U.S. patent application number 10/133522 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-06 for lubricating fluids with enhanced energy efficiency and durability.
Invention is credited to Coolbaugh, Thomas Smith, Sullivan, William T..
Application Number | 20030207775 10/133522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29268779 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030207775 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sullivan, William T. ; et
al. |
November 6, 2003 |
Lubricating fluids with enhanced energy efficiency and
durability
Abstract
The present invention comprises novel lubricating compositions,
automotive gear lubricating compositions, and fluids useful in the
preparation of finished automotive gear lubricants and finished
gear oils, and methods of preparation thereof. The novel
lubricating compositions of the present invention comprise a high
viscosity fluid blended with a lower viscosity fluid, wherein the
final blend has a viscosity index greater than or equal to 175. In
another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of the
present invention comprise a major amount of a blend of a high
viscosity fluid blended with a lower viscosity fluid, wherein the
final blend has a viscosity index greater than or equal to 175.
Preferably, the high viscosity fluid comprises a polyalphaolefin
and/or the lower viscosity fluid comprises a synthetic hydrocarbon.
In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of the
present invention further comprise one or more of an ester, mineral
oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil.
Inventors: |
Sullivan, William T.;
(Brick, NJ) ; Coolbaugh, Thomas Smith; (Yardley,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL COMPANY
P O BOX 2149
BAYTOWN
TX
77522-2149
US
|
Family ID: |
29268779 |
Appl. No.: |
10/133522 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
508/463 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10N 2040/045 20200501;
C10M 2207/2835 20130101; C10M 2205/0285 20130101; C10M 111/04
20130101; C10N 2040/04 20130101; C10M 2205/173 20130101; C10N
2040/042 20200501; C10M 2207/2825 20130101; C10N 2030/06 20130101;
C10M 169/04 20130101; C10M 2203/1025 20130101; C10N 2020/02
20130101; C10N 2040/046 20200501; C10N 2040/044 20200501; C10M
171/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
508/463 |
International
Class: |
C10M 171/02; C10M
111/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A lubricating composition comprising: a high viscosity fluid,
said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity of greater than or
equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 3,000
cSt. at 100.degree. C., blended with a lower viscosity fluid, said
lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of less than or equal to
40 cSt. at 100.degree. C., wherein the final blend of said high
viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 175.
2. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 60 cSt.
at 100.degree. C.
3. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or equal to 1,000 cSt.
at 100.degree. C.
4. The lubricating composition of claim 2, wherein said high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or equal to 1,000 cSt.
at 100.degree. C.
5. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 80 cSt.
at 100.degree. C.
6. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or equal to 300 cSt.
at 100.degree. C.
7. The lubricating composition of claim 5, wherein said high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or equal to 300 cSt.
at 100.degree. C.
8. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or equal to 10 cSt. at
100.degree. C.
9. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or equal to 6 cSt. at
100.degree. C.
10. The lubricating composition of claim 8, wherein said lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 1.5
cSt. at 100.degree. C.
11. The lubricating composition of claim 9, wherein said lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 1.5
cSt. at 100.degree. C.
12. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said viscosity
index is greater than or equal to 190.
13. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said high
viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid comprise base
stocks.
14. The lubricating composition of claim 1, further comprising an
ester.
15. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said high
viscosity fluid comprises a polyalphaolefin.
16. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said high
viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid comprise
polyalphaolefins.
17. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said lower
viscosity fluid comprises a synthetic hydrocarbon.
18. The lubricating composition of claim 1, further comprising one
or more of an ester, mineral oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral
oil.
19. The lubricating composition of claim 15, wherein said
polyalphaolefin comprises from about 30% to about 60% by weight of
the total of said lubricating composition.
20. The lubricating composition of claim 17, wherein said synthetic
hydrocarbon comprises less than or equal to 70% by weight of the
total of said lubricating composition.
21. The lubricating composition of claim 14, wherein said ester
comprises less than or equal to 20% by weight of the total of said
lubricating composition.
22. The lubricating composition of claim 18, wherein said ester,
mineral oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil comprise less than or
equal to 20% by weight of the total of said lubricating
composition.
23. The lubricating composition of claim 1, further comprising one
or more of: thickeners, antioxidants, inhibitor packages, and/or
anti-rust additives.
24. The lubricating composition of claim 1, further comprising one
or more of: dispersants, detergents, friction modifiers, traction
improving additives, demulsifiers, defoamants, chromophores (dyes),
and/or haze inhibitors.
25. The lubricating composition of claim 23, further comprising one
or more of: dispersants, detergents, friction modifiers, traction
improving additives, demulsifiers, defoamants, chromophores (dyes),
and/or haze inhibitors.
26. The lubricating composition of claim 1, wherein said
lubricating composition comprises a finished gear oil.
27. The finished gear oil of claim 26, wherein the blend of said
high viscosity fluid blended with said lower viscosity fluid
comprises a major amount of said finished gear oil.
28. The lubricating composition of claim 1, further comprising
extreme pressure protection and anti-wear additives.
29. The lubricating composition of claim 1, comprising an automatic
transmission fluid, manual transmission fluid, transaxle lubricant,
gear lubricant, open gear lubricant, enclosed gear lubricant,
and/or tractor lubricant.
30. The lubricating composition of claim 1, comprising a contact
surface comprising at least a portion of an automatic transmission,
manual transmission, transaxle, gear, open gear, enclosed gear,
and/or tractor.
31. An automotive gear lubricating composition comprising: a high
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or
equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., blended with a lower
viscosity fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C., wherein the final
blend of said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid
has a viscosity index greater than or equal to 175.
32. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said high viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than
or equal to 60 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
33. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said high viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or
equal to 1,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
34. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 32,
wherein said high viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or
equal to 1,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
35. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said high viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than
or equal to 80 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
36. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said high viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or
equal to 300 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
37. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 35,
wherein said high viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or
equal to 300 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
38. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or
equal to 10 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
39. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or
equal to 6 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
40. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 38,
wherein said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than
or equal to 1.5 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
41. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 39,
wherein said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than
or equal to 1.5 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
42. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said viscosity index is greater than or equal to 190.
43. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid
comprise base stocks.
44. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
further comprising an ester.
45. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said high viscosity fluid comprises a polyalphaolefin.
46. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid
comprise polyalphaolefins.
47. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said lower viscosity fluid comprises a synthetic
hydrocarbon.
48. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
further comprising one or more of an ester, mineral oil and/or
hydroprocessed mineral oil.
49. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 45,
wherein said polyalphaolefin comprises from about 30% to about 60%
by weight of the total of said automotive gear lubricating
composition.
50. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 47,
wherein said synthetic hydrocarbon comprises less than or equal to
70% by weight of the total of said automotive gear lubricating
composition.
51. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 44,
wherein said ester comprises less than or equal to 20% by weight of
the total of said automotive gear lubricating composition.
52. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 48,
wherein said ester, mineral oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil
comprise less than or equal to 20% by weight of the total of said
automotive gear lubricating composition.
53. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
further comprising one or more of: thickeners, antioxidants,
inhibitor packages, and/or anti-rust additives.
54. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
further comprising one or more of: dispersants, detergents,
friction modifiers, traction improving additives, demulsifiers,
defoamants, chromophores (dyes), and/or haze inhibitors.
55. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 53,
further comprising one or more of: dispersants, detergents,
friction modifiers, traction improving additives, demulsifiers,
defoamants, chromophores (dyes), and/or haze inhibitors.
56. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
wherein said automotive gear lubricating composition comprises a
finished gear oil.
