# US 2019/0170247 A1 · High Ambient Temperature Propulsion Speed Control Of A Self-Propelled Agricultural Product Applicator > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0170247 A1 - Document ID: US20190170247A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 15/833,089 - Filed: 2017-12-06 - Published: 2019-06-06 - Earliest claimed: 2017-12-06 - Assignees: CNN Industrial America LLC; Danfoss Power Solutions Inc. - Applicants: CNH Industrial America LLC; Danfoss Power Solutions Inc. - Inventors: David J. Hafvenstein; Simon L. Nielsen - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190170247A1 ## CPC - F16H 61/42: involving adjustment of a pump or motor with adjustable output or capacity - F16H 39/02: with liquid motors at a distance from liquid pumps - F16H 61/4192: Detecting malfunction or potential malfunction, e.g. fail safe - F16H 61/47: for achieving a target output speed - A01C 23/00: Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons - A01M 21/04: Apparatus for destruction by steam, chemicals, burning, or electricity {(apparatus for burning A01M15/00)} - B60Y 2300/184: Preventing damage resulting from overload or excessive wear of the driveline - F16H 59/72: dependent on oil characteristics, e.g. temperature, viscosity - F16H 2061/1216: {Display or indication of detected failures} - F16H 2061/124: {Limiting the input power, torque or speed} - F16H: GEARING - A01C: PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING (parts, details or accessories of agricultural machines or implements, in general A01B51/00 - A01B75/00) - A01M: CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS (appliances for catching swarms or drone-catching A01K57/00; fishing A01K69/00 - {A01K99/00}; biocides, pest repellants or attractants A01N); APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS - B60Y: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY ## Abstract A system, apparatus and method are provided for limiting operating speed at high temperatures of a self-propelled, agricultural product applicator having a hydraulic drive system including a pump supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a variable-displacement hydraulic motor operatively connected for propelling the applicator. A temperature sensor detects a temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system. A propel controller is operatively connected between the temperature sensor and the propulsion motor and configured for limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to one or more predetermined de-rated conditions resulting in reduced motor speed, in accordance with a predetermined schedule, when predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limits of the hydraulic fluid are detected by the temperature sensor. The controller is further configured for providing a de-rated condition warning signal prior to limiting displacement of the propulsion motor. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system for limiting operating speed at high temperatures in a hydraulically-driven, self-propelled, agricultural product applicator having a hydraulic system including a pump supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a variable-displacement hydraulic motor operatively connected for propelling the applicator, the system comprising: a temperature sensor operatively connected for detecting a temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system; and a propel controller operatively connected to the temperature sensor and the propulsion motor and configured for limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to a predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by, the temperature sensor. ### Claim 2 A system for limiting operating speed at high temperatures in a hydraulically-driven, self-propelled, agricultural product applicator having a hydraulic system including a pump supplying pressurized fluid to a variable-displacement hydraulic motor operatively connected for propelling the applicator, the system comprising: a temperature sensor operatively connected for detecting a temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system; and a propel controller operatively connected between the temperature sensor and the propulsion motor and configured for limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to a predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is, detected by the temperature sensor: wherein the propulsion motor includes a swashplate for controlling motor rotational speed as a function of swashplate angle, and the propel controller is operatively connected for limiting motor speed by limiting swashplate angle in the de-rated condition. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The speed limiting system of claim 2, wherein the propulsion motor operates at maximum speed when the swashplate angle and corresponding motor displacement are at minimum values, and the controller is operatively connected to control the swashplate angle at an angle greater than the minimum value of swashplate angle in the de-rated condition, to thereby limit operation of the propulsion motor to a speed less than the maximum speed of the motor whenever the controller is limiting the motor to operation in the de-rated condition. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The speed limiting system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to provide a warning signal prior to limiting displacement of the propulsion motor, when a predetermined warning activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor, with the warning activation temperature being lower than the motor de-rating activation temperature. ### Claim 5 A system for limiting operating speed at high temperatures in a hydraulically-driven, self-propelled, agricultural product applicator having a hydraulic system including a pump supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a variable -displacement hydraulic motor operatively connected for propelling the applicator, the system comprising: a temperature sensor operatively connected for detecting a temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system; and a propel controller operatively connected between the temperature sensor and the propulsion motor arid configured for limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to a predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor: wherein the propel controller is further configured for maintaining the propulsion motor in the de-rated condition until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid temperature has dropped to a predetermined motor de-rating de-activation temperature. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The speed limiting system of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured for de-rating the propulsion motor according to a derating schedule having at least a first and a second de-rated condition with corresponding first and second reductions in displacement of the propulsion motor in response to a schedule of respective first and second motor de-rating activation and de-activation temperatures. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The speed limiting system of claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to provide a warning signal prior to reducing displacement of the propulsion motor, when a predetermined warning activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor, with the warning activation temperature being lower than the motor derating activation temperature. