Abstract: An aqueous jet ink of water, dissolved dyes and a surfactant of R--N(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.x (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.y H, where x+y is from 5 to 25, with x and y each at least 2, and R is alkyl or oxygen containing. The static surface tension is less than 40 dynes/cm while the dynamic surface tension is about 65 dynes/cm. Satellites and splatter in thermal drop on demand printing are greatly reduced, and drop misdirection is reduced.

Abstract: A dye having a representative formula as follows and an ink providing waterfast printing having the dye, in which a surfactant is not essential: ##STR1##

Abstract: Aqueous inks containing 1,2-alkyl of from C4 to C10 diols, specifically 1,2-hexanediol or 1,2-pentanediol are employed in jet inks. Two such inks of different colors applied side-by-side to paper do not bleed and therefore give excellent image definition. The diols are not flammable, odorous or highly volatile.

Abstract: Hydroxyethylated polyethyleneimine is added to jet ink having an anionic dye to prevent whisker forming overnight. To avoid excessive viscosity at start-up, the polyethyleneimine is low molecular weight or a low molecular weight hydroxyethylated amine is combined with high molecular weight polyethyleneimine.

Abstract: A water-soluble dye for a color subtractive, lightfast, wide spectrum ink as follows: ##STR1## wherein: X is ##STR2## R.sub.1 is: an aliphatic radical having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; the radical ##STR3## in which R.sub.2 is --H, -lower alkyl of 1 to 4 C atoms, -lower alkoxy, -halogen, --NO.sub.2 --CN, --CO.sub.2 H;R.sub.3 is --H, -lower alkyl having 1 to 4 C atoms, -halogen, --CO.sub.2 H;M is H, Li, Na, K, --N(R.sub.4).sub.4 in which R.sub.4 is H, ##STR4## in which R.sub.5 is --H, -lower alkyl, and.sub.n is 1 to 4; and in which one of the --SO.sub.3 M groups on the amino-naphthol radical is positioned meta or para --SO.sub.3 M is meta to the --OH.and the dye in a water and glycol vehicle. A dye set of this dye, Direct Blue 199, and Direct Yellow 132 provides a full color spectrum of bright, lightfast colors.

Abstract: A waterfast ink having 3.0% Food Black 2, 2.5% highly hydroxyethylated polyethyleneimine, 10.0% ammonium benzoate, and the balance water. The invention appears to function upon loss of water after printing by a polar neutralizing between the dye and the polyimine, which results in an affinity of the dye to paper. It is applicable to any dye having anionic solubilizing groups but not having quaternary ammonium and to any ammonium salt.

Abstract: A printer ribbon having nigrosine dye with hydroxide counter ion, preferably at 23% by weight, in an oleic acid vehicle to form an ink saturating a fabric. The ribbon has the long life of a dye-only fabric ribbon and is effective for both correspondence and bar code applications.