Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for hydraulic apparatus (100). The controller is configured to determine (310) that an energy return criteria has been met by movement of a first movement component of a first hydraulic actuator. In response thereto, the controller is further configured to select (320) at least one among a plurality of energy control strategies based on at least one operational characteristic of the hydraulic apparatus, and to control (330) the hydraulic apparatus to implement the energy control strategy during movement of the first movable component in such a way as to meet the energy return criteria. The plurality of energy control strategies comprises a first energy control strategy and a second energy control strategy. The at least one operational characteristic of the hydraulic apparatus comprises an indication of an expected energy recovery of one or more of the energy control strategies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for a hydraulic apparatus. The controller is configured to determine (410) that a mode change criteria has been met for the hydraulic apparatus. In response to the determination, the controller is configured to control (420) a valve arrangement to change a first actuator chamber of a hydraulic actuator between being fluidly connected to a hydraulic machine and fluidly isolated from a second chamber of the hydraulic actuator, and being fluidly connected to both the second actuator chamber and the hydraulic machine. Further in response to the determination, the controller is configured to control (430) the hydraulic machine to change a flow rate of hydraulic fluid flowing through the hydraulic machine to regulate a movement of the hydraulic actuator during the control of the valve arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for a hydraulic apparatus. The controller is configured to determine (410) that a mode change criteria has been met for the hydraulic apparatus. In response to the determination, the controller is configured to control (420) a valve arrangement to change a first actuator chamber of a hydraulic actuator between being fluidly connected to a hydraulic machine and fluidly isolated from a second chamber of the hydraulic actuator, and being fluidly connected to both the second actuator chamber and the hydraulic machine. Further in response to the determination, the controller is configured to control (430) the hydraulic machine to change a flow rate of hydraulic fluid flowing through the hydraulic machine to regulate a movement of the hydraulic actuator during the control of the valve arrangement.

Abstract: A method of improving the efficiency of beef production from a bovine animal which is fed multiple times per day, comprising delivering to the animal an effective dose of zilpaterol in one or more but not all of daily feedings and wherein the zilpaterol is thoroughly mixed into the feed before use.

Abstract: A baseball-like game played within an enclosed mesh net facility, wherein the game rules and facility are designed for fast paced action. The inventive baseball-like game is designed to be played in a time span of approximately one hour. The inventive facility eliminates foul zones, and has designated safe zones and home run zones located on the mesh net sides of the facility. Innings in the game are determined by a set number of pitches, rather than by the number of outs generated. Outs that are generated count as points for the fielding team. Walks that occur are counted as points for the batting team.