Abstract: This invention provides an embossed decorative composite laminate interlayer for use in reducing UV and IR energy transmittance through a glass laminate. One interlayer of the present invention comprises an embossed decorative composite disposed between a first and second adhesive layer, such as PVB. The embossed decorative composite of the present invention comprises a first polymeric support film, such as PET, having a metal coating disposed thereon, thereby forming a metallized film. The metallized film is then bonded through the use of an adhesive to a second polymer support film, forming a decorative composite structure. The decorative composite is then purposefully embossed such that they have protrusions at different angles to the flat plane of the bonded polymeric support films, so as to form the desired embossed decorative composite.

Abstract: A conductive resin coated steel pipe and an extrusion molding method for the steel pipe capable of using filler instead of carbon black and not only lowering a production cost but also further increasing an attractiveness; the resin coated steel pipe, wherein a regenerated resin (3) such as polyethylene, ABS, AAS, and the outer peripheral surface of a thin-walled steel pipe (2) is coated with polypropylene, and a conductive resin (4) such as polyethylene, ABS, AAS, and polypropylene mixed with filler on the outer peripheral surface of the coated resin (3) is axially uniformized in cross section by a double coated structure where the portion (4b) thereof having a wall thickness and a width necessary for developing the conductivity thereof are provided at one or more positions in the circumferential direction of a pipe body and the entire outer peripheral surface thereof is coated thinly with the resin.

Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet radiation which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing. In another variant, two different spectral regions of UV curing radiation are used so that a urethane coating can be employed as a top coat with a selectively embossed surface.

Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet light which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing.

Abstract: An anti-reflection molding has a transparent substrate and an anti-reflection layer provided at least on a surface of the transparent substrate, an interface of a transparent window on which the anti-reflection layer is formed has an average surface roughness Ra of between 2.0 and 150 nm, and the molding has a curved surface having a radius of curvature of not less than 40 mm and protruding on a surface side, or a flat surface, in the transparent window.

Abstract: A method of forming a structural article from a shape defining interior member (20) and at least one external skin (22). The interior member has at least one surface (23) with channels extending to the periphery thereof. The method comprises heating a thermoplastics sheet intended to form said external skin (22) and bringing the heated sheet (22) alongside the surface (23) of the interior member (20) and into initial contact with same. A fluid pressure differential is then applied between opposite surfaces of the interior member (20) and the sheet (22) to conform the sheet (22) to the shape of the interior member (20) and mutually engage same. Fluid trapped between the sheet (22) and the member (20) escapes through the ends of the channels of the member (20) as the sheet (22) is drawn into substantially conformity with the surface (23) having the channels. The fluid pressure differential is maintained until the sheet (22) has cooled whereupon tensional forces arise in the sheet (22) in all directions.

Abstract: A method for forming a patterned film on a substrate, the method including: providing a first flowable medium on the substrate and a second flowable medium on the first flowable medium, the first and second flowable media having different dielectric properties and defining an interface there between; applying an electric field to the interface for a time sufficient to produce a structure in the first flowable medium along the interface: and hardening the structure in the first flowable medium to form the patterned film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut transversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a speaker grille-integrated foamed thermoplastic resin molding for automotive interior comprising a base portion and a speaker grille wherein at least the base portion has a foamed layer and the foamed layer in the base portion has a density ? of not greater than 0.7 g/cm3 and an average expansion ratio of the speaker grille is 1 to 1.3 times, said molding being lightweight and being strong even in its speaker grille part so that it can be used as a speaker grille-integrated foamed thermoplastic resin molding for automotive interior such as a door trim and an instrument panel.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting and a method for making the same includes a plurality of open-faced cube-corner surfaces formed from a substantially rigid material to keep the cube-corner surfaces from flexing. An optical coating is formed on the surfaces, and a fill layer is attached to at least a portion of the optical coating. A plurality of voids form the open-faced cube-corner surfaces.

