Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing agglomerated proteins, agglomerated protein powders, and instantized protein powders using at least one protein binder to form agglomerates of at least one target protein.

Abstract: A composition may include at least one oligopeptide having solely alpha-peptide-bonds with one amino acid being cysteine (Cys), and free cysteine. A culture medium and may be used for culturing cells, preferably plant cells, animal cells, or mammalian cells, and a cell culture product may be manufactured using such a method.

Abstract: Provided herein are plant-based protein blend compositions. The protein-based composition may include pea protein, quinoa, rice protein, and flaxseed. Some embodiments provide for the composition to provide a high quality and easily digestible blend. Some embodiments also provide a plant-based protein blend with comparable digestibility to milk protein.

Abstract: A sweetener syrup comprising at least 80% wt/wt dissolved solids of an indigestible maltodextrin with the remainder of the dissolved solids comprising saccharides and oligosaccharides and wherein a ratio of trisaccharides to monosaccharides plus disaccharides is at least 1.2 to 1. Excluding the indigestible maltodextrin, trisaccharides are the dominant saccharides in the syrup typically being 30%-42% and the combination of monosaccharides and disaccharides are less than 25%. Such syrups allow the preparation of food products, illustrated by food bars, that have less than 1 g sugar per 60 g serving size. Such food bars also have prolonged shelf life. Other food products exemplified are pudding and ketchup, that can have FDA nutrition label suitable for reduced sugar claims.

Abstract: A coating machine and method coat a viscous sticky coating onto a plurality of food products. The coating machine may used mechanical or ultrasonic mechanisms to remove the excess viscous sticky coating. The coating machine may also coat an outer surface of the viscous sticky coating.

Abstract: In a gyoza forming machine compressing a half kneaded noodle skin raw material to form into a belt-like shape, die cutting the obtained belt-like material into a predetermined shape to form a gyoza skin, and wrapping the gyoza filling with the gyoza skin to obtain a gyoza, a wrap off-cuts cutting and returning apparatus is provided with a cutting unit which sequentially cuts the belt-like wrap off-cuts after being die cut into a wrap off-cuts piece having a predetermined length via a feeding unit thereof, a supply unit for the wrap off-cuts and a half kneaded noodle skin raw material wrap off-cuts to which the wrap off-cuts piece cut by the cutting unit is continuously supplied while dropping, and a noodle belt forming unit which compresses the wrap off-cuts piece and the noodle skin raw material mixed within the supply unit to form a one-layer structure new noodle belt.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating article has a longitudinal extension and includes aerosol-generating substrate extending along the longitudinal extension and susceptor material extending along the longitudinal extension. The aerosol-forming substrate and the susceptor material form an extrudate having a same cross-sectional shape along a length of the extrudate. Additionally, an aerosol-generating device includes a device housing comprising a support element extending from a proximal end of the device housing. The support element is adapted for receiving an aerosol-generating article including aerosol-forming substrate and susceptor material. A mouthpiece of the device includes a cavity to accommodate the support element including aerosol-generating article mounted on the support element. An inductor may be inductively coupled to the susceptor material of the aerosol-generating article during use.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of preparing pouched products which includes the production of an agglomerated composition situated with a cavity of an outer water-permeable pouch. The pouched agglomerate can be dosed with a given amount of moisture, resulting in at least partial degradation and/or expansion of the agglomerated composition into powdered form. Pouched products prepared according to such methods are also described.

Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drum conveyor defining a drum rotational axis and an outer peripheral surface, the drum conveyor comprising: o a first seat and a second seat, each of the first seat and second seat being adapted to transport a rod-shaped article, the first seat and the second seat being located at the outer peripheral surface of the drum conveyor; o a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein the first shaft defines a first shaft longitudinal axis and the second shaft defines a second shaft longitudinal axis, the first shaft longitudinal axis and the second shaft longitudinal axis being substantially perpendicular to the drum rotational axis, the first seat being attached to the first shaft and the second seat being attached to the second shaft, so that a rotation of the first shaft around the first shaft longitudinal axis and of the second shaft around the second shaft longitudinal axis cause the first seat and the second seat to rotate; o a pusher coupled with the first shaft and the second shaft b

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for automatic infusion of concentrate and distillate material into cigarettes or other containers. In one embodiment, a thermally-controlled infusion system is provided. The system can maintain a selected temperature of the concentrate material throughout the infusion process, using a two-stage approach. In a first stage, the concentrate material is pressure-fed to a dosing chamber. In the second stage, the concentrate material is pumped into an insertion canula and into a cigarette or container. A revolver houses the cigarettes or containers and vertically transitions them to an insertion position, where the insertion canula can infuse the cigarettes or containers.

