Abstract: A blood collection needle which includes a needle for puncturing a patient's skin; a needle for puncturing a rubber plug which seals a blood collection tube; a hub for securing respective proximal portions of the two needles; a resilient cap fitted to the hub; and a valve member disposed in the internal passage of the hub which allows only blood flow from the needle used to puncture a patient's skin to the needle used to puncture the rubber plug which seals the blood collection tube. The valve member includes a bowl portion disposed so that the opening is faced toward the needle for puncturing the rubber plug and a guiding portion provided on a bottom surface of the bowl portion for causing the valve member to move to a predetermined position which closes the internal passage.

Abstract: A reflector (14) reflects energy emitting from an energy source (16) and focuses and directs it to a target. An aperture stop or suppressor disk (18) is positioned between the energy source (16) and target. The outer periphery of the aperture stop or suppressor disk (18) is an irregular curve (FIGS. 12 and 13). This shape of the periphery prevents diffraction enhancement to the direct wave. In another emobidment, the suppressor disk (18) is replaced by a suppressor member (18?) that is directly mounted on a frame portion of the energy source (16). This energy source (16) includes a spark-gap, or the like, and an open frame (36) that surrounds the spark-gap (52) or the like. This frame (32) includes a pair of laterally spaced apart frame members (42, 44) on the side of the frame (36) that faces the target (F2). The suppressor member (18?) is connected to these frame members (32, 44). It may have longitudinal grooves (48, 50) in its side edges into which the frame members (42, 44) snap-fit.

Abstract: Reflexotherapy device to stimulate reflex points of the human body provide reliable and integral fastening of needles within an elastic base member to achieve a stable position of needles under any conditions of utilization of the device, and to carry out both static and dynamic impact on extensive areas of reflex zones. The device comprises elastic base member 1 with needles 2 fastened therein each needle being provided with thickened end 3, and sharpened end 4 protruding from base member 1. In one embodiment the needles are fastened in the course of curing of the integral structure and in another embodiment the position of needles 2 is fixed, so that thickened ends are disposed between two layers to be joined together.

Abstract: An ankle brace comprising a pliable underliner and including medial and lateral straps including forward and rear strap segments which allow a wearer to independently adjust the tension provided to the forefoot and heel. The ankle brace is capable of being worn on either foot and with conventional footwear and inhibits inversion and/or eversion of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A system and method for comfortably restraining a child's feet undergoing the Ponseti method for treatment of club feet, using a foot and ankle abduction orthosis, where the improvement includes a shoe with an integral sole and attachment mechanism, as well as having a soft pliable area around the feet and ankle support.

Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.

Abstract: A method and a apparatus for transferring medically effective substances in the form of molecules, such as DNA, oligos, certain chemicals, etc., into the living cells of humans, animals and/or plants using acoustic energy or through cavitation which is produced by acoustic energy in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Via suitable sensors, the lifetime of the cavitation bubbles is determined or specified, which then for its part acts as the criterion or the function for controlling the acoustic intensity and thus also the cavitation intensity.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a patient. The apparatus includes a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end has an orifice through which a fluid can flow. The distal end has a port through which the fluid can flow. The port is adjacent to but apart from the orifice. The apparatus includes a mechanism for controlling the size of the port that is open. The controlling mechanism is disposed over the port and able to close the port. An apparatus for treating a patient. The apparatus includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end having an orifice through which a fluid can flow. The distal end has an end marker disposed about the orifice which appears in an image of an imaging device. An apparatus for treating a patient. The apparatus includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end having an orifice through which fluid can flow. The catheter has an axis.

Abstract: Liquid infusion apparatus includes non-magnetic materials in a pumping structure and drive motor therefor, and in a controller that supplies drive signals to the motor to facilitate convenient operation in intense magnetic fields without distorting the magnetic fields and without radiating objectionable radio-frequency interface.