Abstract: A papermaking belt of improved durability capable of preventing a crack from progressing into the which includes a reinforcing substrate embedded in an elastic material, and the elastic material containing a surface layer, a back layer and an intermediate layer located between the surface layer and the back layer and having a thick part containing a thickness in the belt thickness direction along the belt traveling direction in the said intermediate layer. The thick part can also be exposed on the belt surface through the surface layer, the thick part is preferably made of a low-hardness elastic material and the surface layer is preferably made of a high-hardness elastic material.

Abstract: A method of repairing a thermal barrier coating (16) on a component (10) designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The method more particularly involves repairing a thermal barrier coating (16) on a component (10) that has suffered localized spallation (20) of the thermal barrier coating (16). After cleaning the surface area (22) of the component (10) exposed by the localized spallation (20), a ceramic paste (24) comprising a ceramic powder in a binder is applied to the surface area (22) of the component (10). The binder is then reacted to yield a ceramic-containing repair coating (26) that covers the surface area of the component and comprises the ceramic powder in a matrix of a material formed when the binder was reacted.

Abstract: A plastic molding having high accuracy includes at least one transfer surface and at least one imperfect transfer portion having a concave or convex shape. The mold assembly includes a cavity into which molten resin is injected, a slide cavity piece which is capable of being slid at a prescribed time so that a gap is formed between the resin and the slide cavity piece, and a vent hole for supplying a compressed gas in the cavity. A method of producing the plastic molding includes the steps of heating resin to provide a molten resin, injecting the molten resin into a cavity of a molding, applying a resin-pressure to the molten resin, cooling the resin, sliding the slide cavity piece, and opening the mold assembly.

Abstract: A method and composition for providing a colored high performance wear surface for floor coverings is disclosed. Specifically, the floor covering includes a substrate and a high performance layer comprising a radiation cured pigmented composition. The exposed surface of the floor covering has a stain resistance of less than about 150 Delta E units. A pigmented high performance wear layer can be added in register with a printed design on the substrate or in register with an embossed texture of the substrate. Additionally, a high performance topcoat wear layer may be added. The pigmented high performance layer may include a nacreous pigment.

Abstract: A flexible sheet which includes a substrate having at least one visually discernable surface and at least one electroluminescent lamp assembly positioned proximate to the surface and controlled by a suitable power source as well as means for isolating at least one electroluminescent lamp assembly from deleterious interaction with environment external to the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet can be employed in various applications including bound books, functional cards, locational orientation devices as well as in mechanisms for selectively indicating ingress or egress from architectural structures and other safety indicators. At least one component of the flexible sheet with the electroluminescent lamp assembly can be produced by drop ejection.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet has a base sheet, a first polishing layer formed on the base sheet, a porous foamed layer having air bubbles inside formed on the base sheet, and a second polishing layer formed on the foamed layer. The surface of the foamed layer may be flat or preferably porous with the second polishing layer having openings corresponding to those on the porous surface of the foamed layer. For cleaning a probe by using such a cleaning sheet, the tip of the probe is caused to penetrate the surface of the second polishing layer, to pass through the foamed layer and to be pressed against the first polishing layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface material which can be replaced to the conventional surface material made of soft polyvinylchloride resin. This surface material is useful for the various uses such as the material for car interior, surface material furniture or the material for porches. The present invention is the urethane resin surface material comprising, a mixed resin sheet composed of 50-95 wt. % thermoplastic polyurethane and 50-5 wt. % of acrylic soft resin and the Shore A hardness of said urethane resin surface material is 60-80. On one side surface of the mixed resin sheet, a layer of knitted, woven, nonwoven fabric or soft foam sheet can be provided. As the thermoplastic polyurethane resin, the thermoplastic polyurethane resin of Shore A hardness 65-90 is desirable, and as the acrylic soft resin, the acrylic soft resin of Shore A hardness 50-80 is desirable.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond compact for use in cutting operations with a renewable sharp cutting edge, high abrasion resistance and high impact strength. The polycrystalline diamond is a composite composed of a matrix of coarse diamond interspersed with large agglomerated particles of ultra fine diamond. The agglomerated particles produce sharp cutting edges that are protected from impact forces by the overall uniform matrix of coarse diamond crystals. The self-sharpening cutter is highly resistant to spalling and catastrophic fracture.

