Abstract: Provided is a transmissive liquid crystal diffraction element that can diffract different polarized light components in the same direction and has high diffraction efficiency with respect to unpolarized light.

Abstract: A method is provided for making food product ingredients from indigestible keratinous protein-containing material. The methods generally include adding an amount of cereal bran and/or one or more reducing sugars to the keratinous protein-containing material to provide a mixture and hydrolyzing the mixture. The methods generate fewer unpleasant odors, and food product ingredients produced by the method can similarly benefit. Antioxidants may also be added, and in such embodiments, even fewer off odors may be generated and/or palatability may be enhanced.

Abstract: A meat analog product is provided prepared starting from a dry component that is a combination of ingredients, including a dry sulfur protein source, a carbohydrate source, a liquid, and a monovalent cationic bicarbonate or carbonate. The meat analog product can be produced and extruded under low shear conditions to provide a product having a plurality of striated and separable aligned fibers and a real meat appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in determining the location of a surface of a solid object such as that being machined by a machine tool includes a stylus having an electrically conductive end that is supported by two support members, which are disposed in pressure contact with each other by means of a spring or other bias, one of the two support members being formed to have a spherical contact surface that is a portion of an imaginary sphere concentric with the contact electrode, the other of the two support members being formed so that upon contacting the spherical surface the area of contact is substantially line contact.