57. The finished gear oil of claim 56, wherein the blend of said
high viscosity fluid blended with said lower viscosity fluid
comprises a major amount of said finished gear oil.
58. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
further comprising extreme pressure protection and anti-wear
additives.
59. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
comprising an automatic transmission fluid, manual transmission
fluid, transaxle lubricant, gear lubricant, open gear lubricant,
enclosed gear lubricant, and/or tractor lubricant.
60. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 31,
comprising a contact surface comprising at least a portion of an
automatic transmission, manual transmission, transaxle, gear, open
gear, enclosed gear, and/or tractor.
61. An automotive gear lubricating composition comprising a blend
of components (A) and (B), wherein: component (A) comprises a high
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having (i) a viscosity
of greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than
or equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and, (ii) a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 180; and component (B) comprises a
lower viscosity fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a
viscosity of less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C.;
wherein the final blend of components (A) and (B) has a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 175.
62. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
wherein the final blend of components (A) and (B) has a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 190.
63. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
wherein the viscosity index of component (A) is greater than or
equal to 190.
64. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
wherein said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid
comprise base stocks.
65. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
further comprising an ester.
66. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
wherein said high viscosity fluid comprises a polyalphaolefin.
67. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
wherein said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid
comprise polyalphaolefins.
68. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
further comprising one or more of an ester, mineral oil and/or
hydroprocessed mineral oil.
69. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 66,
wherein said polyalphaolefin comprises from about 30% to about 60%
by weight of the total of said automotive gear lubricating
composition.
70. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 65,
wherein said ester comprises less than or equal to 20% by weight of
the total of said automotive gear lubricating composition.
71. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 68,
wherein said ester, mineral oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil
comprise less than or equal to 20% by weight of the total of said
automotive gear lubricating composition.
72. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
further comprising one or more of: thickeners, antioxidants,
inhibitor packages, and/or anti-rust additives.
73. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
further comprising one or more of: dispersants, detergents,
friction modifiers, traction improving additives, demulsifiers,
defoamants, chromophores (dyes), and/or haze inhibitors.
74. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 72,
further comprising one or more of: dispersants, detergents,
friction modifiers, traction improving additives, demulsifiers,
defoamants, chromophores (dyes), and/or haze inhibitors.
75. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
wherein said automotive gear lubricating composition comprises a
finished gear oil.
76. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
further comprising extreme pressure protection and anti-wear
additives.
77. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
comprising an automatic transmission fluid, manual transmission
fluid, transaxle lubricant, gear lubricant, open gear lubricant,
enclosed gear lubricant, and/or tractor lubricant.
78. The automotive gear lubricating composition of claim 61,
comprising a contact surface comprising at least a portion of an
automatic transmission, manual transmission, transaxle, gear, open
gear, enclosed gear, and/or tractor.
79. A method of preparing a lubricating composition comprising
blending a high viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a
viscosity of greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and
less than or equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., with a lower
viscosity fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C., wherein the final
blend of said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid
has a viscosity index greater than or equal to 175.
80. The method of claim 79, wherein said high viscosity fluid has a
viscosity index of 180 or greater.
81. The method of claim 79, wherein said high viscosity fluid and
said lower viscosity fluid comprise base stocks.
82. The method of claim 79, wherein the blend of said high
viscosity fluid blended with said lower viscosity fluid comprises a
major amount of said lubricating composition.
83. The method of claim 79, further comprising the step of adding
an ester.
84. The method of claim 79, wherein said high viscosity fluid
comprises a polyalphaolefin.
85. The method of claim 79, wherein said lower viscosity fluid
comprises a synthetic hydrocarbon.
86. The method of claim 84, further comprising the step of adding
an ester.
87. The product according to the method of claim 79.
88. An automotive gear lubricating composition comprising: a major
amount of a blend of a high viscosity fluid blended with a lower
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or
equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., said lower viscosity fluid
having a viscosity of less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree.
C., wherein the final blend has a viscosity index greater than or
equal to 175.
89. The method of claim 88, wherein said high viscosity fluid and
said lower viscosity fluid comprise base stocks.
90. An automotive gear lubricating composition comprising: a high
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
greater than or equal to 80 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or
equal to 300 cSt. at 100.degree. C., blended with a lower viscosity
fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of less than
or equal to 6 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and greater than or equal to
1.5 cSt. at 100.degree. C., wherein the final blend of said high
viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 190.
91. The method of claim 90, wherein said high viscosity fluid and
said lower viscosity fluid comprise base stocks.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of lubricating fluids
and oils. More particularly, this invention relates to the use and
preparation of very high viscosity index lubricating fluids and
finished gear lubricants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Efforts to improve upon the performance of natural mineral
oil based lubricants by the synthesis of oligomeric hydrocarbon
fluids have been the subject of important research and development
in the petroleum industry for at least fifty years and have led to
the relatively recent market introduction of a number of synthetic
lubricants. In terms of lubricant property improvement, the thrust
of the industrial research effort on synthetic lubricants has been
toward fluids exhibiting useful viscosities over a wide range of
temperature, i.e., improved viscosity index, while also showing
lubricity, thermal and oxidative stability and pour point equal to
or better than mineral oil.
[0003] The viscosity-temperature relationship of a lubricating oil
is one of the critical criteria which must be considered when
selecting a lubricant for a particular application. The mineral
oils commonly used as a base for single and multigraded lubricants
exhibit a relatively large change in viscosity with a change in
temperature. Fluids exhibiting such a relatively large change in
viscosity with temperature are said to have a low viscosity index.
Viscosity Index (VI) is an empirical number which indicates the
rate of change in the viscosity of an oil within a given
temperature range. A high VI oil, for example, will thin out at
elevated temperatures slower than a low VI oil. The advantage of VI
rating is that it capsulizes the effects of temperature as a single
number. The viscosity index of a common paraffinic mineral oil is
usually given a value of about 100. Viscosity index is determined
according to ASTM Method D 2270-93 [1998] wherein the VI is related
to kinematic viscosities measured at 40.degree. C. and 100.degree.
C. using ASTM Method D 445-01.
[0004] The American Petroleum Institute defines five groups of base
stocks. Groups I, II and III are mineral oils classified by the
amount of saturates and sulfur they contain and by their viscosity
indices. Group I base stocks are solvent refined mineral oils. They
contain the most saturates and sulfur and have the lowest viscosity
indices. They define the bottom tier of lubricant performance.
Group I stocks are the least expensive to produce, and they
currently account for about 75 percent of all base stocks. These
comprise the bulk of the "conventional" base stocks.
[0005] Groups II and III are the High Viscosity Index and Very High
Viscosity Index base stocks. They are hydroprocessed mineral oils.
The Group III oils contain less saturates and sulfur than the Group
II oils and have higher viscosity indices than the Group II oils
do. Groups II and III stocks perform better than the Group I base
stocks do, particularly in measures of thermal and oxidative
stability. Isodewaxed oils also belong to Groups II and III.
Isodewaxing rids these mineral oils of a significant portion of
their waxes, which improves their cold temperature performance
greatly. Groups II and III stocks are more expensive to produce
than Group I stocks are, and account for about 20 percent of all
base stocks.
[0006] Group II and III stocks may be "conventional" or
"unconventional." Generally, "unconventional" base stocks are
mineral oils with unusually high viscosity indices and unusually
low volatilities. Group II and III solvent refined mineral base
stocks are "conventional." Compared to Group I solvent refined
oils, hydroprocessed Group II and III oils offer lower volatility,
and when properly additized, greater thermal and oxidative
stability and lower pour points.