Abstract: A device for burning smoking material and inhaling the resulting smoke is disclosed. The device can include a tubular member formed from a dried leaf having an internal elongated cavity extending from an open end to a closed end. The elongated cavity can be configured to receive a smoking material. The smoking accessory can include a filter disposed within dried leaf and defining the closed end. The filter can have a recess formed in a surface of the cylindrical body along a curved face extending from the first end to the second end, the recess extending radially into the cylindrical body. The smoking accessory can include a capsule containing a flavoring agent disposed within the recess.

Abstract: Provided are a novel agent or composition and others. The agent or composition comprises caryophyllene and is used for at least one selected from the following (purposes) (1) to (3) : (1) promoting relaxation, prolonging a resting-state time, and/or prolonging a motionless time, (2) promoting sleep, and (3) preventing blood pressure elevation. The present invention also relates to a method for inhaling ?-caryophyllene simultaneously with smoking a tobacco product, characterized in that the tobacco product contains a ?-caryophyllene-containing seamless capsule in a tobacco filter, wherein the seamless capsule contains an essential oil containing ?-caryophyllene as an active ingredient. The applicants found that pulmonary inhalation of ?-caryophyllene by the above method allows ?-caryophyllene to be efficiently distributed throughout the body, leading to achievements of relaxing and sleep-inducing effects, etc.

Abstract: Described is a retrofitting smoking adapter for use in conjunction with a liquid holding vessel with an opening to convert said vessel into a water bong smoking device. The adapter includes a plurality of apertures extending through the body that interact sealingly with various components including one or a plurality of mouthpieces, bowls, plugs, vaporizers or combination thereof. There is also a flexing skirt feature that interacts sealingly with the opening of the liquid holding vessel as to allow for the controlled flow of smoke, vapor or air or combination thereof to enter or exit said vessel via one or a plurality of said apertures that make up the smoking adapter when a user or plurality thereof inhales and draws on the mouthpiece or plurality thereof. The retrofitting smoking adapter described, when used in conjunction with some or all of the above components may be used by one or multiple users to smoke combustible materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shisha device comprising: a cavity configured for receiving a capsule comprising aerosol-forming substrate; and a trough in fluid communication with the cavity.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device may include a housing having flexible portion along its length. The flexible portion is configured to transition between a relaxed or unloaded configuration and a flexed or deflected configuration. A flexible heating element and mouthpiece may also be disposed in the housing. When the housing is in a relaxed or unloaded configuration, the flexible heating element and the mouthpiece are at least partially longitudinally aligned with the flexible portion of the housing.

Abstract: A sealing member for sealing an atomizer against undesired leakage of liquid includes a base body and a resisting portion. The base body includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an outer wall connecting the first surface with the second surface. A vent passes through the first and second surfaces. The resisting portion is disposed on the outer wall and is configured to be compressed against an inner wall of a liquid storage pipe to provide sealing and avoid leakage. An atomizer and an inhalation device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A consumable article for an aerosol generating device includes at least two capsules configured to contain a vaporizable material and each containing a heating element for aerosolising the vaporizable material through an electric actuation of the heating element, wherein the article includes a positive pole bus and a negative pole bus, wherein each heating element is individually connected to the positive pole bus and to the negative pole bus through a positive contact and a negative contact of the heating element, wherein the relative position of the positive and negative contacts of the heating element with respect to the positive pole bus and negative pole bus allows to set the temperature of the heating element in use.

