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3M and US Conec Collaborate on Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect Technology for Data Centers

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Licensing agreement combines advanced optical innovations from 3M with US Conec’s expertise in high-density connectivity solutions for next-generation networks

ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 3M and US Conec Ltd. today announced a strategic licensing agreement for 3M™ Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect technology, a solution to meet the performance and scalability needs of next-generation data centers and advanced network architectures. The collaboration combines advanced optical technology from 3M with US Conec’s expertise in high-density connectivity systems, expanded beam optics, and precision manufacturing to help deliver innovative solutions tailored to the evolving demands of modern networks.

3M Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect is a high-performance and scalable solution available in both single-mode and multimode configurations. Its non-contact optical coupling helps minimize wear and sensitivity to contamination, significantly helping reduce maintenance requirements and providing reliable performance in demanding environments.

“We’re excited to partner with US Conec to bring the benefits of 3M Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect technology to the market,” said Kevin Twomey, global portfolio director for 3M’s electronics materials solutions division. “By combining our advanced optical solutions with US Conec’s industry-leading connectivity expertise, we are providing customers with reliable, scalable technologies designed for the future of data infrastructure.”

Challenging the status quo of optical interconnect to meet hyperscale data center demands

The 3M Expanded Beam Optical Ferrule is optimized for hyperscale data centers and edge computing environments. Its durability, ability to maintain signal integrity, and ease of maintenance help contribute to reduced operational costs and potential downtime.

As part of this agreement, US Conec will manufacture and supply products utilizing 3M Expanded Beam Optical technology, helping to ensure a robust supply chain for future network deployments. This collaboration enables customers to address increasing data demands while maintaining cost efficiency and scalability.

“US Conec is thrilled to integrate the 3M Expanded Beam Optical technology into our portfolio,” said Mike Hughes VP, Product Management. “This collaboration supports our continued goal of delivering novel high-performance connectivity solutions that address the challenges of next-generation network deployments and meet the needs of our customers.”

For more information, visit Optical Interconnect | 3M™ Fiber Optic Technology and www.USConec.com.

About 3M
3M believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/news.

About US CONEC
US Conec is a global leader in the design and development of high-density optical interconnects. With over 30 years of innovative experience, the company provides industry leading components for data center and enterprise structured cabling, public networks, circuit board interconnect, and industrial and military markets worldwide. US Conec is headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina, and is an equity venture of three leading communications technology companies—Corning Optical Communications, Fujikura, and NTT-AT. For more information, please visit www.usconec.com.

Contact: Mike Laninga, mlaninga2@mmm.com

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SOURCE 3M Company

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Medmovie’s Hx Heart Video Library Powers Patient Education at Cardiovascular Practices Worldwide

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Physician-validated, privately branded HD video helps heart patients understand their care.

BERKELEY, Calif., June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Medmovie, Inc., a leader in cardiovascular medical visualization, today highlighted the global reach of its Hx Heart Video Library (HVL), a hosted patient-education solution licensed to clinics and hospital systems for more than a decade.

The HVL turns the cardiovascular conditions, diagnostic tests, procedures, and medications heart patients encounter into concise, accurate HD videos — helping clinicians spend less time explaining and more time connecting with their patients.

The HVL is a curated collection of clinician-reviewed cardiovascular videos. Practices and hospitals can license, brand, and embed it directly on their websites.

Users to-date span multiple continents, including hospitals in Australia and Germany, a national trade association, and cardiology practices in the United States and around the world.

Every video is reviewed and validated by Medmovie’s MD editorial board. The Hx Heart library is brought to you by the same creative developers of the CardioSmart Heart Explorer App, which was created and produced by Medmovie and distributed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) through 2024.

Cardiovascular specialists who rely on Medmovie’s visual content have seen its impact firsthand.

“Over the past year, my clinic’s website, www.sukruakyuz.com, has attracted more than 100,000 unique visitors per month, and my YouTube videos have generated nearly 7 million views,” said Dr. Sukru Akyuz, interventional cardiologist in Turkey. “This level of reach and engagement would not have been possible without Medmovie’s exceptional medical animations and support. Thanks to their contributions, I have achieved my goal of becoming one of Turkey’s most recognized interventional cardiologists.”

From the point of care to a clinic’s online presence, Medmovie’s trusted visual content helps patients see and understand their own care. The Hx Heart Video Library is available now to cardiovascular practices, hospitals, and health systems worldwide.