Abstract: Composite pavement markings with improved wear resistance and other advantages are disclosed. The composite pavement markings typically include a unitary retroreflective article attached to a base pavement marking. With the composite construction, different portions of the pavement marking are provided at different heights. The taller portions of the pavement marking may preferably offer some protection to the shorter portions from wear caused by vehicle traffic and/or snowplow blades. By combining two different retroreflective pavement markings to form the composite pavement markings of the present invention, a combination of features and properties may be obtained that is provided by neither of the pavement markings alone. Methods of manufacturing composite pavement markings are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for providing surface coverings with differential gloss, and surface coverings prepared by the method, are disclosed. The methods involve screen printing or rotogravure printing a relatively low gloss primer onto portions of a substrate surface covering. The primer-coated substrate is then coated with a relatively higher gloss coating composition, and the coating compositions are cured, advantageously in a single curing step. The result is a surface covering including a top coat having a lower gloss level overlying the primer and a higher gloss level in the regions not overlying the primer.

Abstract: A method of making a polymer coating on a microstructured substrate. The method may be performed by vaporizing a liquid monomer or other pre-polymer composition and condensing the vaporized material onto a microstructured substrate, followed by curing. The resulting article may possess a coating that preserves the underlying microstructural feature profile. Such a profile-preserving polymer coating can be used to change or enhance the surface properties of the microstructured substrate while maintaining the function of the structure.

Abstract: A synthetic resin leather comprising a substrate at least one surface of which is arranged with a synthetic resin layer, wherein said synthetic resin layer contains 1 to 70 weight parts of bridged polyalkylene oxide to 100 weight parts of synthetic resin. As the synthetic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, acrylic soft resin, mixed resin composed of 50-95 wt. % of thermoplastic polyurethane and 50-5 wt. % of acrylic soft resin, copolymer of polyester resin or polyolefin resin can be used. A surface coating layer containing powder of natural organic substance can be arranged over the surface of synthetic resin layer of said synthetic resin leather. As the powder of natural organic substance, collagen can be desirably used. Further, on the surface of the synthetic resin leather, it is desirable to mark a pattern and to make the height of convex part of the pattern higher than 0.05 mm.

Abstract: A composite structural reinforcement device to be applied to structural members by wrapping in successive overlying layers includes a body formed of a first ply of resin impregnated high tensile strength material, a second ply of resin impregnated high tensile strength material, a magnetically detectable ply disposed and bonded between the first and second plies, an interlock means for mechanically interlocking successive layers as the device is applied to a structural member, and an alignment means for aligning successive layers of the device in overlying relation. Various alternative embodiments and various combinations of features are disclosed.

Abstract: The surface of a disk medium includes a substrate whose surface includes grooves and lands. A non-magnetic underlayer and a magnetic recording layer are formed on the substrate. Smoothing non-magnetic film fills the grooves, which are covered with the non-magnetic underlayer and the magnetic recording layer, so that the height of the magnetic recording layer above the grooves may reach the same level as the height of the magnetic recording layer above the lands.

Abstract: A sandwich structure does not permit the permeation of water and a sandwich structure repairing method is capable of easily repairing the sandwich structure. A sandwich structure (1) includes a core (4) formed of a closed-cell foam plastic material, and surface plates (2, 3) formed of a fiber-reinforced composite material containing hydrophobic inorganic fibers as reinforcing fibers and bonded to the opposite surfaces of the core (4). Water is unable to permeate the sandwich structure.

