Patent ID: 8523334

Claim:
An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, the system comprising: an ink circuit comprising a plurality of circuit components and fluid paths for conveying fluid between components; an ink reservoir for containing ink; a connector for fluid connection between the printer and the ink reservoir, the connector comprising a plurality of connection ports; and a manifold defining in part the fluid paths and supported over the reservoir, the manifold comprising first and second members connected together at interfacing first surfaces, wherein the second member is disposed in the reservoir, the manifold in fluid communication between the connector and the ink reservoir, the manifold having a plurality of manifold ports in fluid communication with the connection ports, and the circuit components being adjacent to the manifold and connected thereto at the manifold ports, wherein the reservoir has a base wall and at least one side wall upstanding from the base wall the side wall having a free end distal from the base the manifold being supported on the free end of the side wall, the side wall defining an open mouth the manifold being at least partially disposed in the mouth and the manifold acting as a cover to close the mouth.