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The speed limiting system of claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to maintain the warning signal prior until a predetermined warning de-activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor, with the warning de-activation temperature being lower than the warning activation temperature. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The speed limiting system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured for providing and maintaining the warning signal, and for reducing and maintaining propulsion motor displacement in accordance with a schedule of predetermined temperatures as determined by the temperature sensor, in which: the controller sends the warning at a warning activation temperature, and maintains the warning until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid has cooled to a warning de-activation temperature that is lower than the warning activation temperature; the controller limits motor displacement to a first de-rated condition in a manner providing a first reduction in operating speed of the applicator at a first motor de-rating activation temperature that is higher than the warning activation temperature, and maintains the limited motor displacement in the first de-rated condition until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid has cooled to a first motor de-rating de-activation temperature that is lower than the first motor de-rating activation temperature; and the controller limits motor displacement to a second de-rated condition in a manner providing a second reduction in operating speed of the applicator at a second motor de-rating activation temperature that is higher than the first motor de-rating activation temperature, and maintains the limited motor displacement in the second de-rated condition until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid has cooled to a second motor de-rating de-activation temperature that is lower than the second motor de-rating activation temperature. ### Claim 10 A self-propelled, hydraulically-driven, agricultural product applicator having an engine and a hydrostatic drive system, the hydrostatic drive system including a propulsion pump driven by the engine at a fixed ratio of engine speed and supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a variable-displacement hydraulic propulsion motor operatively connected for propelling the applicator, and a system fix limiting operating speed of the hydraulically-driven, self-propelled, agricultural product applicator at high temperatures, where the system for limiting speed at high temperatures comprises: a temperature sensor operatively connected for detecting a temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system; and a propel controller operatively connected to the temperature sensor and the propulsion motor and configured for limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to a predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The agricultural product applicator of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to provide a warning signal prior to limiting displacement of the propulsion motor, when a predetermined warning activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor, with the warning activation temperature being lower than the motor de-rating activation temperature. ### Claim 12 A self-propelled, hydraulically-driven, agricultural product applicator having an engine and a hydrostatic drive system, the hydrostatic drive system including a propulsion pump driven by the engine at a fixed ratio of engine speed and supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a variable-displacement hydraulic propulsion motor operatively connected for propelling the applicator, and a system for limiting operating speed of the hydraulically-driven, self-propelled, agricultural product applicator at high temperatures, where the system for limiting speed at high temperatures comprises: a temperature sensor operatively connected for detecting a temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system; and a propel controller operatively connected between the temperature sensor and the propulsion motor and configured for limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to a predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor; wherein the propel controller is further configured for maintaining the propulsion motor in the de-rated condition until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid temperature has dropped to a predetermined motor de-rating de-activation temperature. ### Claim 13 A self-propelled, hydraulically-driven, agricultural product applicator having an engine and a hydrostatic drive system, the hydrostatic drive system including a propulsion pump driven by the engine at a fixed ratio of engine speed and supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a variable-displacement hydraulic propulsion motor operatively connected for propelling the applicator, and a system for limiting operating speed of the hydraulically-driven, self-propelled, agricultural product applicator at high temperatures, where the system for limiting speed at high temperatures comprises: a temperature sensor operatively connected for detecting a temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system, and a propel controller operatively connected between the temperature sensor and the propulsion motor and configured for limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to a predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor; wherein the propulsion motor includes a swashplate for controlling motor rotational speed as a function of swashplate angle, and the propel controller is operatively connected for limiting motor speed by limiting swashplate angle in the de-rated condition. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The agricultural product applicator of claim 13, wherein the propulsion motor operates at maximum speed when the swashplate angle and corresponding motor displacement are at minimum values, and the controller is operatively connected to control the swashplate angle at an angle greater than the minimum value of swashplate angle in the de-rated condition, to thereby limit operation of the propulsion motor to a speed less than the maximum speed of the motor whenever the controller is limiting the motor to operation in the de-rated condition. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The agricultural product applicator of claim 14, wherein the applicator includes at least one additional pump operatively connected to he driven from the propulsion pump at a fixed ratio of propulsion pump speed, for supplying a fixed flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to a non-propulsion hydraulic system of the applicator when the propel controller is operating the propulsion motor in a de-rated condition, and when the propel controller is operating the propulsion motor in a de-rated condition. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The agricultural product applicator of claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured for de-rating the propulsion motor according to a derating schedule having at least a first and a second de-rated condition with corresponding first and second reductions in displacement of the propulsion motor in response to a schedule of respective first and second motor de-rating activation and de-activation temperatures. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The agricultural product applicator of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured for providing a warning signal prior to limiting displacement of the propulsion motor, when a predetermined warning activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor, and for reducing and maintaining propulsion motor displacement in accordance with a schedule of predetermined temperatures as determined by the temperature sensor, in which: the controller sends the warning at a warning activation temperature, and maintains the warning until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid has cooled to a warning de-activation temperature that is lower than the warning activation temperature; the controller limits motor displacement to a first de-rated condition in a manner providing a first reduction in operating speed of the applicator at a first motor de-rating activation temperature that is higher than the warning activation temperature, and maintains the limited motor displacement in the first de-rated condition until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid has cooled to a first motor de-rating de-activation temperature that is lower than the first motor de-rating activation temperature; and the controller limits motor displacement to a second de-rated condition in a manner providing a second reduction in operating speed of the applicator at a second motor de-rating activation temperature that is higher than the first motor de-rating activation temperature, and maintains the limited motor displacement in the second derated condition until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid has cooled to a second motor de-rating de-activation temperature that is lower than the second motor de-rating activation temperature. ### Claim 18 A method for limiting operating speed at high temperatures in a hydraulically-driven, self-propelled, agricultural product applicator having a hydraulic system including a propulsion pump supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a variable-displacement hydraulic propulsion motor operatively connected for propelling the applicator, the method comprising: operatively connecting a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system; operatively connecting a propel controller to the temperature sensor and the propulsion motor and configuring the controller for limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to a predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor; and limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to the predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced propulsion motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor. ### Claim 19 A method for limiting operating speed at high temperatures in a hydraulically-driven, self-propelled, agricultural product applicator having a hydraulic system including a propulsion pump supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a variable-displacement hydraulic propulsion motor operatively connected for propelling the applicator, the method comprising: operatively connecting a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic, system: operatively connecting a propel controller between the temperature sensor and the propulsion motor and configuring the controller for limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to a predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced motor speed, when a predetermined motor tie-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor; and limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to the predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced propulsion motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor; wherein: the propulsion motor includes a swashplate for controlling motor rotational speed as a function of swashplate angle, and the propel controller is operatively connected for limiting propulsion motor speed by limiting swashplate angle in the de-rated condition; the propulsion motor operates at maximum speed when the swashplate angle and corresponding motor displacement arc at minimum values, and the controller is operatively connected to control the swashplate angle at an angle greater than the minimum value of swashplate angle in the de-rated condition, to thereby limit operation of the propulsion motor to a speed less than the maximum speed of the motor whenever the controller is limiting the motor to operation in the de-rated condition; and the method further includes, controlling the swashplate angle at an angle greater than the minimum value of swashplate angle in the de-rated condition, to thereby limit operation of the propulsion motor to a speed less than the maximum speed of the motor whenever the controller is limiting the motor to operation in the de-rated condition. ### Claim 20 A method for limiting operating speed at high temperatures in a hydraulically-driven, self-propelled, agricultural product applicator having a hydraulic system including a propulsion pump supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a variable-displacement hydraulic propulsion motor operatively connected for propelling the applicator, the method comprising: operatively connecting a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system; operatively connecting a propel controller between the temperature sensor and the propulsion motor and configuring the controller for limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to a predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor; and limiting displacement of the propulsion motor according to the predetermined de-rated condition resulting in reduced propulsion motor speed, when a predetermined motor de-rating activation temperature limit of the hydraulic fluid is detected by the temperature sensor; wherein the controller is configured for providing and maintaining a warning signal, and for reducing and maintaining propulsion motor displacement in accordance with a schedule of predetermined temperatures as determined by the temperature sensor, the method further comprises performing at least one operation from the list of operations consisting of: sending the warning signal at a warning activation temperature, and maintaining the warning until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid has cooled to a warning de-activation temperature that is lower than the warning activation temperature; limiting motor displacement to a first de-rated condition in a manner providing a first reduction in operating speed of the applicator at a first motor de-rating activation temperature that is higher than the warning activation) temperature, and maintaining the limited motor displacement in the first derated condition until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid has cooled to a first motor de-rating de-activation temperature that is lower than the first motor de-rating activation temperature; and limiting motor displacement to a second derated condition in a manner providing a second reduction in operating speed of the applicator at a second motor de-rating activation temperature that is higher than the first motor derating activation temperature, and maintaining the limited motor displacement in the second de-rated condition until the temperature sensor detects that the hydraulic fluid has cooled to a second motor derating de-activation temperature that is lower than the second motor de-rating activation temperature.