Abstract: A milk sucking pump having a top component with a breast joining piece and which is or can be detachably fixed to the opening of a container and a hand pump unit that is detachably connected thereto by a connecting branch or a connecting bore. The hand pump unit has a cap-like connection section and a pump piston which can be moved to and from in a piston-swept volume by a rotatable actuating handle that has a return mechanism. This invention provides a simple construction and good handling. The cap-like connection section and the piston-swept volume are combined to form a uniform cap component which is fixed to the top component. The return mechanism acts upon the actuating lever and is mounted on the cap component.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and apparatus for guide catheterization. In one embodiment, a guiding catheter system includes a flexible shaft having a distal end shaped for accessing a target vessel. A handle assembly is movably coupled to the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft is selectably movable between a plurality of discrete positions of a first degree-of-freedom defined relative to the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft restrained in the first degree-of-freedom at each position of the plurality of discrete positions. The flexible shaft movable through a predetermined displacement of a second degree-of-freedom defined relative to the flexible shaft at each position of the plurality of discrete positions. Motion of the flexible shaft relative to the handle assembly results in a controllable sweeping motion at the distal end of the flexible shaft.

Abstract: The invention refers to the field of self-locking safety disposable syringes with needle protection after use. The syringe comprises a hollow barrel (1) ending on its lower side with an internal seat (2) adapted to receive a hub (3) carrying a cannula (4). A hollow driving rod (5) adapted to house a spring (6) is inserted in the hollow barrel. Such rod is closed at its lower end by an extracting element (8) that can slide into the hollow driving rod. The extracting element has an annular notch (9) in which a sealing ring rubber gasket (10) is housed that seals the internal wall of the hollow barrel (1). The extracting element (8) with related sealing ring gasket (10) form a liquid sucking and compressing plunger.

Abstract: A closed loop infusion system controls the rate that fluid is infused into the body of a user. The closed loop infusion system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user. The sensor produces a sensor signal, which is representative of the condition of the user. The sensor signal is used to generate a controller input. The controller uses the controller input to generate commands to operate the delivery system. The delivery system infuses a liquid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. Preferably, the sensor system monitors the glucose concentration in the body of the user, and the liquid infused by the delivery system into the body of the user includes insulin.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.

Abstract: A fluid injection system is disclosed The system is adapted to employ first and second injectors which may sequentially, or simultaneously, inject first and second fluids into a patient via a catheter. The first and second injectors may be power actuated. The actuation of the injectors may be controlled via a controller of the system. The user may be provided with an operator interface module to enable the control of the system to be affected during operation. A separate waste line may be provided to drain the system effectively and efficiently. A pressure sensor may be provided proximate the catheter to reduce pressure signal wave dampening and fluid waste.

Abstract: A syringe or cartridge having a hollow barrel with an open end and a second end suitable for attaching a needle assembly. A master plunger assembly that includes a master plunger and a plunger member is mounted in the barrel for longitudinal movement therein. A slave plunger is mounted in the barrel for longitudinal movement therein, and is located between the master plunger assembly and the second barrel end so as to define two chambers. The first chamber a liquid chamber and is between the slave plunger and the second barrel end, and the second chamber is a pneumatic chamber and is between the slave plunger and the master plunger assembly. The liquid-containing chamber is suitable for containing a liquid to be dispensed from the syringe, and the pneumatic chamber contains a gas such as air.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in delivering pain medication to separate locations from a single source of pressurized medication includes a valve housing, a cap, and a flexible diaphragm. The valve housing includes a first end and a second end and an inlet passage. The first end includes first and second outlet orifices. The cap has a closed end and an open end and is removably coupled to the valve housing at the open end. The flexible diaphragm is coupled between the cap and the valve housing and is movable from a closed position to an open position. The flexible diaphragm seals a pressure chamber from the first and second outlet orifices when in the closed position and opens the first and second outlet orifices to the pressure chamber when in the open position.

Abstract: A urethral suppository comprising a non-meltable base member sized to prevent insertion of the base member into the urethra, a non-meltable reinforcement projecting from the base member, and a meltable portion formed around a portion of the reinforcement. The meltable portion tapers along the reinforcement and is shaped for cooperating with the action of the periurethral musculature to retain the suppository within the urethra. A method of delivering one or more therapeutic agents to the female urinary tract, the method involving insertion of the urethral suppository into the urethra. A method for manufacturing a reinforced urethral suppository.

Abstract: Devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. Modifications may be made to the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a hard material, for example a hard biological material such as dental enamel or bone, with optical radiation. A treatment zone of the material is selectively cleaned of ablation products and other dirt to enhance processing efficiency, and a tip through which the optical radiation is applied to the treatment zone of the hard material is spaced slightly from the treatment zone during at least a portion of the time that hydrating fluid is being applied to the zone and/or while air or another gas is applied to the zone to clean the surface thereof.

Abstract: The acne treatment devices use an array of LEDs, which emit monochromatic light substantially at a wavelength of 405 nanometers, which is coincident with the peak absorbance of light by acne porphyrins. The emitted light is directed from the light source to an acne area of the skin. The device can either be hand-held, with the LEDs mounted on a handle portion, or an LED can be mounted on a patch-like mounting element, which is adapted to be secured to the skin for longer exposure at less intensity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating atrial tissue include positioning a lesion formation tool against the atrial surface. An optical fiber of the tool is energized at a wavelength is selected to form a volume of necrosed tissue through the thickness of the atrial tissue. A guide member is attached to the tip of the fiber. The guide member is slidable along the surface of the atrial tissue in atraumatic sliding engagement.

Abstract: An RF device includes a support structure. An RF electrode is coupled to the support structure and includes conductive and dielectric portions. A thermo-electric cooler is coupled to the support structure and is configured to cool a back surface of the RF electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for removal of body hair using electroporation using an apparatus having a pulse generator capable of generating electrical pulses of the desired amplitude and duration to kill hair follicles and an applicator having a first electrode placed in contact with a hair follicle and a second electrode interacting with the first electrode to provide an electroporating field in the tissue volume surrounding a hair to be removed. The method utilize a TENS system to provide patient relief from discomfort experienced by application of the electroporation pulses.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: An implant for fracture fixation having external portion shaped to be externally engaged on and secured to a stable bone fragment on one side of a bone fracture and an integral internal portion sized and shaped for being inserted into and accommodated in an intramedullary canal of an unstable bone fragment on an opposite side of the fracture. The internal portion has an end with a rounded tip of bullet-shape for fitting in an apical space at an endosteal surface of the unstable bone fragment to provide a bearing support for the unstable bone fragment over a large area.

Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising an elongated member positionable inside the vessel against an internal opening of the aperture and having a dimension exceeding a dimension of the internal opening of the aperture to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture. At least two curved legs are coupled to the elongated member, curve in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated member, and are positionable outside the vessel to help retain the elongated member in position the legs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an anastomosis between a tubular duct and a vessel has an annulus having a longitudinal axis, a first set of fingers and a second set of fingers. The first set of fingers extend axially from the annulus in one direction and the second set of fingers extending axially from the annulus in another direction generally opposite the direction of the first set of fingers. The first and second sets of fingers are movable to penetrate the tubular duct and the vessel, respectively, as they move from a biased configuration to an unbiased configuration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for closing wounds using wound closures and a flowable adhesive skin paint are disclosed. The flowable adhesive does not adhere the wound closures to the skin over the wound to reduce irritation. In some embodiments, the skin paint may include 1-40% of a siloxane-containing polymer; 60-99% of an Alkane-Based Siloxane Polymer Reaction Solvent; and 0-15% of adjuvants. The wound closures used with such a skin paint may include a wound bridging portion of microporous polypropylene film.

Abstract: An anastomosis staple has a base from which multiple deformable tines extend. At least one tine may be offset from at least one other tine. The tines are moveable from a first configuration to a second configuration. The staple optionally includes at least one alignment guide.

Abstract: A device is described that may be positioned at a location in an intervertebral disc for diagnosis or treatment of the disc. Treatment may include, for example, applying energy or removing material, and may decrease intradiscal pressure. Radiofrequency energy may be applied. A percutaneous method of repairing a fissure in the annulus pulposus comprises placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure and providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70° C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. An intervertebral fissure also can be treated by placing a catheter with a lumen adjacent to the fissure and injecting sealant into the fissure via the catheter, thereby sealing the fissure. An intervertebral fissure additionally can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element.

Abstract: An angioplasty stent comprises a body comprising a plurality of successive segments connected in pairs by bridge means so that the successive segments can be oriented relative to one another for the purposes of bending of the body in any direction defined by a linear combination of respective orientation axes defined by the bridge connection means. During the radial expansion of the stent, the axial contraction of the segments resulting from the opening-out of the respective loops is compensated by axial projection of the bridge elements from the respective concave portions. The wall of the body comprises arms for supporting a lumen as well as regions which are selectively deformable during the expansion of the stent, the arms and the selectively deformable regions having different cross-sections and/or cross-sectional areas. At least one portion of the body may have a substantially reticulate structure, the branches of which define geometrical figures identifiable as fractals.