[0007] Group IV consists of polyalphaolefins. Group IV base stocks
offer superior volatility, thermal stability, oxidative stability
and pour point characteristics to those of the Group II and III
oils with less reliance on additives. Currently, Group IV stocks,
the PAOs, make up about 3 percent of the base oil market. Group V
includes all other base stocks not included in Groups I, II, III
and IV. Esters are Group V base stocks.
[0008] Polyalphaolefins ("PAOs") comprise a class of hydrocarbons
manufactured by the catalytic oligomerization (polymerization to
low-molecular-weight products) of linear .alpha.-olefins typically
ranging from 1-octene to 1-dodecene, with 1-decene being a
preferred material, although polymers of lower olefins such as
ethylene and propylene may also be used, including copolymers of
ethylene with higher olefins, as described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,956,122 and the patents referred to therein. PAO products have
achieved importance in the lubricating oil market.
[0009] The PAO products typically produced may be obtained with a
wide range of viscosities varying from highly mobile fluids of
low-viscosity, about 2 cSt., at 100.degree. C. to higher molecular
weight, viscous materials which have viscosities exceeding 100 cSt.
at 100.degree. C. [Note: PAOs are commonly classified according to
their approximate kinematic viscosity (KV) at 100.degree. C. The
kinematic viscosity of liquid is determined by measuring the time
for a volume of liquid to flow a given distance under gravity.
Dynamic viscosity can then be obtained by multiplying the measured
kinematic viscosity by the density of the liquid. The units for
kinematic viscosity are 1 m.sup.2/s, commonly converted to cSt. or
centistokes (1 cSt.=10.sup.-6 m.sup.2/s) with 1 cSt. being the
viscosity of water at 0.degree. C.]
[0010] PAOs may be produced by the polymerization of olefin feed in
the presence of a catalyst such as AlCl.sub.3, BF.sub.3, or
BF.sub.3 complexes. Processes for the production of PAOs are
disclosed, for example, in the following patents: U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,149,178; 3,382,291; 3,742,082; 3,769,363; 3,780,128; 4,172,855
and 4,956,122. PAOs are also discussed in Lubrication Fundamentals,
J. G. PAO Wills, Marcel Dekker Inc., (New York, 1980). Subsequent
to polymerization, the PAO lubricant range products are
hydrogenated in order to reduce the residual unsaturation. In the
course of this reaction, the amount of unsaturation is generally
reduced by greater than 90%.
[0011] Hydrocarbons generally, and in particular synthetic PAOs,
have found wide acceptability and commercial success in the
lubricant field for their superiority to mineral based lubricants.
In terms of lubricant property improvement, industrial research
efforts on synthetic lubricants has led to PAO fluids exhibiting
useful viscosities over a wide range of temperature, i.e., improved
viscosity index, while also showing lubricity, thermal and
oxidative stability and pour point equal to or better than mineral
oil. These relatively new synthetic lubricants lower mechanical
friction, enhancing mechanical efficiency over the full spectrum of
mechanical loads and do so over a wider range of operating
conditions than mineral oil.
[0012] In accordance with customary practice in the lubricant arts,
PAOs have been blended with a variety of additives such as
functional chemicals, oligomers and polymers and other synthetic
and mineral oil based lubricants to confer or improve upon
lubricant properties necessary for applications, such as engine
lubricants, hydraulic fluids, gear lubricants, etc. Blends and
their additive components are described in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia
of Chemical Technology, third edition, volume 14, pages
477-526.
[0013] A particular goal in the formulation of blends is the
enhancement of viscosity index by the addition of VI improvers
which are typically high molecular weight synthetic organic
molecules. Such additives are commonly produced from
polyisobutylenes, polymethacrylates and polyalkylstyrenes, and used
in the molecular weight range of about 45,000 to about 1,700,000.
While effective in improving viscosity index, these VI improvers
have been found to be deficient because the very property of high
molecular weight that makes them useful as VI improvers also
confers upon the blend a vulnerability in shear stability during
actual applications. Temporary shear results from the non-Newtonian
viscometrics associated with solutions of high molecular weight
polymers and is caused by an alignment of the polymer chains with
the shear field under high shear rates with a resultant decrease in
viscosity. The decreased viscosity reduces the wear protection
associated with viscous oils. (Newtonian fluids, in contrast,
maintain their viscosity regardless of shear rate.) This deficiency
in shear stability dramatically reduces the range of useful
applications for many VI improver additives. Accordingly, workers
in the lubricant arts continue to search for better lubricant
blends with high viscosity indices.
[0014] Current market conditions are extremely favorable for
lubricant compositions which provide lower operating temperatures,
increased operating efficiency, and increased hardware durability.
With the advent of longer axle and transmission oil change
intervals (ca 250,000 to 500,000 miles), durability is clearly at
issue as well. Accordingly, the present invention meets these needs
by allowing for the preparation of multigraded automotive gear
lubricants, and lubricating fluids, which out perform prior art
formulations and have none, or a greatly decreased amount of, the
deficiencies found in the currently commercially available
lubricants.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention comprises novel lubricating
compositions, automotive gear lubricating compositions, and fluids
useful in the preparation of finished automotive gear lubricants.
The novel lubricating compositions of the present invention
comprise a high viscosity fluid blended with a lower viscosity
fluid, wherein the final blend has a viscosity index greater than
or equal to 175. In another embodiment, the novel lubricating
compositions of the present invention comprise a major amount of a
blend of a high viscosity fluid blended with a lower viscosity
fluid, wherein the final blend has a viscosity index greater than
or equal to 175. The blend of the high viscosity fluid and the
lower viscosity fluid is generally in a major amount when present
in an amount about 70 wt. % or greater by weight of the total
composition, preferably about 90% or greater by weight of the total
composition. Preferably, the high viscosity fluid comprises a
polyalphaolefin and/or the lower viscosity fluid comprises a
synthetic hydrocarbon. In another embodiment, the novel lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise one or more
of an ester, mineral oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil.
[0016] In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention comprise finished gear oil.
[0017] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a
method of preparing lubricating compositions, having the properties
discussed herein, comprising blending a high viscosity fluid with a
lower viscosity fluid, wherein the final blend has a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 175. The method may also further
comprise the addition of one or more of an ester, mineral oil
and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil, optionally in the percentages by
weight discussed herein.
[0018] In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention comprise: a high viscosity fluid, said high
viscosity fluid having a viscosity of greater than or equal to 40
cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 3,000 cSt. at
100.degree. C., blended with a lower viscosity fluid, said lower
viscosity fluid having a viscosity of less than or equal to 40 cSt.
at 100.degree. C., wherein the final blend of said high viscosity
fluid and said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity index greater
than or equal to 175.
[0019] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an
automotive gear lubricating composition comprising: a high
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or
equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., blended with a lower
viscosity fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C., wherein the final
blend of said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid
has a viscosity index greater than or equal to 175.
[0020] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an
automotive gear lubricating composition comprising a blend of
components (A) and (B), wherein: component (A) comprises a high
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having (i) a viscosity
of greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than
or equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and, (ii) a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 180; and component (B) comprises a
lower viscosity fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a
viscosity of less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C.;
wherein the final blend of components (A) and (B) has a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 175.
[0021] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a
method of preparing a lubricating composition comprising blending a
high viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity
of greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than
or equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., blended with a lower
viscosity fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C., wherein the final
blend of said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid
has a viscosity index greater than or equal to 175.
[0022] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an
automotive gear lubricating composition comprising: a major amount
of a blend of a high viscosity fluid blended with a lower viscosity
fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity of greater than
or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to
3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., said lower viscosity fluid having a
viscosity of less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C.,
wherein the final blend of said high viscosity fluid and said lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity index greater than or equal to
175.