Abstract: An electronic vaporization device includes: a housing assembly; a vent tube arranged in the housing assembly, and a liquid storage cavity with an opening on one end being defined and formed between the housing assembly and the vent tube; and a seal member arranged on the vent tube and sealing an opening of the liquid storage cavity. An exhaust channel for assembly is formed between the seal member and the vent tube. The seal member and the vent tube are assembled. A seal is formed between the seal member and the liquid storage cavity.

Abstract: A non-nicotine e-vaping device may include a non-nicotine pod assembly and a device body. The non-nicotine pod assembly has upstream and downstream ends and is configured to hold a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The upstream end may define at least one upstream recess, and the downstream end may define at least one downstream recess. The device body defines a through hole configured to receive the non-nicotine pod assembly. The through hole includes an upstream sidewall and a downstream sidewall. The upstream sidewall may include at least one upstream protrusion, and the downstream sidewall may include at least one downstream protrusion. The at least one upstream protrusion and the at least one downstream protrusion may be configured to engage with the at least one upstream recess and the at least one downstream recess, respectively, so as to retain the non-nicotine pod assembly within the through hole of the device body.

Abstract: A vaporizer includes: a bottom plate having a first surface and a second surface arranged oppositely; a vaporization base arranged on and covering the first surface of the bottom plate and cooperating with the first surface of the bottom plate to form a vaporization cavity; a vaporization core accommodated in the vaporization cavity, the vaporization core heating and vaporizing liquid in the vaporization cavity when energized; and a liquid guiding assembly for absorbing liquid on the bottom plate, the liquid guiding assembly including: a first liquid guiding portion arranged on the first surface of the bottom plate and cooperating with the first surface of the bottom plate to form at least one first liquid guiding channel; and a second liquid guiding portion including at least one second liquid guiding channel, one end of the second liquid guiding channel being in communication with the first liquid guiding channel.

Abstract: The present application relates to a field of electronic atomizing technology, especially provides an atomizer comprising a heating assembly, an atomizing assembly, a connecting assembly and a power supply assembly; the heating assembly includes a tobacco container, a hollow air path structure and a heating element; the atomizing assembly includes a fixed housing internally provided with a conducting element; an inserting interface is defined in a lateral surface of the fixed housing; the connecting assembly includes a first connector, a second connector and a connecting wire; the power supply assembly includes a battery housing and a battery. The atomizer adopts a split design, and each part can be disassembled and carried separately. Through the connecting wire, a distance between the heating assembly and the power supply assembly is lengthened, a service life of the power supply assembly is prolonged, and a damaged part can be replaced separately.

Abstract: A layered heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heat conduction layer operable to emit heat through an external surface of the layered heater assembly; a first electrically conductive track operable to generate heat; and an electrical insulation layer between the heat conduction layer and the first 5 electrically conductive track. A method for manufacturing the layered heater assembly, and an aerosol generating device incorporating the layered heater assembly.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided for an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system including an aerosol-generating device, the cartridge configured to be used with the device, the aerosol-generating device including: a device housing, an inductor coil positioned on or within the housing, and a power supply connected to the inductor coil and configured to provide a high-frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil; and the cartridge including: a cartridge housing containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a fluid-permeable susceptor element positioned to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate being a liquid at room temperature and being configured to form a meniscus across a surface of the fluid-permeable susceptor element, and a mouthpiece portion having an outlet through which aerosol generated by the system can be drawn into a user's mouth.

Abstract: A system includes an aerosol generating device and a portion of aerosol generating substrate, the device including first and second housing elements configured to move between open and closed positions, wherein, in the closed position, the housing elements together define an aerosol generation chamber configured to enclose the portion, and further define an air flow channel including an inlet, an outlet and the chamber, the first housing element including a recess for receiving the portion, wherein the recess includes a flat bottom surface, and the second housing element includes a compression surface for compressing the portion towards the bottom surface, the compression and bottom surfaces being opposing surfaces of the chamber, wherein the portion is cuboid and a thickness of the portion before use in the device is greater than a distance between the compression and bottom surfaces when the first and second housing elements are in the closed position.

