Abstract: The present invention is directed to aqueous based ink compositions for ink jet printing on offset media and offset ink comprising combinations of dye-based and pigment-based colorants, and optionally surfactants. Optionally solvents and binders can be also added. In another formulation, an effective amount of the combination of ink colorants, at least one surfactant, being present at from about 0.1% to 1.5% by weight and an effective amount of at least one binder (such as an acrylate binder) is disclosed.

Abstract: A waterfast, environmentally friendly ink-jet ink, is disclosed comprising from 1% to 90% by weight of a first humectant selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propanediol, and combinations thereof; from 1% to 25% by weight of a second humectant selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and combinations thereof; from 1% to 20% by weight of a drying agent selected from the group consisting of 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, and combinations thereof; from 0% to 20% by weight of 2-pyrrolidone; from 0.05% to 10.0% by weight of a waterfastness control dye selected from the group consisting of azo-containing dyes and phthalocyanine-containing dyes; and at least one additional dye present at from about 1.0% to 10.0% by weight. If the waterfastness control dye is an azo-containing dye, such dyes can include Direct Red 227, Direct Red 254, Direct Yellow 86, and Acid Orange 7.

Abstract: Convenient disposable marker tip design minimizes marker passing distance and provides a constant width trace line independent of the angle at which the marker tip engages the writing surface. The marker tip comprises a nib shank, surrounding and supporting a nib having a partially spherical tip. The nib shank is shaped to provide maximum coverage of the nib surface and minimum passing distance between adjacent nib tips.