Abstract: A continuously formed, low profiled reflective pavement marker comprising a multiple, inclined, low profiled reflective portions, which are integrally connected by horizontally, positioned reflective sheeting. Each raised reflective portion integrally having multiple reflective cube corner elements within two defined inclined reflective faces. Each of the two opposite reflective faces are integrally supported by load carrying structural walls in a multi-directional manner, said load carrying structural walks define cell like areas within each inclined reflective face. A method of making said reflective marker is disclosed that includes the steps of sealing and coloring the lower portion of the reflective marking sheet.

Abstract: In carving a decorative groove (7) formed in V-shape cross section extending from inside to outside on a dial plate (2) of a timepiece as a decorative plate, the slant angle of an inner slanted side (7A) forming the V-shape of the decorative groove (7) is made gentler than an outer slanted side (7B) at an inner part of the spiral, so that action of light reflected on the flat surface of the dial plate (2) macroscopically becomes similar to the light reflected on a bulging surface to give the central portion of the dial plate (2) a bulging appearance, whereby a three-dimensional effect is provided by the decorative groove (7) even when the dial plate (2) is made of a thin plate, thereby adding depth and a luxurious touch or aspect.

Abstract: The invention provides a multilayer-coated substrate which has recesses and projections of an accurate shape on the surface and has high heat resistance and a high degree of integration, and further provides a process for producing the same.

Abstract: A waste gate valve actuator is provided for use with a turbocharger having a flexible and durable thin non-fabric diaphragm substantially uniform in thickness comprised entirely of a thermoset or thermoplastic fluorocarbon material.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet has a base sheet, a first polishing layer formed on the base sheet, a porous foamed layer having air bubbles inside formed on the base sheet, and a second polishing layer formed on the foamed layer. The surface of the foamed layer may be flat or preferably porous with the second polishing layer having openings corresponding to those on the porous surface of the foamed layer. For cleaning a probe by using such a cleaning sheet, the tip of the probe is caused to penetrate the surface of the second polishing layer, to pass through the foamed layer and to be pressed against the first polishing layer.

Abstract: A web-shaped structure includes a first plastic member provided with a plurality of combination strips, and a second plastic member provided with a plurality of combination strips each combined with each of the combination strips of the first plastic member in a corrugated and intersecting manner, so that the first plastic member and the second plastic member intersect each other and are combined integrally, thereby forming the web-shaped structure which may be used to make a product, such as the cellular phone bag, the hand bag, the basket or the like, so that the product has a corrugated and web-shaped spatial effect, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the product.

Abstract: A data carrier (1), such as a security, bank notes, ID card or the like, that is embossed in such a way that at least part of said embossment (2) is shaped like an oblique plane (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a component part, especially a rear parcel shelf, and to a method for the production thereof, whereby the component part is provided with a honeycomb-like core layer (2) which is provided with a reinforcing layer (3, 4) on each side. This layer comprises a nonwoven that contains thermoplastic fibers. The core layer (2) is made of thermoplastic material and is connected to the thermoplastic fibers of the reinforcing layer (3, 4) b material fit. The reinforcing layer (3, 4) is precompressed and air permeable and has an air flow resistance ranging from 500 Nsm−3<R<3500 Nsm−3.