[0023] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an
automotive gear lubricating composition comprising: a high
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
greater than or equal to 80 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or
equal to 300 cSt. at 100.degree. C., blended with a lower viscosity
fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of less than
or equal to 6 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and greater than or equal to
1.5 cSt. at 100.degree. C., wherein the final blend of said high
viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 190.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] FIG. 1 presents graphically test results in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention relative to currently
available commercial gear oils.
[0025] FIG. 2 presents graphically test results in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention relative to currently
available commercial gear oils.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention comprises novel lubricating
compositions useful in the preparation of finished gear lubricants
and automotive gear lubricants. The novel lubricating compositions
of the present invention comprise a high viscosity fluid blended
with a lower viscosity fluid, wherein the final blend of the high
viscosity fluid and the lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity index
greater than or equal to 175. In another embodiment, the novel
lubricating compositions of the present invention comprise a major
amount of a blend of a high viscosity fluid blended with a lower
viscosity fluid, wherein the final blend of said high viscosity
fluid and said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity index greater
than or equal to 175. (The blend of the high viscosity fluid and
the lower viscosity fluid is generally in a major amount when
present in an amount about 70% or greater by weight of the total
composition, preferably about 90% or greater by weight of the total
composition.) Compositions of the present invention exhibit very
high stability to permanent shear and, because of their Newtonian
nature, very little, if any, temporary shear thereby maintaining
the viscosity required for proper wear protection.
[0027] In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention comprise: a high viscosity fluid, said high
viscosity fluid having a viscosity of greater than or equal to 40
cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 3,000 cSt. at
100.degree. C., blended with a lower viscosity fluid, said lower
viscosity fluid having a viscosity of less than or equal to 40 cSt.
at 100.degree. C., wherein the final blend of said high viscosity
fluid and said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity index greater
than or equal to 175.
[0028] In another embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions
of the present invention, the high viscosity fluid has a viscosity
of greater than or equal to 60 cSt. at 100.degree. C. In another
embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions of the present
invention, the high viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or
equal to 1,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the
novel lubricating compositions of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 60 cSt.
at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 1,000 cSt. at
100.degree. C.
[0029] In another embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions
of the present invention, the high viscosity fluid has a viscosity
of greater than or equal to 80 cSt. at 100.degree. C. In another
embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions of the present
invention, the high viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or
equal to 300 cSt. at 100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the
novel lubricating compositions of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 80 cSt.
at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 300 cSt. at 100.degree.
C.
[0030] In another embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions
of the present invention, the lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity
of less than or equal to 10 cSt. at 100.degree. C. In another
embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions of the present
invention, the lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than
or equal to 6 cSt. at 100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the
novel lubricating compositions of the present invention, the lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 1.5
cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 10 cSt. at
100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the novel lubricating
compositions of the present invention, the lower viscosity fluid
has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 1.5 cSt. at 100.degree.
C. and less than or equal to 6 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
[0031] In another embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions
of the present invention, the viscosity index of the final blend of
the high viscosity fluid and the lower viscosity fluid is greater
than or equal to 190.
[0032] In another embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions
of the present invention, the high viscosity fluid and the lower
viscosity fluid comprise base stocks.
[0033] In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention further comprise an ester. In another
embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions of the present
invention, the high viscosity fluid comprises a polyalphaolefin. In
another embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions of the
present invention, the high viscosity fluid and the lower viscosity
fluid comprise polyalphaolefins. In another embodiment of the novel
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the lower
viscosity fluid comprises a synthetic hydrocarbon. In another
embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of the present
invention further comprise one or more of an ester, mineral oil
and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil.
[0034] In another embodiment of the novel lubricating compositions
of the present invention, the high viscosity fluid comprises a
polyalphaolefin in an amount of from about 30% to about 60% by
weight of the total composition. In another embodiment of the novel
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the lower
viscosity fluid comprises 0% to about 70% by weight of the total
composition of a synthetic hydrocarbon. In another embodiment, the
novel lubricating compositions of the present invention further
comprise 0% to about 20% by weight of the total composition of an
ester. In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention further comprise 0% to about 20% by weight of
the total composition of one or more of an ester, mineral oil
and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil.
[0035] In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention further comprise one or more of: thickeners,
antioxidants, inhibitor packages, and/or anti-rust additives;
and/or further comprise one or more of: dispersants, detergents,
friction modifiers, traction improving additives, demulsifiers,
defoamants, chromophores (dyes), and/or haze inhibitors.
[0036] In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention, comprise a finished gear oil. In another
embodiment of the finished gear oil of the present invention, the
blend of the high viscosity fluid blended with the lower viscosity
fluid comprises a major amount of said finished gear oil.
[0037] In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention further comprise extreme pressure protection
and anti-wear additives.
[0038] In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention comprises an automatic transmission fluid,
manual transmission fluid, transaxle lubricant, gear lubricant,
open gear lubricant, enclosed gear lubricant, and/or tractor
lubricant.
[0039] In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention comprises a contact surface comprising at
least a portion of an automatic transmission, manual transmission,
transaxle, gear, open gear, enclosed gear, and/or tractor.
[0040] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an
automotive gear lubricating composition comprising: a high
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or
equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., blended with a lower
viscosity fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C., wherein the final
blend of said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid
has a viscosity index greater than or equal to 175.
[0041] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 60 cSt.
at 100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the novel automotive
gear lubricating compositions of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or equal to 1,000 cSt.
at 100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the novel automotive
gear lubricating compositions of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 60 cSt.
at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 1,000 cSt. at
100.degree. C.
[0042] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 80 cSt.
at 100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the novel automotive
gear lubricating compositions of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or equal to 300 cSt.
at 100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the novel automotive
gear lubricating compositions of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 80 cSt.
at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 300 cSt. at 100.degree.
C.
[0043] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or equal to 10 cSt. at
100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of less than or equal to 6 cSt. at
100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 1.5
cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 10 cSt. at
100.degree. C. In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity of greater than or equal to 1.5
cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 6 cSt. at
100.degree. C.
[0044] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the viscosity
index of the final blend of the high viscosity fluid and the lower
viscosity fluid is greater than or equal to 190. In another
embodiment of the novel automotive gear lubricating compositions of
the present invention, the high viscosity fluid and the lower
viscosity fluid comprise base stocks.
[0045] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise an ester. In
another embodiment of the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention, the high viscosity fluid
comprises a polyalphaolefin. In another embodiment of the novel
automotive gear lubricating compositions of the present invention,
the high viscosity fluid and the lower viscosity fluid comprise
polyalphaolefins. In another embodiment of the novel automotive
gear lubricating compositions of the present invention, the lower
viscosity fluid comprises a synthetic hydrocarbon. In another
embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating compositions of
the present invention further comprise one or more of an ester,
mineral oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil.
[0046] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid comprises a polyalphaolefin in an amount of from
about 30% to about 60% by weight of the total composition. In
another embodiment of the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention, the lower viscosity fluid
comprises 0% to about 70% by weight of the total composition of a
synthetic hydrocarbon. In another embodiment, the novel automotive
gear lubricating compositions of the present invention further
comprise 0% to about 20% by weight of the total composition of an
ester. In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise 0% to about
20% by weight of the total composition of one or more of an ester,
mineral oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil.
[0047] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise one or more
of: thickeners, antioxidants, inhibitor packages, and/or anti-rust
additives; and/or further comprise one or more of: dispersants,
detergents, friction modifiers, traction improving additives,
demulsifiers, defoamants, chromophores (dyes), and/or haze
inhibitors.
