Abstract: High density metal or mineral particles, sized to be less than 10 microns, are compounded into a base plastic layer to form a compounded composite layer used to form the core layer of the card, any layer of the card or the entire card. The amount of high density particles compounded into the plastic layer is controlled so the card: (a) is at least twice as heavy as any standard PVC card; (b) can be manufactured using standard current plastic card equipment and tooling. (c) is not brittle; and (d) is electrically non-conductive whereby it is not subject to electrostatic discharge properties. The card can include RFID functionality integrated into the card body. The compounded composite layer does not interfere with the integrity of the data communication between an RFID chip packaged in an antenna module and coupled with an embedded booster antenna, and a contactless reader or terminal.

Abstract: A booster antenna (BA) for a smart card comprises a card antenna (CA) component extending around a periphery of a card body (CB), a coupler coil (CC) component at a location for an antenna module (AM), and an extension antenna (EA) contributing to the inductance of the booster antenna (BA). A method of wire embedding is also disclosed, by controlling a force and ultrasonic power applied by an embedding tool at different positions on the card body (CB).

Abstract: A conductive coupling frame (CF) having two ends, forming an open loop having two ends or a discontinuous metal layer disposed surrounding and closely adjacent a transponder chip module (TCM, 610), and substantially coplanar with an antenna structure (AS, CES, LES) in the transponder chip module (TCM). A metal card body (MCB, CB) or a transaction card with a discontinuous metal layer having a slit (S) or a non-conductive strip (NCS, 1034) extending from a module opening (MO) to a periphery of the card body to function as a coupling frame (CF). The coupling frame (CF) may be thick enough to be non-transparent to RF at frequencies of interest. A switch (SW) may be provided to connect ends of the coupling frame (CF) across the slit (S, 630). A reinforcing structure (RS) may be provided to stabilize the coupling frame (CF) and card body (CB).

Abstract: A conductive coupling frame (CF) having two ends, forming an open loop, disposed surrounding and closely adjacent a transponder chip module (TCM), and substantially coplanar with an antenna structure (AS, LES) in the transponder chip module (TCM). A metal card body (MCB) having a slit (S) extending from a module opening (MO) to a periphery of the card body to function as a coupling frame (CF). The coupling frame (CF) may be thick enough to be non-transparent to RF at frequencies of interest. A switch may be provided to connect ends of the coupling frame (CF) across the slit (S). The transponder chip module (TCM) may comprise a laser-etched antenna structure (LES) and a non-perforated contact pad (CP) arrangement.

Abstract: An offshore structure comprises a hull having a longitudinal axis and including a first column and a second column moveably coupled to the first column. Each column has a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the offshore structure comprises an anchor coupled to the second end of the second column and configured to secure the hull to the sea floor. The first column includes a variable ballast chamber and a first buoyant chamber positioned between the variable ballast chamber and the first end of the first column. The first buoyant chamber is filled with a gas and sealed from the surrounding environment. The second column includes a variable ballast chamber. Further, the offshore structure comprises a topside mounted to the hull.

Abstract: An RFID chip (CM) is flip-chip mounted and connected to a surface of a substrate (MT), such as for a 6-pad ISO smart card antenna module (AM). A winding core (WC) for an antenna (MA) stiffens, stabilizes and planarizes substrate (MT) to enhance reliability of the connections. The flip-chip antenna module (FCAM) interfaces with a contactless reader. Contact pads (CP) on the opposite side of the substrate (MT) provide a contact interface. Also disclosed is first forming an antenna (MA) on an antenna substrate (AS), then joining it to the module substrate (MT). Such an antenna may be an embedded wire, or an etched metal layer.

Abstract: A transponder with an antenna module having a chip module and an antenna; a booster antenna having a first antenna structure in the form of a flat coil having a number of turns, an outer end and an inner end, and a second antenna structure in the form of a flat coil having a number of turns, an outer end and an inner end; the inner end of the second antenna structure connected with the outer end of the first antenna structure. The antenna module may be positioned so that its antenna overlaps one of the first antenna structure or the second antenna structure. An antenna module having two additional antenna structures is disclosed. Methods of enhancing coupling are disclosed.

Abstract: Laser etching antenna structures (AS) for RFID antenna modules (AM). Combining laser etching and chemical etching. Limiting the thickness of the contact pads (CP) to less than the skin depth (18 m) of the conductive material (copper) used for the contact pads (CP). Multiple antenna structures (AS1, AS2) in an antenna module (AM). Incorporating LEDs into the antenna module (AM) or smartcard (SC).

Abstract: A polymeric hollow nanoshell or nanosphere for release of an agent is described, wherein the hollow nanosphere comprises at least one biodegradable polymer, characterized in that the polymer is cross-linked. The biodegradable mono-disperse nanospheres described are suitable for use as carriers of biomolecules, therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents.

Abstract: Selective deposition of magnetic material such as particles, and producing a pre-laminated stack of shielding layers for offsetting attenuation of RF caused by a metal face plate of a smart card (or tag) or a metallized layer near a passive transponder. Coated or uncoated magnetic particles of different sizes may be used to increase the packing density of the material after its deposition on a substrate. Magnetography-based techniques may be used to apply the particles, at high packing density, including different-sized particles to a substrate such as PVC. Magnetic particles may be used as a carrier medium to deposit other particles nanoparticles. A system for selective deposition is disclosed.

