Abstract: A nib for use in a capillary feed marker. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nib comprises a bundle of substantially parallel, absorbent fibers fashioned into a porous structure, some of the fibers being made of a water-soluble (or solvent-soluble) material, other of the fibers being made of a water-insoluble (or solvent-insoluble) material. By dissolving the soluble fibers of the nib while keeping the insoluble fibers of the nib intact, capillaries of an enlarged size may be formed in the nib.

Abstract: Retractable marker pens and ink formulations for marker pens. The ink formulation has particular utility as a fluorescent ink for highlighting text or print. The formulation reduces the rate of ink evaporation from conventional felt, fiber or plastic marker tips. This property makes the ink especially suitable for use in retractable marker pens which do not normally employ a separate tight fitting cap or a lint guard to protect the marker tip from ink evaporation when the marker pen is in non-use. The ink formulation exhibits excellent flow characteristics to conventional felt, fiber or plastic marker tips over a wide range in tip widths. The ink does not leak from the tip and does not penetrate paper so as to obscure text or printed material on the opposite side of the paper. The ink is composed of a fluorescent dye, selected from methine, xanthene and anthraquinone dyes dissolved in a multicomponent solvent system.

Abstract: A marking implement in which an antistatic material is incorporated in the housing of the implement. The antistatic material is a nonionic fatty acid ester and the housing is of plastic. The antistatic material effects a significant reduction in surface resistivity of the polyethylene.

Abstract: A composite stamp pad for coating a stamping device with ink. The composite stamp pad is composed of a porous ink pad with a porous reservoir liner. The porous reservoir absorbs any ink which may leak from the pad due to heat or high humidity. Ink absorbed into the reservoir flows back into the pad automatically when temperature or humidity return to moderate levels. The reservoir and ink pad each have an open cell structure wherein the average pore diameter of reservoir is at least about 10 micrometers greater than the average pore diameter of the pad.

Abstract: A retractable ink stamp having a handle and a stamp housing slidably positioned on one end of the handle with an ink absorbing stamp matrix located within the stamp housing. The matrix, preferably of polyethylene foam construction, functions as both an ink reservoir and ink stamp. The stamp matrix is durable, has increased ink absorbing capabilities, exhibits excellent capillary characteristics, but yet is easily manufactured at low cost.