[0048] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention comprise a finished gear oil.
In another embodiment, of said finished gear oil of the present
invention the blend of the high viscosity fluid blended with the
lower viscosity fluid comprises a major amount of said finished
gear oil.
[0049] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise extreme
pressure protection and anti-wear additives.
[0050] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention comprises an automatic
transmission fluid, manual transmission fluid, transaxle lubricant,
gear lubricant, open gear lubricant, enclosed gear lubricant,
and/or tractor lubricant.
[0051] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention comprises a contact surface
comprising at least a portion of an automatic transmission, manual
transmission, transaxle, gear, open gear, enclosed gear, and/or
tractor.
[0052] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an
automotive gear lubricating composition comprising a blend of
components (A) and (B), wherein: component (A) comprises a high
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having (i) a viscosity
of greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than
or equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and, (ii) a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 180; and component (B) comprises a
lower viscosity fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a
viscosity of less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C.;
wherein the final blend of components (A) and (B) has a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 175.
[0053] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the final blend
of components (A) and (B) has a viscosity index greater than or
equal to 190.
[0054] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, the viscosity
index of component (A) is greater than or equal to 190.
[0055] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, component (A)
and component (B) comprise base stocks.
[0056] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise an ester. In
another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise 0% to about
20% by weight of the total composition of an ester.
[0057] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, component (A)
comprises a polyalphaolefin.
[0058] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, components (A)
and (B) comprise polyalphaolefins.
[0059] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise one or more
of an ester, mineral oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil. In
another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise 0% to about
20% by weight of the total composition of one or more of an ester,
mineral oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral oil.
[0060] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating compositions of the present invention, component (A)
comprises a polyalphaolefin in an amount of from about 30% to about
60% by weight of the total composition.
[0061] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise one or more
of: thickeners, antioxidants, inhibitor packages, and/or anti-rust
additives; and/or further comprise one or more of: dispersants,
detergents, friction modifiers, traction improving additives,
demulsifiers, defoamants, chromophores (dyes), and/or haze
inhibitors.
[0062] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention comprise a finished gear
oil.
[0063] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention further comprise extreme
pressure protection and anti-wear additives.
[0064] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention comprises an automatic
transmission fluid, manual transmission fluid, transaxle lubricant,
gear lubricant, open gear lubricant, enclosed gear lubricant,
and/or tractor lubricant.
[0065] In another embodiment, the novel automotive gear lubricating
compositions of the present invention comprise a contact surface
comprising at least a portion of an automatic transmission, manual
transmission, transaxle, gear, open gear, enclosed gear, and/or
tractor.
[0066] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a
method of preparing a lubricating composition comprising blending a
high viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity
of greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than
or equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., with a lower viscosity
fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of less than
or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C., wherein the final blend of
said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid has a
viscosity index greater than or equal to 175.
[0067] In another embodiment of the method of preparing a
lubricating composition of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid has a viscosity index of 180 or greater.
[0068] In another embodiment of the method of preparing a
lubricating composition of the present invention, the final blend
of said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid has a
viscosity index greater than or equal to 190.
[0069] In another embodiment of the method of preparing a
lubricating composition of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid and the lower viscosity fluid comprise base
stocks.
[0070] In another embodiment of the method of preparing a
lubricating composition of the present invention, the blend of the
high viscosity fluid blended with the lower viscosity fluid
comprises a major amount of the lubricating composition.
[0071] In another embodiment of the method of preparing a
lubricating composition of the present invention, the high
viscosity fluid comprises a polyalphaolefin.
[0072] In another embodiment of the method of preparing a
lubricating composition of the present invention, the lower
viscosity fluid comprises a synthetic hydrocarbon.
[0073] In another embodiment, the method of preparing a lubricating
composition of the present invention further comprises the step of
adding 0% to about 20% by weight of the total composition of an
ester.
[0074] In another embodiment, the method of preparing a lubricating
composition of the present invention further comprises the step of
adding 0% to about 20% by weight of the total composition of one or
more of an ester, mineral oil and/or hydroprocessed mineral
oil.
[0075] In another embodiment, the method of preparing a lubricating
composition of the present invention further comprises the step of
adding one or more of: thickeners, antioxidants, inhibitor
packages, and/or anti-rust additives; and/or further comprises the
step of adding one or more of: dispersants, detergents, friction
modifiers, traction improving additives, demulsifiers, defoamants,
chromophores (dyes), and/or haze inhibitors.
[0076] In another embodiment, the method of preparing a lubricating
composition of the present invention further comprises the step of
adding extreme pressure protection and anti-wear additives.
[0077] In another embodiment, the product of the method of
preparing a lubricating composition of the present invention
comprises an automatic transmission fluid, manual transmission
fluid, transaxle lubricant, gear lubricant, open gear lubricant,
enclosed gear lubricant, and/or tractor lubricant.
[0078] In another embodiment, the product of the method of
preparing a lubricating composition of the present invention
comprises a contact surface comprising at least a portion of an
automatic transmission, manual transmission, transaxle, gear, open
gear, enclosed gear, and/or tractor.
[0079] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises the
product of the aforementioned method of preparing a lubricating
composition.
[0080] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an
automotive gear lubricating composition comprising: a major amount
of a blend of a high viscosity fluid blended with a lower viscosity
fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity of greater than
or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to
3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., said lower viscosity fluid having a
viscosity of less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C.,
wherein the final blend of said high viscosity fluid and said lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity index greater than or equal to
175.
[0081] In another embodiment of the novel automotive gear
lubricating composition of the present invention comprising a major
amount of a blend of a high viscosity fluid blended with a lower
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity
fluid comprise base stocks.
[0082] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an
automotive gear lubricating composition comprising: a high
viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity of
greater than or equal to 80 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or
equal to 300 cSt. at 100.degree. C., blended with a lower viscosity
fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of less than
or equal to 6 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and greater than or equal to
1.5 cSt. at 100.degree. C., wherein the final blend of said high
viscosity fluid and said lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity
index greater than or equal to 190.
[0083] A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a
high viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a viscosity
of greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than
or equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., more preferably greater
than or equal to 60 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal
to 1,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., most preferably greater than or
equal to 80 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 300
cSt. at 100.degree. C., blended with a lower viscosity fluid, the
lower viscosity fluid having a viscosity of less than or equal to
40 cSt. at 100.degree. C., more preferably less than or equal to 10
cSt. at 100.degree. C. and greater than or equal to 1.5 cSt. at
100.degree. C., most preferably less than or equal to 6 cSt. at
100.degree. C. and greater than or equal to 1.5 cSt. at 100.degree.
C., wherein the final blend of the high viscosity fluid and the
lower viscosity fluid has a viscosity index greater than or equal
to 175, more preferably greater than or equal to 190.
[0084] In a preferred embodiment according to the present
invention, the novel automotive gear lubricating compositions
comprise: (i) a major amount of a blend (about 70% or greater by
weight of the total composition, preferably about 90% or greater)
of a high viscosity fluid, said high viscosity fluid having a
viscosity of greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and
less than or equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., blended with a
lower viscosity fluid, said lower viscosity fluid having a
viscosity of less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C.,
wherein the final blend of the high viscosity fluid and the lower
viscosity fluid has a viscosity index greater than or equal to 175,
more preferably greater than or equal to 190; and (ii) a minor
amount of extreme pressure protection and anti-wear additives.