Abstract: A body to be bonded to a machine housing. The body may include a substantially flat adhesion surface provided with an undercut portion. The undercut portion may form a disc-like shoulder and an acute, wedge-shaped edge with the periphery of the adhesion surface, wherein the wedge-shaped edge is oriented to face away from the adhesion surface and to oppose the shoulder. The machine housing may further be provided with grooves adapted to improve the strength of a bond between an adhesive material and the adhesion surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foot protection device for vehicle occupants. The protection device comprises a foot support piece which can support the occupant's feet, a base piece by which the foot protection device can rest on a floor of a vehicle, and an adjustment device to displace the foot support piece in a first direction parallel to the base piece. Ramp surfaces are constructed on at least one of the base piece and the foot support piece, which with a displacement of the foot support piece by the adjustment device bring about a movement of the foot support piece in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textured surface covering having a hot melt wear layer and methods of applying the hot melt wear layer to a textured or embossed surface without distortion of the visual image of the textured substrate. The wear layer substantially follows the contours of the substrate with minimum change in thickness of the wear layer over the textured surface and provides an aesthetically pleasing three dimensional appearance to the textured surface of the substrate. Melt applying the melt processable polymer resin to the textured substrate with a conformable pressure roll deter entrapment of bubbles between the wear layer and the textured substrate. Therefore, the wear layer exhibits significant clarity and visual depth, as well as improved maintenance (cleanability) properties. The resulting product has a visual image clarity reflecting any texture in the substrate including very light reflective (lenticular moray) embossings.

Abstract: Retroreflective pavement marking material comprising on the top surface thereof an enclosed-lens retroreflective sheet that comprises a monolayer of retroreflective elements wherein first portions of the monolayer are arranged in an upwardly contoured profile and second portions of the monolayer are arranged a lower, substantially planar position.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles having multilayer films are useful for commercial graphics and retroreflective products, such as roll-up signs for highway transportation safety. The articles comprise multilayer films having at least one layer of polyurethane and at least one layer of a copolymer of alkylene and at least one non-acidic, polar co-monomer. Articles having the new multilayer films provide the same or improved performance, are less expensive, and offer improved methods for manufacturing, when compared to prior articles.

Abstract: 12A high temperature gas turbine component includes an inner core made of a monolithic ceramic material embedded within an outer CMC shell. The inner core may be formed with a through hole, blind hole, wear pads and the like. A method of making the bushing includes the steps of a) forming an inner core of silicon nitride or silicon carbide; and b) applying a ceramic matrix composite material over substantially all of the inner core.

Abstract: An injected plastic product, such as a security seal, individualised by means of a strip of paper printed with an identification and integrated with an identification surface of the product. According to the invention, delamination of the strip of paper, so as to remove the outer layer or layers with the individualized identification, is not possible without tearing the paper. This may be done by forming the identification surface with one or more small protuberances which are covered by the paper strip or by at least part of the outer surface of the paper strip covered by the plastic injected when making the product. Injection molds suitable for making the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an indicia bearing elastomeric article with a smooth outer surface and a process for making the article. The indicia bearing elastomeric article includes a polymer film having indicia on one of its surfaces bonded to and flush with an elastomer layer. Since the outer surface of the article is without surface irregularities caused by the known transfer release techniques, power transmissions belts employing the invention do not generate the unwanted noise caused by the irregular surface contacting pulleys and idler rolls. The indicia provided by the invention can provide durable labeling for the article which remains visible throughout the useful life of the article.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces and top surfaces, the recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. The recessed faces have a high specular reflectivity, while the top surfaces have a low specular reflectivity. In some embodiments a substantially continuous film of reflective material covers the structured surface, and a masking substance is provided over the reflective material at the top surfaces. Alternatively, the top surfaces are given a non-smooth surface finish so that the film of reflective material on those portions has a diffuse reflectivity. In other embodiments the film of reflective material is discontinuous, disposed selectively on the recessed faces and not on the top surfaces. A cover layer is also provided, and can bond at least to the top surfaces. Keeping the top surfaces substantially free of reflective material inhibits corrosion and can enhance the bond integrity.