Abstract: The invention is a system, apparatus, and method for treating, and/or repairing an aneurysm, preferably an aortic aneurysm, and most preferably, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention include a prosthesis assembly for establishing a fluid flow path between an upstream portion of an artery and at least one bifurcated downstream portion of the artery.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation within a fluid conducting lumen within a body includes an elongate generally cylindrical radially collapsible valve body scaffold defining a fluid passageway therethrough for retentive positioning within the lumen. A radially collapsible leaf valve member is supported by the scaffold includes a number of valve leafs deflectable between a closed position restricting fluid flow through the passageway and an open position permitting fluid flow through the passageway. The leaf valve member includes an interior leaf valve frame defining a valve leaf aperture which is sealed by a fluid impermeable non-thrombogenic lining to prevent fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A spinal implant having a smaller transverse cross-sectional dimension in the radially compressed configuration than in a first expanded configuration and a more linear configuration in the second delivery configuration than in the first curved configuration. The implant assumes the radially compressed configuration and second delivery configuration during delivery to the disc space and assumes the first curved configuration and first expanded configuration upon placement within the disc space. The implant further moves towards the radially compressed configuration once implanted in response to a load placed on the implant by the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An artificial disc replacement (ADR) is designed to protect a cushioning component from excessive force. Physical features on the front and back of the ADR enable the device to replicate the normal movements of the spine through predetermined, limited, movements of the endplate components relative to one another. For example, though not limited to these characteristics, the components of the ADR could be dimensioned to allow 15 degrees of flexion, 5 degrees of extension, 5 degrees of lateral bending, and 1-2 mm of translocation. In the preferred embodiment the physical features are axles that extend through overlapping lateral portions associated with the endplate components. A desirable configuration includes a pair of axles, one in the anterior portion and another in the posterior portion, wherein some or all of the axles extend through an oversized aperture that allows the limited relative movement of the endplate components.

Abstract: A lordotic implant has a frusto-conical shape with external threads. Prior to placement of the implant, vertebrae are distracted in a manner to provide a desired lordosis between the vertebrae. The pre-distracted vertebrae are then tapped to provide a tapped bore having a geometry matching the conical geometry of the implant. The threaded implant is then placed within the pre-tapped conical bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a damaged intervertebral disc nucleus in a minimally invasive manner utilizes a modular disc prosthesis. The modular disc prosthesis preferably comprises at least three modular segments. In one embodiment, each modular segment includes an inner core and an outer shell. The modular segments are selectively interlockable in situ with each other. The modular segments form an implanted unitary device that closely mimics the geometry of the disc nucleus cavity.

Abstract: A cervical intervertebral prosthesis includes two cover plates which are each configured to be connected to adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one of the two cover plates has a toothed portion which faces toward the vertebral body and whose teeth have a steep, ventrally directed flank and a less steep, dorsally directed flank. When the prosthesis is fitted with sufficient pressing between its adjacent vertebral bodies, the combination of the serrated toothed portion and the abutment surface is sufficient to hold the prosthesis securely in the desired position. In many cases this makes it possible to dispense with additional screw fixation. The flange carrying the abutment surface is in this case expediently shortened so that it can be accommodated in a recess of the bone so that the prosthesis does not protrude ventrally beyond the ventral alignment surface of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A device (3) used to fit a nucleus prosthesis made up of: a deformable elastic nucleus prosthesis (1) which can adapt to the shape of intervertebral cavities, the prosthesis consisting of two parts, namely a male part (11) and a female part (12); and an insertion assembly (2) which is connected to the nucleus prosthesis (1). The elastic deformation of the nucleus prosthesis (1) makes it possible for the prosthesis to be inserted into the intervertebral cavity. The prosthesis is inserted using the elasticity thereof and the insertion means (2) which form part of the device (3) before insertion, but which can be subsequently removed.

