Abstract: A transaction card comprising a metal layer. A first cut out region in a first surface of said metal layer has a depth less than the thickness of the metal layer, and a first portion of an integrated circuit (IC) module is secured therein. A second cut out region extends from the first cut out region to the second surface of said metal layer and defines a non-RF-impeding volume having a perimeter greater than the perimeter of the first cut out region. One or more additional layers are stacked on the second surface of the metal layer, and a channel extends between one of the stacked layers and the IC module.

Abstract: A transaction card includes at least one metal layer having one or more apertures therein. A light guide is disposed beneath the metal layer. The light guide has a light output and a light input. The light output is positioned to transmit light through at least the one or more apertures of the metal layer.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a transaction card includes forming an opening in a card body of the transaction card; inserting an electronic component into the opening; and molding a molding material about the electronic component. A transaction card includes a molded electronic component.

Abstract: A transaction card, and processes for the manufacture thereof, having a core layer, optionally, one or more layers or coatings over the core layer, and at least one of a magnetic stripe, a machine readable code, and a payment module chip disposed in or on the card and suitable for rendering the card operable for conducting a transaction. The core layer comprises a metal-doped cured epoxy comprised of metal particles distributed in a binder consisting essentially of a cured, polymerized epoxy resin, the core comprising greater than 50%, preferably greater than 75%, and more preferably greater than 90%, of the weight and/or volume of the card. In some embodiments, the core includes a metal insert enveloped with the metal-doped curable epoxy, wherein the periphery of the epoxy extends beyond the periphery of the metal insert and has material properties more conducive to cutting or punching than the metal insert.

Abstract: A dual interface transaction card includes a metal card body having first and second surfaces. A contact-only transaction module is secured in the card body, the contact-only transaction module including contact pads disposed on the first surface of the card body and including a first transaction circuit. A contactless transaction module is secured in a void in the metal card body. The contactless transaction module includes a second transaction circuit and an antenna. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the dual interface transaction card. The process includes the steps of constructing a metal card body having the first and second surfaces, securing the contact-only transaction module in the metal card body, forming the void in the metal card body, and securing the contactless transaction module in the void.

Abstract: A transaction or identification card has a width, a length, and at least one planar surface extending across the width and length. The card includes a dynamic feature including an actuator having an inactivated position and an activated position, wherein the inactivated position has at least one reversible difference from the activated position relative to the planar surface of the card.

Abstract: A transaction card includes at least one metal layer having one or more apertures therein. A light guide is disposed beneath the metal layer. The light guide has a light output and a light input. The light output is positioned to transmit light through at least the one or more apertures of the metal layer. At least one LED is positioned to transmit light into the light input of the light guide.

Abstract: A non-provisioned card having a front side and a back side, and at least one visible surface that is patinated or activated to promote patination.

Abstract: A transaction device includes a metal layer with one or more discontinuities in the metal layer. Each discontinuity comprises a gap in the metal layer extending from the front surface to the back surface, including at least one discontinuity that defines a path from the device periphery to the opening. A transponder chip module is disposed in the opening. A booster antenna is in communication with the transponder chip module. The device may include at least one fiber-reinforced epoxy laminate material layer. The transponder chip module and the booster antenna may comprise components in a payment circuit, with the metal layer electrically isolated from the payment circuit. The booster antenna may be formed on or embedded in the fiber-reinforced epoxy laminate material layer. Processes for manufacturing transaction devices including a metal layer with one or more fiber-reinforced epoxy laminate material layers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaction card includes at least one metal layer having one or more apertures therein. A light guide is disposed beneath the metal layer. The light guide has a light output and a light input. The light output is positioned to transmit light through at least the one or more apertures of the metal layer. At least one LED is positioned to transmit light into the light guide light input.

Abstract: A transaction card having an opening in a metal card body, a booster antenna in the opening, and a molding material about the booster antenna. A process for manufacturing the transaction card includes forming an opening in a card body, inserting a booster antenna into the opening, and molding a molding material about the booster antenna.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a transaction card includes forming an opening in a card body of the transaction card; inserting an electronic component into the opening; and disposing a non-conductive material about the electronic component. A transaction card includes a molded electronic component.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a transaction card includes forming an opening in a card body of the transaction card; inserting an electronic component into the opening; and disposing a non-conductive material about the electronic component. A transaction card includes a molded electronic component.

Abstract: A non-provisioned card having a front side and a back side, and at least one visible surface that is patinated or activated to promote patination.

Abstract: A transaction card is described. The transaction card includes a non-plastic layer, one or more embedded electronics, a fill layer, and one or more additional layers. The non-plastic layer has first and second faces and a thickness therebetween, and at least a first opening in the first face. The one or more embedded electronic components are disposed in or adjacent the first opening. The fill layer is in contact with the embedded electronic components, disposed in portions of the first opening not occupied by the embedded electronics.

Abstract: A process for making a transaction card defined by a plurality of layers is described. The process includes providing a first portion of the card, the first portion comprising a non-plastic layer having first and second faces and a thickness therebetween; forming an opening in the non-plastic layer, the opening defined through the first face; disposing embedded electronics in the opening; providing a second portion of the card; and providing a fill disposed in portions of the opening not occupied by the embedded electronics and attaching the first portion of the card to the second portion of the card.

Abstract: A transaction card having an opening in a metal card body, a booster antenna in the opening, and a molding material about the booster antenna. A process for manufacturing the transaction card includes forming an opening in a card body, inserting a booster antenna into the opening, and molding a molding material about the booster antenna.

Abstract: Cards made in accordance with the invention include a specially treated thin decorative layer attached to a thick core layer of metal or ceramic material, where the thin decorative layer is designed to provide selected color(s) and/or selected texture(s) to a surface of the metal cards. Decorative layers for use in practicing the invention include: (a) an anodized metal layer; or (b) a layer of material derived from plant or animal matter (e.g., wood, leather); or (c) an assortment of aggregate binder material (e.g., cement, mortar, epoxies) mixed with laser reactive materials (e.g., finely divided carbon); or (d) a ceramic layer; and (e) a layer of crystal fabric material. The cards may be dual interface smart cards which can be read in a contactless manner and/or via contacts.

Abstract: A transaction card and a process of making the transaction card are described. The transaction card includes a core having first and second faces, a core thickness therebetween, and an opening, and embedded electronics disposed in the opening.