Abstract: A winding core (WC) having a tubular body portion (B) and two ends is mounted by one of its ends to a module tape (MT), a module antenna (MA) is wound around the winding core (WC), a chip (CM) is disposed on the module tape (MT) within the winding core (WC). Connections (wb) are made, and glob-top (GT) is applied over the chip (CM), substantially filling the interior area of the winding core (WC). The module antenna (MA), winding core (WC) and chip (CM) may subsequently be overmolded with a mold mass (MM). The winding core (WC) may have a flange (F) at one end. Using the module antenna (MA) itself as a dam for the glob-top is disclosed. Double-sided and single-sided module tapes (MT) having vias, openings, or vias and openings are disclosed.

Abstract: During mounting to an inlay substrate, at least one end portion (including end) of an antenna wire is positioned directly over a terminal of the chip module for subsequent connecting thereto. A sonotrode is disclosed with a cutter above the capillary for cutting or nicking the wire. Insulation may be removed from a portion of the wire. The antenna may comprise two separate stubs, each having an end portion (including end) positioned over a terminal of the chip module. Additional techniques for mounting the antenna wire are disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric hollow nanoshell or nanosphere for release of an agent is described, wherein the hollow nanosphere comprises at least one biodegradable polymer, characterised in that the polymer is cross-linked. The biodegradable mono-disperse nanospheres described are suitable for use as carriers of biomolecules, therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents.

Abstract: A transponder with an antenna module having a chip module and an antenna; a booster antenna having a first antenna structure in the form of a flat coil having a number of turns, an outer end and an inner end, and a second antenna structure in the form of a flat coil having a number of turns, an outer end and an inner end; the inner end of the second antenna structure connected with the outer end of the first antenna structure. The antenna module may be positioned so that its antenna overlaps one of the first antenna structure or the second antenna structure. An antenna module having two additional antenna structures is disclosed. Methods of enhancing coupling are disclosed.

Abstract: Winding a module antenna (MA) for an antenna module (AM) on a tubular support structure (SS) having have a lid structure (LD) or a planar tool (PT) disposed at its free end to constrain the windings. Alternatively, winding wire coils for module antennas (MA) on coil winding forms (CWF, FIG. 26) and transferring them to a module tape (MT). Double-sided and single-sided module tapes (MT) having vias and openings (h) are disclosed. Connection bridges (CBR) formed within, between or surrounding the contact pads (CP) are disclosed. Various configurations for components (CA, CC, EA) of booster antenna (BA) are disclosed. A coupler coil (CC) has an inner winding (iw) and an outer winding (ow). Techniques for embedding wire and for bonding wire are disclosed.

Abstract: A booster antenna (BA) for a smart card comprises a card antenna (CA) component extending around a periphery of a card body (CB), a coupler coil (CC) component at a location for an antenna module (AM), and an extension antenna (EA) contributing to the inductance of the booster antenna (BA). A method of wire embedding is also disclosed, by controlling a force and ultrasonic power applied by an embedding tool at different positions on the card body (CB).

Abstract: Forming antenna structures having several conductor turns (wire, foil, conductive material) on a an antenna substrate (carrier layer or film or web), removing the antenna structures individually from the antenna substrate using pick & place gantry or by means of die punching, laser cutting or laminating, and transferring the antenna structure with it's end portions (termination ends) in a fixed position for mounting onto or into selected transponder sites on an inlay substrate, and connecting the aligned termination ends of the antenna structure to an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip or chip module disposed on or in the inlay substrate. A contact transfer process is capable of transferring several antenna structures simultaneously to several transponder sites.

Abstract: Secure inlays for secure documents such as a passport comprising an inlay substrate may have laser ablated recesses within which a chip module is installed. Channels for an antenna wire may be formed in a surface of the substrate. Instead of using wire, the channels may be filled with a flowable, conductive material. Patches homogenous with the substrate layer may be used to protect and seal the chip and interconnection area. The inlay substrate may include two layers, and the antenna wire may be between the two layers. A moisture-curing polyurethane hot melt adhesive may be used to laminate a cover layer and the additional inlay substrate layers. The adhesive layer may include metal nanoscale powder and ink for electro-magnetic shielding. Additional security elements may include material that is optically changeable by an electro-magnetic field. Ferrite-containing layers may be incorporated in the inlay substrate.

Abstract: A dual interface (DI) smart card (100) comprising a chip module (CM), a module antenna (MA), a card body (CB) and a card antenna (CA) having two windings (D,E) connected with reverse phase as a “quasi-dipole”. Capacitive stubs (B,C) connected with an antenna structure (A) of the module antenna (MA). The module antenna (MA) overlaps only one of the windings (D or E) of the card antenna (CA). The card antenna (CA) may be formed from one continuous wire. Ferrite (156) shielding the module antenna (MA) from contact pads (CP) and for enhancing coupling between the module antenna (MA) and the card antenna (CA). The card antenna (CA) may be disposed substantially only in a top half portion of the card body (CB).

Abstract: A polymeric hollow nanoshell or nanosphere for release of an agent is described, wherein the hollow nanosphere comprises at least one biodegradable polymer, characterised in that the polymer is cross-linked. The biodegradable mono-disperse nanospheres described are suitable for use as carriers of biomolecules, therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents.