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 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: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for using fixed biological samples in partition-based assays. In at least one embodiment, the disclosure provides a composition comprising a fixed biological sample and an un-fixing agent contained in a partition, such as a discrete droplet. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides un-fixing agent compounds capable of catalytically cleaving crosslinks in fixed biological samples, particularly crosslinked nucleic acids, such as RNA.

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 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: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for using fixed biological samples in partition-based assays. In at least one embodiment, the disclosure provides a composition comprising a fixed biological sample and an un-fixing agent contained in a partition, such as a discrete droplet. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides un-fixing agent compounds capable of catalytically cleaving crosslinks in fixed biological samples, particularly crosslinked nucleic acids, such as RNA.

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 compacting tool includes an upper mass and a lower mass coupled to the upper mass. The upper and lower mass define a driving axis that extends centrally through the upper and lower mass. The compacting tool includes a motive source supported by the upper mass, the motive source having an output shaft, a battery configured to provide power to the motive source, and a handle coupled to the upper mass. The handle defines a handle axis that extends centrally trough the handle and intersects the driving axis at an intersection point. The handle includes a first and second hollow frame members, a grip portion, and a solid insert partially received by the first frame member and partially received by the second frame member.

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 transaction card having a metal layer, an opening in the metal layer for a transponder chip, and at least one discontinuity extending from an origin on the card periphery to a terminus in the opening. The card has a greater flex resistance than a card having a comparative discontinuity with the terminus and the origin the same distance from a line defined by a first long side of the card periphery in an absence of one or more strengthening features. Strengthening features include a discontinuity wherein one of the terminus or the origin are located relatively closer to the first long side of the card periphery than the other, a plurality of discontinuities wherein fewer than all extend from the card periphery to the opening, a self-supporting, non-metal layer disposed on at least one surface of the card, or one or more ceramic reinforcing tabs surrounding the opening.

Abstract: A transaction card having a partial glass layer including an interior glass member connected to a non-glass frame. The frame defines opposite planar surfaces, has an outer periphery coextensive with the outer periphery of the card, and has a frame inner periphery spaced radially inward from the frame outer periphery. The frame inner periphery defines an interior area occupied by the glass member. The transaction card further includes at least one additional layer having a periphery coextensive with the periphery of the card, and a payment module configured for contactless operation or dual interface contact/contactless operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for using fixed biological samples in partition-based assays. In at least one embodiment, the disclosure provides a composition comprising a fixed biological sample and an un-fixing agent contained in a partition, such as a discrete droplet. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides un-fixing agent compounds capable of catalytically cleaving crosslinks in fixed biological samples, particularly crosslinked nucleic acids, such as RNA.

Abstract: A transaction card having a metal layer, an opening in the metal layer for a transponder chip, and at least one discontinuity extending from an origin on the card periphery to a terminus in the opening. The card has a greater flex resistance than a card having a comparative discontinuity with the terminus and the origin the same distance from a line defined by a first long side of the card periphery in an absence of one or more strengthening features. Strengthening features include a discontinuity wherein one of the terminus or the origin are located relatively closer to the first long side of the card periphery than the other, a plurality of discontinuities wherein fewer than all extend from the card periphery to the opening, a self-supporting, non-metal layer disposed on at least one surface of the card, or one or more ceramic reinforcing tabs surrounding the opening.

Abstract: A transaction card having a partial glass layer including an interior glass member connected to a non-glass frame. The frame defines opposite planar surfaces, has an outer periphery coextensive with the outer periphery of the card, and has a frame inner periphery spaced radially inward from the frame outer periphery. The frame inner periphery defines an interior area occupied by the glass member. The transaction card further includes at least one additional layer having a periphery coextensive with the periphery of the card, and a payment module configured for contactless operation or dual interface contact/contactless operation.

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 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 transaction card having a discontinuous metal stratum with a desired degree of electrical eddy current disruption disposed on a surface of a first layer, such as a glass or other transparent layer. A transaction module disposed in the first layer is electrically isolated from the discontinuous metal stratum. The discontinuous metal stratum may include a plurality of isolated metal features that form a halftone pattern, such as a pattern that is visibly opaque to the naked eye.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for making a hydrogel comprising a cell, cell nucleus, or one or more components derived from a cell or cell nucleus. A method for making a hydrogel may comprise providing a cell or cell nucleus, a first polymer, wherein the first polymer comprises a plurality of first crosslink precursors, each of the plurality of first crosslink precursors comprising an azide group; providing a second polymer, wherein the second polymer comprises a plurality of second crosslink precursors, each of the plurality of second crosslink precursors comprising an alkyne group; and crosslinking the first polymer and the second polymer via a reaction between a first section of the first crosslink precursors and a second section of the second crosslink precursors, thereby providing the hydrogel comprising the cell or cell nucleus.

Abstract: A transaction card having a discontinuous metal stratum with a desired degree of electrical eddy current disruption disposed on a surface of a first layer, such as a glass or other transparent layer. A transaction module disposed in the first layer is electrically isolated from the discontinuous metal stratum. The discontinuous metal stratum may include a plurality of isolated metal features that form a halftone pattern, such as a pattern that is visibly opaque to the naked eye.