Abstract: An aerosol generating device comprising first and second housing elements configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein, in the closed position, the first and second housing elements together define an aerosol generation chamber configured to enclose a portion of aerosol generating substrate, and further define an air flow channel comprising an inlet, an outlet and the aerosol generation chamber, wherein the first and/or second housing element comprises a sealing member configured to seal at least part of the air flow channel between the inlet and outlet, in the closed position, the first and second housing elements are configured to engage with each other to define the aerosol generation chamber by moving along an approach direction, and the sealing member comprises a wall member extending in the approach direction.

Abstract: A diverging vaporization module includes: an accommodating cavity for accommodating an aerosol-forming matrix; a heating component, a thermal insulation component, and a diverging airway arranged outside the accommodating cavity; and an air inlet and an air outlet respectively configured for air intake and exhaust. The air inlet is respectively in communication with the accommodating cavity and an air inlet end of the diverging airway and the air outlet is respectively in communication with the accommodating cavity and an air outlet end of the diverging airway so that an aerosol entering the air inlet flows out through the accommodating cavity and the diverging airway.

Abstract: An electronic vaporization assembly includes: a vaporization core having a heating element and a vaporization core body, the vaporization core body having a porous structure; a vaporization base having a vaporization top base, a vaporization bottom base, and a microgroove structure, the vaporization top base and the vaporization bottom base forming a vaporization cavity, the vaporization core being fixed between the vaporization top base and the vaporization bottom base, the microgroove structure including a plurality of microgrooves, and the plurality of microgrooves being provided on a surface of at least one of the vaporization top base and the vaporization bottom base in contact with the vaporization core body; and a liquid storage tank sleeved on the vaporization base.

Abstract: Electrical cigarettes and methods for performing the operations thereof are provided. An exemplary method includes: receiving, from a pressure sensor, pressure sensor data; computing , using the pressure sensor data and average pressure sensor data, differential pressure data; determining whether the differential pressure sensor data meet a first criteria involving a first set of thresholds; upon determining the differential pressure data does meet the first criteria, determining whether the differential pressure sensor data meet a second criteria involving a second set of thresholds; upon determining the pressure data does meet the second criteria, issuing a trigger signal indicating enough differential pressure is present for smoking.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery system comprising an airflow sensor in a sensor chamber defined by one or more chamber walls and a deformable membrane attached to at least one of the one or more chamber walls, wherein the membrane is attached to the one or more chamber walls over more than half of its surface area.

Abstract: A mobile inhaler includes a power source, at least one aerosolization system, an aerosolization system control component, and a data transmission component. Each aerosolization system includes at least one reservoir, and each of the at least one reservoir is configured for holding a liquid to be aerosolized. The mobile inhaler father includes a fault detection component configured for detecting a fault, for at least one of deactivating the at least one aerosolization system and deactivating the power source, and for operating based on a temperature.

Abstract: An electronic vaporization device includes: a first conductor for accommodating an aerosol-generation product; a second conductor spaced apart from the first conductor; and a control unit for: obtaining an electrical parameter between the first conductor and the second conductor when the first conductor and the second conductor are electrically connected by the aerosol-generation product, obtaining a liquid content of the aerosol-generation product according to the electrical parameter, and controlling, according to the liquid content of the aerosol-generation product, a heating element to heat the aerosol-generation product.

Abstract: A metal housing for an aerosol provision device is described and can include a printed circuit board mounted within the metal housing; a first contact spring providing an electrical connection between a first connection point on an inside of the metal housing and a ground connection of the printed circuit board; and a second contact spring providing an electrical connection between a second connection point on the inside surface of the metal housing and an antenna signal output for providing an antenna signal for transmission by the metal housing. The metal housing includes a radiating conductor element extending from a first surface element to a second surface element, wherein the first and second connection points are provided on the radiating conductor element and wherein a distance between the first and second surface elements is at least one quarter of a wavelength of the antenna signal transmission.

Abstract: Vaporizer and/or electronic cigarette chargers useful for the recharging of rechargeable vaporizer or electronic cigarette power supplies such as batteries, compatible vaporizers and/or electronic cigarettes, their components, charging contacts, methods of their use and kits containing such chargers are disclosed.

