Abstract: The present invention provides jet ink compositions that are free or substantially free of sedimentation, have good image adhesion and rub resistance, and that are suitable for printing messages on food items such as fruits, vegetables, chocolate, candies, confectioneries and pharmaceuticals such as tablets, and other edible or ingestible materials. The jet ink compositions comprise a surface modified or coated colorant. The surface modified or coated food grade colorant comprises a food grade colorant of particle size in the range of from about 0.01 micron to about 25 microns, a colorant carrier, and a surface modifying or coating agent. The surface modifying or coating agent comprises at least one binder resin, and preferably two or more binder resins.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink composition for use in printing on food items, especially fruits and vegetables, and a method of forming printed images on food items by use of such compositions. The compositions of the present invention comprise citrus #2 dye, at least one binder, such as a rosin resin or cellulose derivative, and a carrier comprising ethanol and acetone. The composition is also characterized as being MEK-free, as well as water-free.

Abstract: The present invention provides jet ink compositions that produce on glass, metal, plastic, and rubber surfaces messages having high visual intensity, and condensation and water resistance. The inventive compositions comprise a polyamine, a colorant, and an acidic resin. The present invention further provides jet ink compositions further comprising water as the ink carrier. The colorant used in the ink composition of the present invention includes a dye, a pigment, or a polymeric hollow microsphere. The polyamine used in the ink composition of the present invention includes a dendrimer. The ink composition of the present invention may additionally include pH adjusting agents, humectants, biocides, defoamers. The present invention further provides an improved process of jet printing on glass, metal, plastic, and rubber surfaces messages having improved condensation and water resistance, and improved visual intensity, the improvement comprising using the ink composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A non-pigmented ink suitable for use in ink jet printing is disclosed. The ink comprises a resin component, hollow microspheres, and a suitable carrier vehicle. The hollow microspheres contain a central void region filled with a liquid capable of diffusing through the walls of said microspheres and have an inside diameter from about 0.1 to about 0.5 micron and an outside diameter from about 0.4 to about 1 micron.

Abstract: A jet printing ink composition for printing on treated or untreated surfaces of polyolefin plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene in which the ink composition has a pH within the range of 7.0-10.5 and which is formulated to contain 5-20% by weight styrene-acrylic copolymer resin, 3-12 parts by weight plasticizer per 100 parts by weight of resin, 0-20 parts by weight modifying resin per 100 parts by weight of resin, 0.5-6% by weight colorant, 0-10% by weight evaporation retardant, the remainder being water and C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alcohol in the ratio of 80-10 parts by weight alcohol to 20-90 parts by weight water.