Abstract: A method of stabilizing an arc between electrode tips in a high pressure arc discharge lamp is provided comprising initially creating an arc between the pair of electrodes during a start-up phase of the lamp by supplying power to the lamp for a first period. The method then transitions the arc to attach itself between the tips of the electrodes by removing the power supplied to the lamp for a second period and then resupplying power to the lamp after completion of the second period. The first and second periods for respectively initially supplying and removing power are preferably selected based on either an elapsed period of time, the measured operating lamp voltage, or the measured lamp pressure. Once the arc becomes attached to the tips of the electrodes in this manner, the arc will remain stabilized between the electrode tips during operation of the discharge lamp.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing an arc between electrode tips in a high pressure arc discharge lamp is provided comprising initially creating an arc between the pair of electrodes during a start-up phase of the lamp by supplying power to the lamp for a first period. The method then transitions the arc to attach itself between the tips of the electrodes by removing the power supplied to the lamp for a second period and then resupplying power to the lamp after completion of the second period. The first and second periods for respectively initially supplying and removing power are preferably selected based on either an elapsed period of time, the measured operating lamp voltage, or the measured lamp pressure. Once the arc becomes attached to the tips of the electrodes in this manner, the arc will remain stabilized between the electrode tips during operation of the discharge lamp.

Abstract: Use of compounds to inhibit hormone-sensitive lipase, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of treatment employing these compounds and compositions, and novel compounds. The present compounds are inhibitors of hormone-sensitive lipase and may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of medical disorders where a decreased activity of hormone-sensitive lipase is desirable.

Abstract: A reflective marker and method for manufacturing reflective marker, wherein the reflective marker includes an inner body and a reflective covering, and a reflective substance is applied to the inner body and forms the reflective covering together with pellets contained in the substance or applied after the substance has been applied.

Abstract: A non-oxidizing electrode arrangement for an excimer lamp that is formed by coating an electrode of the lamp with a layer of protective layer that prevents the electrode from oxidizing. The protective layer is preferably transparent and possesses a low permeability for oxygen (e.g., silicon oxide, magnesium fluoride, calcium fluoride). The interior of the excimer lamp is evacuated to a pressure level that is lower than the pressure level surrounding the excimer lamp at any time during the non-oxidizing electrode formation process in order to assist in preventing the excimer lamp from fracturing.

Abstract: A device for visually combining patient image data from transillumination and/or tomographic imaging methods with object image data comprising video images includes an image display device and at least one video camera associated with the image display device as a portable unit. A computer-assisted navigation system can detect the spatial positions of the image display device and/or the video camera as well as the spatial positions of a part of the patient's body via tracking means. An input device can be provided on the image display device, which enables inputs for image-assisted treatment or treatment planning.

Abstract: A non-oxidizing electrode arrangement for an excimer lamp that is formed by coating an electrode of the lamp with a layer of protective layer that prevents the electrode from oxidizing. The protective layer is preferably transparent and possesses a low permeability for oxygen (e.g., silicon oxide, magnesium fluoride, calcium fluoride). The interior of the excimer lamp is evacuated to a pressure level that is lower than the pressure level surrounding the excimer lamp at any time during the non-oxidizing electrode formation process in order to assist in preventing the excimer lamp from fracturing.

Abstract: The present invention is a hybrid sealing technique. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, an unsealed lamp body is heated and a partial pinch seal is performed on a first side of the lamp body at an outer junction area. Then, a shrink seal is applied which completes the sealing process at the first side of the lamp body by sealing an inner junction area on the same side of the lamp body. The present invention retains the benefits of the shrink seal, but alleviates the difficulty associated with holding the electrode assemblies in place when performing a traditional shrink seal. In addition, the machine which holds the electrode assemblies in place is greatly simplified.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for heat pipe cooling of an excimer lamp. In one embodiment, a heat pipe is used to dissipate heat from an excimer lamp. The heat pipe is in direct contact with at least one electrode of the excimer lamp. In one embodiment, heat is transferred through the heat pipe to a cooling point that is electrically isolated from the lamp. In one embodiment, dissipation of heat from the cooling point is done by conventional means. In one embodiment, the heat pipe is on the inside of the lamp. In another embodiment, a heat pipe is attached to the outside of an excimer lamp. In another embodiment, two heat pipes are used, one on the inside and one on the outside of an excimer lamp. In yet another embodiment, a heat pipe is used with a flat lamp.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for heat pipe cooling of an excimer lamp. In one embodiment, a heat pipe is used to dissipate heat from an excimer lamp. The heat pipe is in direct contact with at least one electrode of the excimer lamp. In one embodiment, heat is transferred through the heat pipe to a cooling point that is electrically isolated from the lamp. In one embodiment, dissipation of heat from the cooling point is done by conventional means. In one embodiment, the heat pipe is on the inside of the lamp. In another embodiment, a heat pipe is attached to the outside of an excimer lamp. In another embodiment, two heat pipes are used, one on the inside and one on the outside of an excimer lamp. In yet another embodiment, a heat pipe is used with a flat lamp.

