Abstract: The present invention provides a sophisticated automated accreditation and certification platform that substantially streamlines the oversight process, reducing the duration of the on-site survey, eliminating paper and allowing for the efficient, electronic transfer of documents. In addition, the online process is interactive, allowing users to get up-front feedback on standards compliance and perform a self-assessment prior to their actual survey. The invention allows the creation of an automated survey and the association of accreditation criteria with the questions in the automated survey.

Abstract: A round baler for forming round bales of crop material includes a crop pickup which feeds crop material rearwardly toward a bale-forming chamber defined by a series of rollers in combination with a bale-forming section of a series of side-by-side baler belts. The series of rollers include front and rear floor rollers which rotate in the same direction, as well as an upper stripping roller and a powered feed roller. The powered feed roller cooperates with the front floor roller to define a crop inlet, and the feed roller and the front floor roller aggressively feed crop material into the bale-forming chamber. The front and rear floor rollers cooperate with the bale-forming section of the baler belts and the upper stripping roller to define an open initial bale-forming chamber. As the bale grows, the bale-forming section of the belts expands and the bale is supported by the rear floor roller without support from the front floor roller.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for reducing frictional forces on drilling apparatus when being progressed or retracted within a well bore. This is achieved through mechanical or hydraulic action on the drilling fluid to create a fluid pressure differential which is transmitted on to the drill string via pumps, causing the drill string to oscillate. The oscillation reduces the frictional interface between the drill string and the well bore, thus enabling increased depth or reach of the well bore.

Abstract: A light amplification device comprises a laser slab and optics for establishing an optical beam at the lasing wavelength. The beam travels inside the slab in a zig-zag path between two reflecting faces. The slab is also cooled through the reflecting faces. The slab is pumped through one or more pumping faces, each pumping face being distinct from the reflecting faces. Light from the pump is incident upon the slab in a direction that is transverse to the plane of propagation of the lasing wavelength beam. This arrangement separates the cooling interfaces from the pumping interfaces. Distortions in the beam due to thermal effects are largely averaged out by the zig-zag path. The device may function as either a laser or an optical amplifier.

Abstract: Latch operating means are disclosed comprising a linearly moveable operating member and a rotationally moveable latch operating member, interaction means comprising a thread and a thread engaging cam being provided betwen said operating member and said latch operating member, said interaction means translating linear movement of said operating member into rotational movement of said latch operating member: the latch operating means in the various forms of the invention are constructed such that said latch operating member has located rotatably thereon connector means, said connector means and said latch operating means having rotatory loss connection means therebetween; said thread being a groove and said thread engaging cam being a bearing; and being provided with locking means to restrain rotation of said latch operating member.