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 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 dual interface smart card, and methods for the manufacture thereof, having a metal layer, an IC module, with contacts and RF capability, and a plug formed of non RF impeding material, disposed in the metal layer. The plug provides support for the IC module and a degree of electrical insulation and isolation from the metal layer. Embodiments of the card include at least one additional layer.

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 multi layered card embodying the invention includes an outer layer of an amorphous laser reactive copolymer material which is embossed with a selected pattern at a selected temperature which is above the glass transition temperature, Tg, of the copolymer and below its melting temperature, Tm. So embossed, the selected pattern is set in the copolymer layer, and its external shape cannot be changed from the embossed form to which it was set at the selected temperature, without destroying the selected pattern. The outer layer may be laminated with the other layers of the card and laser engraved before or after lamination.

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 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 molding a molding material about the electronic component. A transaction card includes a molded electronic component.

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 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: System, including methods and compositions, for making and using emulsions that include a silicone oil and a silicone surfactant. The emulsions may include aqueous droplets disposed in a continuous phase that includes a silicone oil and a silicone surfactant. The aqueous droplets may contain an analyte, optionally at partial occupancy, and/or a luminescent (e.g., photoluminescent) reporter. An assay of the analyte may be performed with the droplets. In some cases, signals may be detected from the droplets, and a characteristic of the analyte, such as an analyte level or activity, may be determined based on the signals.

Abstract: A dual interface smart card, and methods for the manufacture thereof, having a metal layer, an IC module, with contacts and RF capability, and a plug formed of non RF impeding material, disposed in the metal layer. The plug provides support for the IC module and a degree of electrical insulation and isolation from the metal layer. Embodiments of the card include at least one additional layer.

Abstract: A card having a metal layer and an opening or cut-out region in the metal layer, with a dual-interface integrated circuit (IC) module disposed in the opening or cut-out region. A ferrite layer is disposed below the metal layer and a booster antenna is attached to the ferrite layer. A vertical hole extends beneath the IC module through the ferrite layer. The booster antenna may be physically connected to the IC module or may be configured to inductively couple to the IC module. In some embodiments, the IC may be disposed in or on a non-conductive plug disposed within the opening or cut-out region, or the vertical hole may have a non-conductive lining, or a connector may be disposed between the booster antenna and the IC module in the vertical hole.

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 dual interface smart card having a metal layer includes an SC module, with contacts and RF capability, mounted on a plug, formed of non RF impeding material, between the top and bottom surfaces of the metal layer. The plug provides support for the IC module and a degree of electrical insulation and isolation from the metal layer. The resultant card can have contact and contactless operating capability and an entirely smooth external metal surface except for the contacts of the IC module.

Abstract: RF shielding material utilized in a smart metal card as a shield between a metal layer and an antenna does not occupy a complete layer. Instead, only sufficient RF shielding material is utilized to track and conform to the antenna.

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 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.

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.