[0085] Fluids
[0086] High viscosity fluids suitable for the present invention are
fluids having a viscosity of greater than or equal to 40 cSt. at
100.degree. C. and less than or equal to 3,000 cSt. at 100.degree.
C., preferably greater than or equal to 60 cSt. at 100.degree. C.
and less than or equal to 1,000 cSt. at 100.degree. C., more
preferably greater than or equal to 80 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and
less than or equal to 300 cSt. at 100.degree. C. Lower viscosity
fluids suitable for the present invention are fluids having a
viscosity of less than or equal to 40 cSt. at 100.degree. C.,
preferably less than or equal to 10 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and
greater than or equal to 1.5 cSt. at 100.degree. C., more
preferably less than or equal to 6 cSt. at 100.degree. C. and
greater than or equal to 1.5 cSt. at 100.degree. C. Examples of
suitable high viscosity and lower viscosity fluids are discussed
hereafter.
[0087] Lower viscosity fluids suitable for the present invention
may be synthetic, or of mineral oil, origin although the synthetic
materials are preferred. Suitable mineral oil stocks are
characterized by a predominantly saturated (paraffinic)
composition, relative freedom from sulfur and a high viscosity
index (ASTM D 2270), greater than 110. Saturates (ASTM D 2007) are
at least 90 weight percent and the controlled sulfur content is not
more than 0.03 weight percent (ASTM D 2622, D 4294, D 4927, D
3120). Lower viscosity fluids of mineral oil origin include the
hydroprocessed stocks, especially hydrotreated and catalytically
hydrodewaxed distillate stocks, catalytically hydrodewaxed
raffinates, hydrocracked and hydroisomerized petroleum waxes,
including the lubricating oils referred to as XHVI oils, as well as
other oils of mineral origin generally classified as API Group III
base stocks. Exemplary streams of mineral origin which may be
converted into suitable high quality base stocks by hydroprocessing
techniques include waxy distillate stocks such as gas oils, slack
waxes, deoiled waxes and microcrystalline waxes, and fuels
hydrocracker bottoms fractions. Processes for the
hydroisomerization of petroleum waxes and other feeds to produce
high quality lube stocks are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,885,438;
5,643,440; 5,358,628; 5,302,279; 5,288,395; 5,275,719; 5,264,116
and 5,110,445. The production of very high-quality lubricant base
stocks of high viscosity index from fuels hydrocracker bottoms is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,368.
[0088] Preferred Group V hydrocarbon components suitable for the
present invention also include the oils of lubricating viscosity
which are hydrocarbon substituted aromatic compounds, such as the
long chain alkyl substituted aromatics, including the alkylated
naphthalenes, alkylated benzenes, alkylated diphenyl compounds and
alkylated diphenyl methanes.
[0089] Synthetic Hydrocarbons
[0090] Synthetic lower viscosity fluids suitable for the present
invention include the polyalphaolefins (PAOs) and the synthetic
oils from the hydrocracking or hydroisomerization of Fischer
Tropsch high boiling fractions including waxes. These are both
stocks comprised of saturates with low impurity levels consistent
with their synthetic origin. The hydroisomerized Fischer Tropsch
waxes are highly suitable base stocks, comprising saturated
components of iso-paraffinic character (resulting from the
isomerization of the predominantly n-paraffins of the Fischer
Tropsch waxes) which give a good blend of high viscosity index and
low pour point. Processes for the hydroisomerization of Fischer
Tropsch waxes are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,362,378; 5,565,086;
5,246,566 and 5,135,638, as well as in EP 710710, EP 321302 and EP
321304.
[0091] Polyalphaolefins ("PAOs")
[0092] Polyalphaolefins suitable for the present invention, as
either lower viscosity or high viscosity fluids depending on their
specific properties, include known PAO materials which typically
comprise relatively low molecular weight hydrogenated polymers or
oligomers of alphaolefins which include but are not limited to
C.sub.2 to about C.sub.32 alphaolefins with the C.sub.8 to about
C.sub.16 alphaolefins, such as 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene and
the like being preferred. The preferred polyalphaolefins are
poly-1-octene, poly-1-decene, and poly-1-dodecene, although the
dimers of higher olefins in the range of C.sub.14 to C.sub.18
provide low viscosity base stocks.
[0093] PAO fluids suitable for the present invention, as either
lower viscosity or high viscosity fluids depending on their
specific properties, may be conveniently made by the polymerization
of an alphaolefin in the presence of a polymerization catalyst such
as the Friedel-Crafts catalysts including, for example, aluminum
trichloride, boron trifluoride or complexes of boron trifluoride
with water, alcohols such as ethanol, propanol or butanol,
carboxylic acids or esters such as ethyl acetate or ethyl
propionate. For example, the methods disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,149,178 or 3,382,291 may be conveniently used herein. Other
descriptions of PAO synthesis are found in the following U.S. Pat.
No. 3,742,082 (Brennan); U.S. Pat. No. 3,769,363 (Brennan); U.S.
Pat. No. 3,876,720 (Heilman); U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,930 (Allphin);
U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,352 (Watts); U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,156 (Watts);
U.S. Pat. No. 4,434,408 (Larkin); U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,355
(Shubkin); U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,122 (Watts); and U.S. Pat. No.
5,068,487 (Theriot).
[0094] High viscosity PAOs suitable for the present invention may
be prepared by the action of a reduced chromium catalyst with the
alphaolefin, such PAOs are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,073
(Wu); U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,064 (Wu); U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,032 (Ho et
al.); U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,004 (Pelrine et al.); and, U.S. Pat. No.
4,914,254 (Pelrine). The dimers of the C.sub.14 to C.sub.18 olefins
are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,330. Commercially available
high viscosity PAOs include SuperSyn.TM. 2150, SuperSyn.TM. 2300,
SuperSyn.TM. 21000, SyperSyn.TM. 23000, (ExxonMobil Chemical
Company).
[0095] Esters
[0096] Esters suitable for the present invention include the esters
of mono and polybasic acids with monoalkanols (simple esters) or
with mixtures of mono and polyalkanols (complex esters), and the
polyol esters of monocarboxylic acids (simple esters), or mixtures
of mono and polycarboxylic acids (complex esters). Esters of the
mono/polybasic type include, for example, the esters of
monocarboxylic acids such as heptanoic acid, and dicarboxylic acids
such as phthalic acid, succinic acid, alkyl succinic acid, alkenyl
succinic acid, maleic acid, azelaic acid, suberic acid, sebacic
acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, linoleic acid dimer, malonic acid,
alkyl malonic acid, alkenyl malonic acid, etc., with a variety of
alcohols such as butyl alcohol, hexyl alcohol, dodecyl alcohol,
2-ethylhexyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof with polyalkanols, etc.
Specific examples of these types of esters include nonyl
heptanoate, dibutyl adipate, di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, di-n-hexyl
fumarate, dioctyl sebacate, diisooctyl azelate, diisodecyl azelate,
dioctyl phthalate, didecyl phthalate, dieicosyl sebacate,
dibutyl-TMP-adipate, etc. Commercially available examples include
Esterex.TM. M11, A32, A51 and C3211 esters from ExxonMobil Chemical
Company.
[0097] Also suitable for the present invention are esters, such as
those obtained by reacting one or more polyhydric alcohols,
preferably the hindered polyols such as the neopentyl polyols, e.g.
neopentyl glycol, trimethylol ethane,
2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylol propane, trimethylol
butane, pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol with monocarboxylic
acids containing at least 4 carbons, normally the C.sub.5 to
C.sub.30 acids such as saturated straight chain fatty acids
including caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid,
palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachic acid, and behenic acid, or the
corresponding branched chain fatty acids or unsaturated fatty acids
such as oleic acid, or mixtures thereof, with polycarboxylic acids.
