Abstract: A thermal ink jet printing module, of the type that can be removably mounted on the carriage of a printer, comprises a reservoir for the ink and a thermal ink jet printing head fixed to and communicating with the reservoir, and a housing integral with the reservoir for receiving an ink refill cartridge for supplying the spent module with fresh ink by means of a transfer element integral with the housing of the cartridge. Successive refilling of the printing module exploits the working life of the head to the utmost and reduces the waste of expensive materials. The reservoir can be refilled relatively easily, even when the user is travelling.

Abstract: An ink container for an ink jet print head has a main tank filled with an absorbent fibrous material which holds ink by capillary action. A feed channel conducts ink from the main tank to a feed chamber whence it passes to the head. An auxiliary tank (30) is fixed to the side of the main tank (15) and communicates with it by a channel at the end of the main tank having the feed channel. The container can be refilled by inserting ink through an aperture into the auxiliary tank from where it passes into the main tank by capillary action.