See the library in action at medmovie.com/cvl — the same branded player can be customized with a practice’s or hospital’s logo and embedded on its website in a matter of days. Watch a sample, the CAD video on the hidden risks of coronary artery disease, at https://youtube.com/shorts/0Tt-k8XkrTk

Healthcare organizations and practices interested in licensing the Hx Heart Video Library can contact Medmovie at medmovie.com/contact.

About Medmovie, Inc.

Medmovie translates complex medical and life science information into accurate, easy-to-understand, strategically focused visual media. Our clients leverage our experience, validated animations, and interactive media to create cost-effective, innovative tools to help tell their stories. We are a team of trained Medical Illustrators and Animators who love our work and are passionate about our simple goal: we want our clients’ stories to be fully understood.

Media Contact

Sarrah Hussain
Director of Communications
Medmovie, Inc.
sarrah@medmovie.com

© 2026 Medmovie, Inc. All rights reserved. Medmovie is a registered trademark of Medmovie, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Medmovie, Inc.

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Kevin Wheeler to Retire as Executive Chairman; President and CEO Stephen Shafer Named Chairman

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MILWAUKEE, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS), a global leader in water technology, announced today that Executive Chairman Kevin Wheeler will retire effective July 1. The company’s board of directors has elected Stephen Shafer, president and chief executive officer (CEO), as chairman upon Wheeler’s retirement. Wheeler will remain a member of the company’s board of directors.

“Kevin’s impact on A. O. Smith spans three decades,” said Chris Mapes, lead director of the board. “During his tenure, the company expanded its global footprint, strengthened its portfolio through multiple acquisitions and successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining strong operational performance.”

Wheeler joined A. O. Smith in 1994 as a regional sales manager for the former Water Products Company and held various senior leadership roles across the business before becoming president and CEO in 2018 and chairman in 2020.

Shafer, who has served as president and CEO since July 2025, becomes the 11th CEO to assume the role of chairman in the company’s history. He joined A. O. Smith in 2024 as president and chief operating officer. As chairman, Shafer will lead the board of directors and continue to oversee the company’s global operations, strategic direction, profitability and shareholder return.

“Steve has demonstrated strong, strategic leadership and a deep understanding of our business and growth opportunities,” said Mapes. “His combined role as chairman and CEO will further strengthen alignment across our strategy, operations and long-term value creation.”

Before joining A. O. Smith, Shafer held roles of increasing responsibility at 3M Company across multiple business units in the U.S. and China. Earlier in his career, he worked at McKinsey & Co. and Ford Motor Company. Shafer serves on the boards of the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, as well as the Executive Advisory Board for WorkBoard Inc.

“As chairman, I will continue leading this outstanding company and team with focus and discipline,” said Shafer. “We remain committed to driving innovation, serving our customers and advancing our purpose to find a better way. I would also like to thank Kevin for his leadership and continued support through this transition and look forward to benefiting from his continued guidance as a member of our board going forward.”

About A. O. Smith

A. O. Smith Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AOS), the company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment and water management products. For more information, visit www.aosmith.com.

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SOURCE A. O. Smith Corporation

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S&P Global Declares Third Quarter Dividend

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NEW YORK, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) has approved a cash dividend on the Company’s common stock for the third quarter of 2026. The dividend of $0.97 is payable on September 10, 2026, to shareholders of record on August 26, 2026. The annualized dividend rate is $3.88 per share.

The Company has paid a dividend each year since 1937 and is one of fewer than 30 companies in the S&P 500® that has increased its dividend annually for more than 50 years.

About S&P Global:

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) enables businesses, governments, and individuals with trusted data, expertise and technology to make decisions with conviction. We are Advancing Essential Intelligence through world-leading benchmarks, data, and insights that customers need in order to plan confidently, act decisively, and thrive economically in a rapidly changing global landscape. 

From helping our customers assess new investments across the capital and commodities markets to guiding them through the energy expansion, acceleration of artificial intelligence, and evolution of public and private markets, we enable the world’s leading organizations to unlock opportunities, solve challenges, and plan for tomorrow – today.

Contacts:

Investor Relations:
Mark Grant
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer
Tel:  + 1 347 640 1521

Media:
April Kabahar
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Tel:  +1 212 438 7530

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sp-global-declares-third-quarter-dividend-302806889.html

SOURCE S&P Global

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