Ink jet module

A core module for an ink jet printer, the core module comprising:

• a housing;
• a connection manifold disposed on the housing and comprising a plurality of ports providing fluid communication into and out of the core module;
• a plurality of components disposed within the housing, comprising:
• a filter module, the filter module comprising a fluid filter disposed in a filter housing, the filter housing having an inlet and an outlet;
• and
• an ink reservoir;
• and
• an ink circuit in fluid communication with the components and the ports, and comprising fluid paths for conveying ink between the components;
• the filter module being connected to the connection manifold such that the filter housing inlet and outlet are each in fluid communication with one of the plurality of ports on the connection manifold.

A continuous ink jet printer comprising a print head and an ink supply system for supplying ink to the print head, the ink supply system comprising a core module that comprises:

• a housing;
• a connection manifold disposed on the housing and comprising a plurality of ports providing fluid communication into and out of the core module;
• a plurality of components disposed within the housing, comprising:
• an ink filter module, the filter module comprising a fluid filter disposed in a filter housing, the filter housing having an inlet and an outlet;
• and
• an ink reservoir;
• the ink filter being supported above the ink reservoir;
• the ink supply system further comprising an ink circuit in fluid communication with the components and the ports, and comprising fluid paths for conveying ink between the components;
• the ink filter module being connected to the connection manifold such that the filter housing inlet and outlet are each in fluid communication with one of the plurality of ports on the connection manifold.