Abstract: An aerosol generation device may include a case: a carrier coupled to the case; and a plurality of terminals coupled to the carrier and including one end in contact with a power source external to the case and the other end extending and protruding from the one end to an inside of the case.

Abstract: A garment that includes one or more grip elements is disclosed. The grip elements, as disposed on a garment, may enable enhanced frictional forces between the garment and an object, such as exercise equipment, with which the garment may make contact. The grip elements may be composite structures disposed on one or more surfaces of the garment and may include an elastomeric and/or rubbery material with grit materials, such as sand, alumina, silicon carbide, or the like, embedded therein. The grit material may be at least partially exposed at the surface of the grip elements and may enhance gripping forces when the grip elements are wet, such as with sweat, compared to grip elements formed by only elastomeric materials. Grip elements may be formed on various portions of a garment separately and then those portions may be attached to each other to form the garment with grip elements.

Abstract: A wearable article includes a front and back elastic belts, a crotch region, a waist opening, and leg openings. Each elastic belt is a laminate having an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and an elastic member. Elastic adhesive bonding continuously bonds the elastic member for at least about 10 mm in the direction of stretch adjacent the side edges of the belts. A discrete patterned adhesive bonding is applied to at least one of the inner and outer sheets to intermittently bond the inner and outer sheets. The discrete patterned adhesive bonding extends substantially along the transverse direction between the elastic adhesive bonding, and substantially along the longitudinal direction between the distal and proximal edges of the elastic belts. The same adhesive agent provides the elastic adhesive and discrete patterned adhesive bonding. Heat bonds form side seams, and the remainder of the laminate is free of heat bonds.

Abstract: A smart underwear (7) system that enables the detection of varicocele disease and the follow-up of varicocele patients, characterized by comprising: at least 2 temperature sensors (5) that enable the temperature of the right and left testicles to be measured, and microcontroller (2), for evaluating the data received from the temperature sensors (5) and, when a certain temperature value is exceeded, warning the user to bring his testicles to the appropriate temperature by means of the vibration motor (3), providing information to the user and/or doctor via SMS and e-mail when the testicular temperature exceeds the specified temperature, transferring and monitoring temperature and disease-related data to the cloud service.

Abstract: A tool retaining pants assembly for an electrician includes trousers to which a plurality of retainers is engaged. The trousers can be donned by a user so that the trousers substantially cover the user from a waist to ankles of the user. Each retainer is selectively engages a respective tool of a plurality of tools of a trade, such as electrical, plumbing, and the like, so that the respective tool is removably engaged to the trousers.

Abstract: A load bearing apparatus has a substantially rigid insertion panel of a width and height to slip fit to internal dimensions of a pocket of a garment, a first portion of an attachment mechanism coupled to an upper edge of the insertion panel, and one or more flexible extensions joined proximate the upper edge of the insertion panel and having an attachment element at an opposite end of the one or more flexible extensions configured to attach to compatible elements on a front surface of the pocket.

Abstract: An apron includes a skirt configured to hang down from the waist of a wearer, a resilient spring member secured to the skirt and configured to partly extend about a waist of the wearer to hold the skirt in place at the waist of the wearer, and at least one accessory removably secured to the skirt. The resilient spring member includes a ferromagnetic material and the at least one accessory has a magnet removably secured to the resilient spring member by magnetic attraction. The accessory can be a towel, a potholder and/or the like.

Abstract: Protective shoulder pads, such as the type worn for playing ice hockey, including a central panel configured to cover a portion of a chest of the wearer and defining a centerline extending centrally therethrough, and two side panels partially overlapping the central panel and each disposed on opposite sides of a centerline of the central panel. Each of the side panels is rotatable relative to he central panel about a rotation axis located proximate an upper end of each of the side panels, so as to adjust a width of the protective shoulder pad which is defined between opposed outer lateral edges of the side panels. The side panels are securable to the central panel at a plurality of attachment points to maintain a selected width of the adjustable shoulder pad.