Abstract: A hot-moldable laminated sheet has a core, made from a prefabricated flat sheet of wood and/or cellulose fibers which have been impregnated with heat-curable phenol/formaldehyde resin. The flat sheet being thickened in the opposite edge regions. The two surfaces of the core are provided with decorative layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textured surface covering having a hot melt wear layer and methods of applying the hot melt wear layer to a textured or embossed surface without distortion of the visual image of the textured substrate. The wear layer substantially follows the contours of the substrate with minimum change in thickness of the wear layer over the textured surface and provides an aesthetically pleasing three dimensional appearance to the textured surface of the substrate. Melt applying the melt processable polymer resin to the textured substrate with a conformable pressure roll deter entrapment of bubbles between the wear layer and the textured substrate. Therefore, the wear layer exhibits significant clarity and visual depth, as well as improved maintenance (cleanability) properties. The resulting product has a visual image clarity reflecting any texture in the substrate including very light reflective (lenticular moray) embossings.

Abstract: A composition veneer that is extremely flexible, foldable and moldable, is provided by impregnating a wood veneer with a plastic film. The veneer has a smooth protective polymer surface without separate and distinguishable layers. As a result, the composition veneers of this invention exhibit moldability and shapeability properties similar to plastic sheeting, but contain natural wood and have the appearance of natural wood.

Abstract: A modular headliner assembly (10) includes a headliner (12) having an appearance surface (13) and a back surface (14). At least one component (19, 20, 22, 23) is disposed adjacent the back surface (14) of the headliner (12). Furthermore, an integration sheet (24) is attached to the back surface for securing the at least one component (19, 20, 22, 23) to the headliner (12). A method of manufacturing the headliner (12) assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive wrapping film having a continuous tackifier layer (A) on at least one side surface of a substrate layer (B) whose surface has a concavo-convex form, wherein a thickness of the tackifier layer at the concave portion of the substrate layer is larger than that at the convex portion of the substrate layer, and a thickness of the substrate layer BAV, a thickness of the tackifier layer at the concave portion of the substrate layer Amax, a ten-point average roughness of the surface of the tackifier layer corresponding to a height of the convex portion of the tackifier layer RZ(A), and a ten-point average roughness of the surface of the substrate layer corresponding to a height of the convex portion of the substrate layer RZ(B) satisfy a relation of the following conditional expressions (1) and (2): (1) Amax<RZ(B)<BAV (2) RZ(A)<RZ(B).

Abstract: A light source (10) includes a light emitting component (32), such as a UV/blue light emitting diode or laser diode. A layer (62, 162, 262, 362) of a phosphor material is spaced from the light emitting component by a layer (60, 160, 260, 360) of a material which is transmissive to the light emitted by the light emitting component. The phosphor material converts a portion of the light emitted by the light emitting component to light of a longer wavelength such as yellow light. In a preferred embodiment, the light transmissive layer valise in thickness over the light emitting component so that the phosphor is spaced further from the diode in regions where the emission is higher. This increases the Surface area of the phosphor in these regions and minimizes the effects of overheating and saturation on the phosphor emission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of adhering a component to a substrate with a controlled bondline, and to a device made by the method, including steps of providing a substrate; applying a first adhesive in a plurality of selected locations on a surface of the substrate; curing the first adhesive to form a plurality of structures; applying a second adhesive over selected groupings of the plurality of structures, the second adhesive at least partially surrounding and covering the structures in the selected groupings; and placing a component on the second adhesive such that the second adhesive is compressed and the component rests on the structures in at least one of the selected groupings.

Abstract: An EMI and RFI shield mounting system includes a compartmented EMI shield constructed of a vacuum metallized thermoform having upright hollow walls separating and surrounding the compartments. The shield conforms to the interior of a housing for electronic equipment, with the upright walls overlying ridges formed in the interior of the housing. A compressible gasket is placed between the ridges of the housing and the inner reaches of the hollow walls of the shield. The free sides of the walls of the shield may be abutted against ground traces on a printed circuit board on which the shield and housing are placed. The gasket urges the metallized free edges of the walls of the shield against the ground trace of the printed circuit board to provide electrical conductivity between the printed circuit board and the shield. Dimples, tabs or protruding punctures may be formed in the free sides of the walls to ensure conductive contact with the ground trace.