Commercially available examples include Esterex.TM. NP341, NP471,
and NP3150 esters from ExxonMobil Chemical Company.
[0098] Extreme Pressure Protection and Anti-Wear Additives
[0099] In another embodiment, the novel lubricating compositions of
the present invention further comprise extreme pressure protection
and anti-wear additives. For example, mixtures of sulfur,
phosphorus and/or boron-containing compounds may be included as
additives, such as mixtures of Mobilad.TM. C-100, Mobilad.TM. C-175
(sulfur); Mobilad.TM. C-420, Mobilad.TM. C-421, Mobilad.TM. C-423
(phosphorus); and/or Mobilad.TM. C-200 (boron) (ExxonMobil Chemical
Company). Lubricants containing these combinations have improved
properties such as those relating to odor, yellow metal protection,
thermal stability wear, scuffing, oxidation, surface fatigue, seal
compatibility, corrosion resistance, and thermal durability. Other
extreme pressure protection and anti-wear additives known in the
art may also be used.
[0100] Other Components
[0101] Other components which may be included in the novel
lubricating compositions of the present invention include, but are
not limited to, thickeners, antioxidants, inhibitor packages and/or
anti-rust additives. Additionally, other conventional additives may
be included in the novel compositions of the present invention as
necessary for particular service requirements, for example,
dispersants, detergents, friction modifiers, traction improving
additives, demulsifiers, defoamants, chromophores (dyes), and/or
haze inhibitors, according to application, all of which may be
blended according to conventional methods using commercially
available materials.
[0102] The viscosity of the lubricating compositions of the present
invention may be brought to a desired grade by the use of polymeric
thickeners. Suitable thickeners that may be used in the present
invention include the polyisobutylenes, as well as
ethylene-propylene polymers, polymethacrylates and various diene
block polymers and copolymers, polyolefins and polyalkylstyrenes.
These components may be blended according to commercial market
requirement, equipment builder specifications to produce products
of the final desired viscosity grade.
[0103] Typical commercially available thickeners also appropriate
for use in lubricating compositions of the present invention
include polyisobutylenes, polymerized and co-polymerized alkyl
methacrylates, and mixed esters of styrene maleic anhydride
interpolymers reacted with nitrogen containing compounds, for
example, the Shellvis.TM. products (in particular, Shellvis.TM. 40,
Shellvis.TM. 50, Shellvis.TM. 90, Shellvis.TM. 200, Shellvis.TM.
260 and Shellvis.TM. 300) by Infineum International Ltd.,
Acryloid.TM. 1263 and 1265 by Rohm and Haas, Viscoplex.TM. 5151 and
5089 by Rohm-GmbH, and Lubrizol.TM. 3702 and 3715 by Lubrizol
Corp.
[0104] Oxidation stability may be enhanced in the lubricating
compositions of the present invention by the use of antioxidants
and for this purpose a wide range of commercially available
materials is suitable. The most common types of antioxidants
suitable for use in the present invention are the phenolic
antioxidants, the amine type antioxidants, the alkyl aromatic
sulfides, phosphorus compounds such as the phosphites and
phosphonic acid esters and the sulfur-phosphorus compounds such as
the dithiophosphates and other types such as the dialkyl
dithiocarbamates, e.g., methylene bis(di-n-butyl) dithiocarbamate.
They may be used individually by type or in combination with one
another. Mixtures of different types of phenols or amines are
particularly useful. Normally, the total amount of antioxidant will
not exceed 10% by weight of the total composition and preferably
will be less, for example below 5% by weight of the total
composition. Usually, from 0.5 to 2% by weight of the total
composition of an antioxidant is suitable, although for certain
applications more may be used if desired.
[0105] An inhibitor package may be used to provide the desired
balance of anti-wear and anti-rust/anti-corrosion properties in the
lubricating compositions of the present invention. Suitable
inhibitor packages include those comprising a substituted
benzotriazoleamine phosphate adduct and a tri-substituted
phosphate, especially a triaryl phosphate such as cresyl
diphenylphosphate, a known material which is commercially
available. This component is typically present in minor amounts up
to 5% by weight of the composition. Normally less than 3% by weight
of the total composition (e.g., from 0.5 to 2%) is adequate to
provide the desired anti-wear performance.
[0106] Also suitable for use in the lubricating compositions of the
present invention are inhibitor packages comprising an adduct of
benzotriazole or a substituted benzotriazole with an amine
phosphate adduct which also provides antiwear and antioxidation
performance. Certain multifunctional adducts of this kind (with
aromatic amines) are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,481 to which
reference is made for a description of these adducts together with
the method by which they may be prepared.
[0107] Anti-rust additives suitable for use in the present
invention include metal deactivators which are commercially
available and typically include, for example, the N,N-disubstituted
aminomethyl-1,2,4-triazoles, and the N,N-disubstituted amino
methyl-benzotriazoles, the succinimide derivatives such as the
higher alkyl substituted amides of dodecylene succinic acid, which
are also commercially available, the higher alkyl substituted
amides of dodecenyl succinic acid, such as the
tetrapropenylsuccinic monoesters (commercially available), and
imidazoline succinic anhydride derivatives, e.g., the imidazoline
derivatives of tetrapropenyl succinic anhydride. Normally, these
additional rust inhibitors will be used in relatively small amounts
below 2% by weight of the total composition; although for certain
applications amounts up to about 5% may be employed if
necessary.
EXAMPLES
[0108] The lubricating compositions of the present invention may be
prepared using standard commercial lube oil blending facilities
consisting of blend tanks and/or inline mixers where heat is used
only to facilitate pumping and complete mixing.
[0109] Examples A-H, hereafter, illustrate properties of
embodiments of finished gear oils comprising the lubricating
compositions of the present invention. The following tables,
charts, and attached Figures summarize the benefits that were
observed for embodiments of the present invention.