Abstract: Provided is a girdle, which makes it possible to sit in a chair, etc. without buttock pain and walk without discomfort, as a result of having: a girdle body 2; a pair of cushioning members 5A, 5B disposed on the front surface side of two mounting areas 4, which comprise left and right regions corresponding to the ischium, on the back side of the girdle body 2; and first hook-and-loop fasteners 6 (6A, 6B) as attachment means for detachably disposing the respective cushioning members 5A, 5B in the mounting areas 4, the fasteners being provided on the back surface of the respective cushioning members 5A, 5B and/or the front surface of the two mounting areas 4.

Abstract: The present invention is a finger-mounted, teeth and tongue cleaning device that includes a first hand digit component (preferably a thumb component) and a second hand digit component (preferably a finger component). The thumb component is dimensioned and configured for accommodating or receiving a thumb of a user. The finger component is dimensioned and configured for accommodating or receiving an applicable finger. Each of the thumb component and finger component includes an upper section. Preferably, each of the thumb component and finger component also includes a middle section and possibly a lower section. Each of the upper sections has a first end, a second end, a body, an outer surface, and a cleaning portion. The middle sections and possibly lower sections provide the device with a desired length that helps the device to not be easily unsecured, detached or dislodged from the thumb and/or finger of the user during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective device for protecting a proximal interphalangeal joint and a distal interphalangeal joint of a human finger. The device comprises a flexible sheath for wearing around the human finger and at least four motion constraining elements integrated in or secured to the flexible sheath. The motion constraining element is adapted for constraining a lateral and/or rotational deviation motion of a first phalanx with respect to a second phalanx. The motion constraining element covers a lateral side of the flexible sheath at a location corresponding to the joint and is adapted for resisting elongation of the motion constraining element in a longitudinal direction of the flexible sheath. The motion constraining element is bendable in a direction to allow flexion of the joint.

Abstract: A face mask assembly for facilitating a user to eat and drink while wearing a face mask includes a face mask for wearing on a user's face. The face mask has a mouth opening extending through the face mask to expose the user's mouth when the face mask is worn to facilitate the user to eat and drink while wearing the face mask. A flap is hingedly coupled to the face mask and the flap is positionable in a closed position having the flap covering the mouth opening. Conversely, the flap is positionable in an open position having the mouth opening is exposed to facilitate the user to eat and drink. A pair of straps is each disposed on the face mask for positioning around a respective one of the user's ears to retain the face mask on the user's face.

Abstract: This present invention is an improved face mask having replaceable scented pods that make the wearing of protective face masks a more pleasant and enjoyable experience by eliminating any offensive or unpleasant odors. The novel scented face mask comprises two holders attached to the sides of the mask and is designed to hold scented pods for freshening air coming into or leaving the mask. The unique scented face mask enables the user to select the scented pods as per their desires, and to replace the scented pods when the scent pod becomes worn out. The scented face mask of the present invention encourages users to wear their masks even for prolonged periods of time, to minimizes the chances of spreading harmful pathogens, and therefore protects the individuals from spread of infectious diseases.

Abstract: A wearable personal protection comprising a mask configured to be air-tightly secured in contact with the face of a wearer and a face shield configured to be air-tightly connected to a passageway of the mask. The face shield has a front surface having a flared geometry from a bottom edge thereof up to a top edge thereof and backwardly curved lateral sides, with a bottom surface extending at an angle from the front surface, so that the face shield provides a mechanical barrier against aerial bacteria between the environment and the face of the wearer from under the chin as well as from both lateral sides of the wearer's face well up over the nose.

Abstract: A barrier is provided to be placed between a first region and a second region, to prevent passage of pathogens between the first and second regions. The barrier includes a single ply layer treated with pathogenicidal components. The single ply layer includes a first side directed toward the first region, and includes an outer surface coated with the pathogenicidal components such that pathogens in the first region are incident on the outer surface of the first side. The single ply layer also includes a second side directed toward the second region, and includes an outer surface coated with the pathogenicidal components such that pathogens in the second region are incident on the outer surface of the second side. The pathogenicidal components coated on the outer surfaces of the first and second side deactivate the pathogens incident on the outer surface of the respective first and second sides.

Abstract: A protective guard for a hand, finger or thumb includes a first thermoplastic layer heat welded to second thermoplastic layer. The second thermoplastic layer has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the first thermoplastic layer.