Abstract: An optical combiner (25), comprising a bundle of input fibers (24) spliced to an output fiber (26), the output fiber having a cladding and at least one high-index portion within the cladding, such that the high index portion has a diameter substantially equal to or less than the outer diameter of the input fiber bundle at the splice point.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for preparing beta 3 agonists of Formula (I) and Formula (II) and their intermediates. The beta 3 agonists are useful in the treatment of certain disorders, including overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and urinary urgency.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the focus of a fibers laser is described, which comprises positioning the output of a fibers laser relative to a workpiece; measuring at least a portion of back reflected radiation from the workpiece (step 52); determining an integral of this; changing the relative position of the output and the workpiece one or more times (step 54,56), each time determining an integral of values for the back-reflection, and using the integrals to determine optimum focus.

Abstract: An optical combiner (25), comprising a bundle of input fibres (24) spliced to an output fibre (26), the output fibre having a cladding and at least one high-index portion within the cladding, such that the high index portion has a diameter substantially equal to or less than the outer diameter of the input fibre bundle at the splice point.

Abstract: Provided herein are high-efficiency liquid chiller systems and related methods for efficient climate control of a room environment. A split-system air conditioning (AC) unit is connected to a liquid chiller positioned within an enclosure and adjacent to the AC unit. Refrigerant from the AC unit is used to cool a liquid via a heat exchanger positioned in the enclosure. The cooled liquid is, in turn, supplied to a downstream cooling application. In a closed-loop manner, warmed refrigerant is returned to the AC unit for cooling and warmed liquid returned to the heat exchanger for cooling in the heat exchanger. A reservoir in thermal contact with the cooled liquid may be used as a source of chilled liquid for any number of various cooling applications, including via air handlers positioned in distinct locations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for preparing beta 3 agonists of Formula (I) and Formula (II) and their intermediates. The beta 3 agonists are useful in the treatment of certain disorders, including overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and urinary urgency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a compound of formula I-11 through multiple-step reactions.

Abstract: A termination for an optical fiber is disclosed, including an end cap optically connected to a delivery end of the fiber and tapering its towards its proximal end so as to expand the signal beam output by the fiber, a capillary having a bore mounted so that the end cap and an end portion of the delivery fiber are mounted within the bore, the capillary having an end which is angled so as to reflect undesired radiation within the capillary away from the fiber, and a cladding mode stripper arranged upstream of the delivery end.

Abstract: A fibre laser system is disclosed comprising an optical fibre, a part of which is doped with a rare earth to form an optical gain medium; at least one laser diode; means for applying pump radiation from the laser diode to the optical gain medium and for generating a laser beam and delivery fibre means for delivering a laser beam to a workpiece, wherein the fibre laser is provided with at least one means for protecting one or more components from damage caused by errant radiation. Several different means of protection are disclosed.

Abstract: A termination for an optical fibre is disclosed, including an end cap optically connected to a delivery end of the fibre and tapering its towards its proximal end so as to expand the signal beam output by the fibre, a capillary having a bore mounted so that the end cap and an end portion of the delivery fibre are mounted within the bore, the capillary having an end which is angled so as to reflect undesired radiation within the capillary away from the fibre, and a cladding mode stripper arranged upstream of the delivery end.

Abstract: A fibre laser system is disclosed comprising an optical fibre, a part of which is doped with a rare earth to form an optical gain medium; at least one laser diode; means for applying pump radiation from the laser diode to the optical gain medium and for generating a laser beam and delivery fibre means for delivering a laser beam to a workpiece, wherein the fibre laser is provided with at least one means for protecting one or more components from damage caused by errant radiation. Several different means of protection are disclosed.

Abstract: An enantioselective route to compounds of formula I is disclosed: The compounds of formula I are key intermediates in the synthesis of compounds useful in treatment of Alzhemer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of intermediates for the preparation of compounds of formula (A): wherein n is 2 or 3 and various salt forms of these compounds. The compounds of formula (A) are useful as ???3 receptor antagonists.