Example A
[0110]
1 SAE Viscosity Component Description Wt % Grade Additive Package A
Gear Oil Additive 6.00 SAE 70W-90 Package VI = 227 ExxonMobil Lower
viscosity 24.00 SHF .TM. 23 hydrocarbon fluid ExxonMobil Lower
viscosity ester 20.00 Esterex .TM. M11 ExxonMobil High viscosity
49.98 Supersyn .TM. 2150 hydrocarbon fluid Silicon Defoamant
Defoamant 0.02
Example B
[0111]
2 SAE Viscosity Component Description Wt % Grade Additive Package A
Gear Oil Additive 11.55 SAE 70W-85 Package VI = 227 Additive
Antioxidant 0.50 Component A ExxonMobil Lower viscosity 30.43 SHF
.TM. 23 hydrocarbon fluid ExxonMobil Lower viscosity ester 15.00
Esterex .TM. M11 ExxonMobil High viscosity 43.00 Supersyn .TM. 2150
hydrocarbon fluid Silicon Defoamant Defoamant 0.02
Example C
[0112]
3 SAE Viscosity Component Description Wt % Grade Additive Package A
Gear Oil Additive 5.21 SAE 75W-90 Package VI = 199 ExxonMobil Lower
viscosity 25.00 SHF .TM. 23 hydrocarbon fluid ExxonMobil Lower
viscosity 21.00 SHF .TM. 41 hydrocarbon fluid ExxonMobil High
viscosity 48.77 Supersyn .TM. 2150 hydrocarbon fluid Silicon
Defoamant Defoamant 0.02
Example D
[0113]
4 SAE Viscosity Component Description Wt % Grade Additive Package A
Gear Oil Additive 6.00 SAE 70W-90 Package VI = 216 ExxonMobil Lower
viscosity 24.85 SHF .TM. 23 hydrocarbon fluid ExxonMobil Lower
viscosity ester 21.00 Esterex .TM. M11 ExxonMobil High viscosity
27.50 SHF .TM. 1003 hydrocarbon fluid ExxonMobil High viscosity
21.65 Supersyn .TM. 2300 hydrocarbon fluid
Example E
[0114]
5 SAE Viscosity Component Description Wt % Grade Additive Package A
Gear Oil Additive 6.00 SAE 70W-90 Package VI = 217 ExxonMobil Lower
viscosity 28.13 SHF .TM. 23 hydrocarbon fluid ExxonMobil Lower
viscosity ester 20.00 Esterex .TM. M11 ExxonMobil High viscosity
36.70 SHF .TM. 1003 hydrocarbon fluid ExxonMobil High viscosity
9.17 Supersyn .TM. 2300 hydrocarbon fluid
Example F
[0115]
6 SAE Viscosity Component Description Wt % Grade Additive Package A
Gear Oil Additive 6.00 SAE 75W-90 Package VI = 192 ExxonMobil Lower
viscosity 19.00 SHF .TM. 23 hydrocarbon fluid ExxonMobil Lower
viscosity ester 20.00 Esterex .TM. M11 ExxonMobil High viscosity
55.00 SHF .TM. 1003 hydrocarbon fluid
Example G
[0116]
7 SAE Viscosity Component Description Wt % Grade Additive Package A
Gear Oil Additive 6.00 SAE 75W-90 Package VI = 190 Mobilad G205
.TM. Friction Modifier 2.00 ExxonMobil Lower viscosity 18.00 SHF
.TM. 23 hydrocarbon fluid ExxonMobil Lower viscosity ester 20.00
Esterex .TM. M11 ExxonMobil High viscosity 55.00 SHF .TM. 1003
hydrocarbon fluid Silicon Defoamant Defoamant 0.02
Example H
[0117]
8 SAE Viscosity Component Description Wt % Grade Additive Package A
Gear Oil Additive 6.00 SAE 75W-90 Package VI = 210 Additive
Anti-oxidant 0.25 Comp A Alkylated aromatic Lower viscosity 10.00
API Group V hydrocarbon fluid (4.8 cSt. at 100.degree. C.)
ExxonMobil Lower viscosity 25.80 SHF .TM. 23 hydrocarbon fluid
ExxonMobil Lower viscosity ester 10.00 Esterex .TM. M11 ExxonMobil
High viscosity 47.93 Supersyn .TM. 2150 hydrocarbon fluid Silicon
Defoamant Defoamant 0.02
[0118] Testing
[0119] Finished gear oils comprising the lubricating compositions
of the present invention possess previously unseen benefits with
respect to vehicle fuel economy and hardware durability and
demonstrate significantly enhanced lubricant performance. For
instance, when finished gear oils comprising the lubricating
compositions of the present invention are tested in truck axles,
resultant oil sump temperatures are lower than with current
commercially available lubricant fluids across a wide range of
operating conditions. These lowered axle sump temperatures are a
consequence of reduced friction within the drive train. The reduced
friction leads directly to efficiency improvements. The lowered
sump temperatures have the effect of enhancing hardware durability.
Thus, the lubricant temperature reduction seen in the finished gear
oils comprising the lubricating compositions of the present
invention yields increased fuel efficiency and hardware
durability.
[0120] The performance enhancements of the finished gear oils
comprising the lubricating compositions of the present invention
can be demonstrated using automotive drive axles on laboratory test
stands where defined loads are applied to the test axles at
constant axle speeds and constant cooling. The test stages are
defined to include the range of actual commercial operating
conditions of load and speed. Oil sump temperatures can then be
measured to demonstrate indirectly the improved efficiency and
hardware durability protection in the field. Alternately, the test
stand can be instrumented with torque meters to estimate
efficiencies more explicitly.
[0121] One such test uses a light truck axle mounted in a "T-bar"
type test configuration similar to ASTM D 6121-01(the L-37 gear
durability test), with the exception that in this test, the power
source is from a 250 hp electric motor and constant heat removal is
provided by air fans directed at the axle carrier. The axle carrier
is filled with test oil and then run through stages of torques and
rpms. Each stage is held until the oil sump temperature has
stabilized. The temperature of each stage is recorded along with
torque in and torque out readings if the axle is properly
instrumented. The test then moves to the next stage until all
stages are completed. Table 1 lists the torque and axle speeds that
was used to generate the test data described herein.
9TABLE 1 Torque Stage (lbf .multidot. ft.) RPM Comments 1 50 2000 A
combination of torque and speed predictive of typical low load
applications 2 70 2000 A combination of torque and speed predictive
of typical low load applications 3 95 2000 A combination of torque
and speed predictive of typical low load applications 4 189 1000 A
combination of torque and speed predictive of middle load
applications 5 418 500 A combination of torque and speed predictive
of high load applications 6 124 2700 A combination of torque and
speed predictive of middle load applications 7 189 2730 A
combination of torque and speed predictive of middle load
applications 8 242 2730 A combination of torque and speed
predictive of middle load applications 9 304 2200 A combination of
torque and speed predictive of high load applications 10 418 1000 A
combination of torque and speed predictive of high load
applications
[0122] In order to more clearly see relative sump temperature
improvements, the resultant temperature at each stage is compared
relative to currently available commercial gear oils and the data
displayed as such in FIG. 1.
[0123] In FIG. 1, the two commercially available SAE 75W-90 factory
fill oils (FF#1 and FF#2) show indirectly the efficiency
improvements in test stages 1-3 relative to the 75W-140 reference
oil (normalized as shown on the horizontal axis). Significant sump
temperature increases relative to the reference at high load stages
5, 9, and 10, however, indicate possible film thickness loss and
subsequent long-term hardware compromise. Examples A and B of the
present invention in contrast show even more striking temperature
improvements at the low stages while maintaining fluid film
thickness and therefore hardware protection at the high load
stages.
[0124] FIG. 2 further demonstrates results for additional
embodiments of the present invention.
[0125] Consolidating the test information presented in FIGS. 1 and
2 from the ten stages into three groups and averaging sump
temperature improvements further focuses the benefits imparted by
the compositions of the present invention. Table 2 shows the stage
consolidation and Table 3 summarizes the test results shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
10TABLE 2 Consolidation of Stages into Groups Group Stages ID
Discussion used A Mild test conditions typical of EPA focus for 1,
2, 3 vehicle mileage documentation B Increased hardware stress
conditions, yet still 4, 6, 7, 8 well within equipment design C
High stress conditions close to or beyond hardware 5, 9, 10 design
envelope
[0126]
11TABLE 3 Relative Sump Temperature Averages, (.degree. F.) Oil
Tested Group A Group B Group C OEM Reference 75W-140 0 0 0 (0 by
definition) OEM FF 75W-90#1 -3 2 18 OEM FF 75W-90#2 -7 2 31 Example
A -16 -18 3 Example B -18 -17 6 Example D -14 -13 0 Example E -19
-16 9
[0127] In conclusion, the aforementioned examples of finished gear
oils comprising the lubricating compositions of the present
invention demonstrate sump temperature improvements over both the
reference and other commercial fluids with little or no durability
compromise.
[0128] While certain representative embodiments and details have
been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it should be
recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the
principles of the present invention. Since numerous modifications
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the
foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and all suitable
modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the
appended claims are deemed within the present inventive
concept.
[0129] The features of the present invention, together with the
other objectives of the invention, and along with the various
features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed
out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part
of this disclosure.
* * * * *