8052254

Claim:
A printhead assembly comprising: a plurality of printheads, where each printhead includes: a fluid inlet to receive fluid into the printhead; and a set of one or more nozzles to deposit fluid on a substrate; a manifold connected to the plurality of printheads including: a fluid inlet duct configured to receive fluid for delivery to the printheads; a plurality of fluid inlet channels, each fluid inlet channel connecting the fluid inlet duct to one of the printheads; and a plurality of fluid inlet valves, each valve configured to control a flow of fluid from the fluid inlet duct to one of the fluid inlet channels; and a plurality of inlet tubes, each inlet tube having a proximal end integral to either the manifold or one of the printheads and a distal end connected to either the manifold or said printhead with a fluid-tight connection, where each inlet tube connects a fluid inlet channel of the manifold to a fluid inlet of said printhead with a single fluid-tight connection.