Abstract: An artificial hip joint is provided including a generally hemispherical acetabular cup with a generally hemispherical liner mated within the acetabular cup and with a locking ring to secure the liner within the acetabular cup. The acetabular cup is adapted to be secured within a hip bone. The liner includes a hemispherical inside surface for pivotably supporting a head at an upper end of a femur. The locking ring resides within an annular groove in the acetabular cup and an annular seat in the liner. The locking ring includes a captured end and a free end. The captured end includes a slot which cooperates with a post in the acetabular cup to slidably hold the captured end to the acetabular cup. The locking ring removably attaches the liner to the acetabular cup.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a four hole offset alignment device that is adjustable in the lateral or medial direction and the anterior or posterior direction at a single interface between the two pieces of the present invention. A first piece is provided having a body with a central axis. A positioner is on the first side of the body. A dome with a pyramid is on the second side of the body. A second piece is provided having a central axis and a flange. Four walls upstand from the flange to define an opening. The positioner can be selectably received within the opening while the central axis of the first piece remains parallel to the central axis of the second piece. The pieces are lockable in place with respect to each other at the selected offset alignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, a) at least one oxidation base and/or at least one direct dye, and b) at least one particular hydroxycarboxylic acid or a salt thereof. The invention also relates to a ready-to-use composition comprising the above-mentioned composition and an oxidizing agent. The invention also relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibers, in which a composition according to the invention and optionally an oxidizing composition, these compositions being mixed extemporaneously before use or applied successively, are applied to the said fibers; the composition(s) is(are) left on the fibers for a time that is sufficient to obtain the desired coloration; the fibers are rinsed to remove therefrom the composition according to the invention and optionally the oxidizing composition; the fibers are optionally washed, they are rinsed after each washing, and are optionally dried.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system includes an inlet device for a reactor having a housing defining a frustoconical interior region having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A tube mixer having a helical divider may be optionally employed to transfer fluid into the inlet opening. A retention member is placed at each of the openings and a plurality of particles is contained within the frustoconical interior region between the retention members. An insulator placed between the outlet opening and the catalyst reaction surface minimizes temperature non-uniformities over the catalyst surface area, which preserves the catalyst contained within the reaction surface and prevents premature onset of the reaction prior to contact of a reactant mixture with the reaction surface. As a reactant fluid material passes through the inlet device it forms a homogenous reactant fluid material which then flows onto a catalytic reaction surface to form a reformate.

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing hydrogen using a generator, heating the vessel that is part of the generator, loading waste comprising steel into the heated vessel, melting the loaded waste to a molten state using a non-transferred torch to cut and melt the waste and then using a transferred torch to maintain a molten metal pool, adding additional steel to raise the molten metal pool to a minimum depth, raising the temperature to 2000 degrees Centigrade, acquiring EPA approval, loading waste into the vessel at a defined rate, maintaining the molten metal pool further melting any non-melted waste into a molten status with the transferred torch, determining BTU content and gas flow, injecting steam into the vessel, flowing gas from the vessel through scrubbers into storage containers and collecting the hydrogen in a collection vessel.

Abstract: A fuel processing system including a filter for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel and its operation is disclosed. The system includes a first chamber for receiving a hydrocarbon fuel and combining it with air or water; a reformer in fluid connection with and down stream of the first chamber, which receives the hydrocarbon fuel combined with either air or water to reform the fuel to a reformate stream, which contains a hydrogen rich atmosphere; a second chamber in fluid connection with the reformer which is capable of receiving the reformate stream from the reformer; a water inlet connected to the second chamber capable of introducing water to the reformate stream; and a filter in fluid connection with and down stream of the second chamber, which is capable of preventing a substantial portion of any solid particles contained in the reformate stream from passing therethrough.

Abstract: An abrasive article and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The abrasive article includes a plurality of features on a backing. The features have a base and a body. The body is defined by sidewalls having parabolic sections. In some embodiments, the sidewalls are defined by a series of inner-connected lines segments approximating a parabolic section.

Abstract: A TiBN layer is provided as a coating, in particular for cutter bodies, which is a mixed phase consisting of TiN and TiB2. The boron content is 6 At.?weight-%. The deposition rate is higher than that of a TiN layer and also higher than that of a TiB2 layer. Hardnesses between 3500 HV to 5000 KV are achieved.

Abstract: A polishing composition is provided containing an abrasive having an average particle size of from 1 to 30 nm and water, wherein the abrasive has a packing ratio of from 79 to 90% by weight; a method for manufacturing a substrate, including the steps of introducing the above polishing composition between a substrate and a polishing pad, and polishing the substrate, while contacting the substrate with the polishing composition; and a method for reducing scratches of a substrate to be polished, including the step of polishing the substrate to be polished with the above polishing composition. The polishing composition is suitable for polishing substrates for precision parts including, for example, substrates for magnetic recording media, such as magnetic disks, and opto-magnetic disks, photomask substrates, optical disks, optical lenses, optical mirrors, optical prisms and semiconductor substrates, and the like.