Abstract: An improved marker system, components and method for use with a medical navigation system, wherein the marker system includes interchangeable tracking marker holders and fastener bases for attaching the marker holders to instruments or body parts that are to be tracked during a medical procedure. A reference star (the marker holder and tracking marker(s)) and fastener base are removably attached to one another. This enables different reference stars to be interchangeably attached to a given fastener base, or vice versa, thereby to provide the best combination of reference star and fastener base for a given application. This preferably is accomplished by a standard interface between the fastener base and the holder for the tracking markers, e.g., reflective markers. In addition, surgical instruments may have integrally formed therein the standard interface, thereby eliminating the need for a fastener base.

Abstract: Use of compounds to inhibit hormone-sensitive lipase, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of treatment employing these compounds and compositions, and novel compounds. The present compounds are inhibitors of hormone-sensitive lipase and may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of medical disorders where a decreased activity of hormone-sensitive lipase is desirable.

Abstract: Use of compounds to inhibit hormone-sensitive lipase, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of treatment employing these compounds and compositions, and novel compounds. The present compounds are inhibitors of hormone-sensitive lipase and may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of medical disorders where a decreased activity of hormone-sensitive lipase is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a single ended discharge light source. In one embodiment, both leads of a discharge lamp enter from the same side of the lamp. In one embodiment, the leads pass through a base. A bulb is positioned over the base to form a lamp wherein both leads enter the lamp from the same end. In one embodiment, the base is made of glass. In another embodiment, the bulb is made of glass. In one embodiment, the thermal expansion coefficient of the bulb and the base are greater than 1.0*10ˆ -6/K. In another embodiment, the thermal expansion properties of the material used for the leads closely matches the material used for the base. In one embodiment, the power of the discharge lamp is less than 50 watts. In another embodiment, the end of the bulb furthest from the base is a lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low operating temperature bulb and a method for manufacturing the bulb. In one embodiment, the second bulb of the double bulb is affixed to the second base using an adhesive which forms a seal as it cures. In one embodiment, two surfaces of the second bulb are affixed to the second base with an adhesive. In another embodiment, the second base extends beyond the outer surface of the second bulb. Thus, a lip is formed around the double bulb which can be clasped to hold the second bulb in place. In yet another embodiment, three surfaces of the second bulb are affixed to the second base with an adhesive. A groove in the second base accepts the end of the second bulb. Thus, the interior surface, exterior surface and end surface of the second bulb are affixed to the second base.

Abstract: The present invention is a hybrid sealing technique. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, an unsealed lamp body is heated and a partial pinch seal is performed on a first side of the lamp body at an outer junction area. Then, a shrink seal is applied which completes the sealing process at the first side of the lamp body by sealing an inner junction area on the same side of the lamp body. The present invention retains the benefits of the shrink seal, but alleviates the difficulty associated with holding the electrode assemblies in place when performing a traditional shrink seal. In addition, the machine which holds the electrode assemblies in place is greatly simplified.

Abstract: The present invention has a lamp/getter assembly which reduces or eliminates mechanical and chemical wearing of the filament/leads in a lamp. One or more getters are formed across the filaments of the lead wires of a lamp during construction. During the cooking and sealing off process, the mechanical integrity of the lead wire/filament geometry is maintained by the effect of the getter structure. After the sealing process, the lamp is operated at lower than operating voltage and the getters operate to remove impurities. When the lamp is then operated at normal voltage and temperature, the getter melts and breaks.

Abstract: 1,2,4-Benzothiadiazine derivatives represented by formula wherein D, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R12, R13, R14, R15 are defined in the description, composition thereof and methods for preparing the compounds are described. The compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the pulmonary system, the gastrointestinal system and the endocrinological system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fused 1,4-thiazine-2-carbonitrile derivatives, compositions thereof and methods for preparing the compounds. The compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the pulmonary system, the gastrointestinal system and the endocrinological system.

Abstract: 1,2,4-Thiadiazine and 1,4-thiazine derivates represented by formula (I): wherein A, B, D, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are defined in the description, compositions thereof and methods for preparing the compounds are described. The compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the pulmonary system, the gastrointestinal system and the endocrinological system.