US3791488A

US3791488A - Lubricant and cleaning composition for precision instruments

Info

Publication number: US3791488A
Application number: US00277257A
Authority: US
Inventors: C Rowe; A Pyles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-08-02
Filing date: 1972-08-02
Publication date: 1974-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 1991-02-12

Abstract

Complex-mechanisms, such as timepieces, can be lubricated in their assembled condition according to a process which comprises immersing the mechanism in a first solution comprising a solvent and a highly refined mineral oil, subjecting the solution and the mechanism to agitation, removing the mechanism and spinning-off excess solution therefrom, immersing the mechanism in a second composition comprising a solvent, a highly refined mineral oil and a siloxane polymer having a viscosity from 500-1,500 centistokes, subjecting the composition and the mechanism to agitation, removing the mechanism from the composition, spinningoff excess composition therefrom and thoroughly drying same.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Rowe, deceased et al.

1451 Feb. 12, 1974 LUBRICANT AND CLEANING [73] Assignee: Doris D. Rowe, Lake Park, Fla. a

part interest [22] Filed: Aug. 2, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 277,257

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 34,597, May 4,

' I970, abandoned.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/1967 Carlston eta] 184/1 R 6/l969 Rauseh 252/59 X 2,407,037 9/1946 Sowa 252/496- 2,982,734 5/l96l Sprague et al.. 252/78 3,317,428 5/1967 Pater 252/78 X 2,342,4l4 2/1944 Magill 252/78 3,558,748 l/l97l Blake et al 252/78 Primary ExaminerManuel A. Antonakas Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Clarence A. OBrien; Harvey B. Jacobson ABSTRACT Complex-mechanisms, such as timepieces, can be lubricated in their assembled condition according to a process which comprises immersing the mechanism in a first solution comprising a solvent and a highly refined mineral oil, subjecting the solution and the mechanism to agitation, removing the mechanism and spinning-off excess solution therefrom, immersing the mechanism in a second composition'comprising a sol= vent, a highly refined mineral oil and a siloxane polymer' having a viscosity from 500-1,500 centistokes, subjecting the composition and the mechanism to agitation, removing the mechanism from the composition, spinning-off excess composition therefrom and thoroughly drying same.

17 Claims, No Drawings LUBRICANT AND CLEANING COMPOSITION FOR PRECISION INSTRUMENTS This application is a continuation-in-part of our earlier co-pending application,-Ser. No. 34,597, filed May 4, 1970, now abandoned.

The present invention relates to lubricating and anticorrosive compositions, and, more particularly, to such compositions having particular utility as watch and pre-, cision instrument lubricating compositions.

As a part of the cleaning and adjustment of precision mechanisms of a delicate nature, including power tools, firearms, electric motors, locks and timepieces, it is desirable to lubricate the interacting moving parts of the mechanism while at the same time protecting the same from corrosion. It has been well known over the years to use hydrocarbon oils for lubricating precision instruments. For decades, if not centuries, timepieces, for example, have been lubricated with various composition hydrocarbon oils by first disassembling the timepiece and then hand-lubricating each element thereof individually. More recently, silicone lubricants, or mixtures of silicone and hydrocarbon oils, have been suggested for use in lubricating precision instruments. While some success has been had in the use of certain silicone compositions in the hand lubrication of precision instruments, it is generally agreed that at least for timepieces, silicones are not very good lubricants.

Hand lubrication of timepieces, while satisfactory, is inordinately time consuming since it requires disassembly of the mechanism and lubrication, often using delicate instruments, of the individual elements thereof. Thus techniques have been sought which would enable the watchmaker to clean and oil timepieces without disassembly. One such technique 'is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No; 3,312,306 to Carlston et al. The Carlston et al patent teaches ultrasonic lubrication by a process which requires dipping the timepiece into a solution of a lubricating oil, which is preferably a relatively low viscosity silicone oil, subjecting the timepiece to ultrasonic energy to coat all surfaces with a layer of the solution and thereafter repeatedly dipping the timepiece into a solvent for the lubricant. According to the Carlston et al process, the timepiece is not only not properly lubricated following ultrasonic treatment but it is totally non-functional. The solvent dippings are therefore necessary to remedy the over-lubrication achieved by the silicone oil.

Thus, while the Carlston et al process for lubricating complex mechanisms appears to be an improvement over prior art processes which required disassembly of the mechanism, the Carlston et al process is itself uneconomical in its use of lubricant and inefficiently slow in its contemplation of a procedure whereby a lubricant is first applied and thereafter removed. Moreover, solvent dipping is too unreliable a procedure for assuring that a proper amount of lubricant remains on the bearing surfaces. It is likely that solvent dipping in fact removes too much lubricant from the surfaces it contacts to provide long term lubrication protection of the mechanism.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a method of lubricating complex mechanisms in their assembled condition to provide lasting lubrication and protection againstexposure to the elements.

It is another object of this invention to provide a process whereby complicated mechanisms can be economically and efficiently lubricated.

It is still another object of .the present invention to provide lubricant and corrosion protective compositions which are capable of lubricating and protecting complicated mechanisms, such as timepieces, in their assembled condition.

Finally, it is asignificant object of this invention to provide lubricant compositions and a method of applying same to an assembled timepiece which will significantly decrease the amount of time necessary to enable a watchmaker to lubricate and protect the timepiece.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description and appended claims.

Briefly stated, in accordance with the aforesaid objects, the present invention provides a process whereby a double layer (lubricating and anti-corrosive) is formed on the surfaces of a complex mechanism to lubricate and protect the surfaces thereof. The layer immediately adjacent the surfaces is firmly bonded thereto while the outer layer servesto retard the wearing of the first layer. Specifically, the present process, in its broadest form, comprehends the immersion together with agitation and/or vibration of a complex mechanism in a first composition to achieve total lubri cation of the interstices of the mechanism followed by spin-off of excess lubricant and immersion together with agitation and/or vibration of the mechanism in a second composition followed by spin-off of excess composition to coat the adhered lubricant layer and to thereby preserve it against exposure to the elements. The first composition is a hydrocarbon lubricating liquid comprising a highly refined mineral oil diluted in a solvent and possessing appropriate characteristics of density, viscosity and thermal stability, as well as lubricity, to permit it to penetrate complex mechanisms by capillary action. The second composition includes a very high viscosity silicone fluid, as well as the aforementioned hydrocarbon lubricant, to impart added lubricity and to form a continuous film which retards the wearing of the lubricant film in contact with the mechanism surfaces.

As hereinbefore indicated, the present process contemplates a double immersion procedure to lubricate a timepiece whereby the first immersion results in a lubricant layer on the mechanism surfaces. This layer should be virtually non-existent on surfaces where it is absolutely non-functional, such as the balance wheel, but must be present in sufficient quantity in the bearings where a timepiece is known to wear significantly. In order to achieve this result in a process which allows efficient and economical use of a watchmakers time, the process must be simple and easy to practice yet be effective. To this end, the lubricant selected must be one which can effectively lubricate a completely assembled watch movement without the need for minute or precision lubricating instruments or excessive expenditures of man-hours. This has been accomplished according to the present process by utilizing a lubricant and a process which utilizes capillary phenomena to cause the lubricant to enter the delicate and intricate mechanism of timepieces and to be maintained on the surfaces thereof most needing lubrication.

The lubricant liquid useful in the present invention comprises a highly refined mineral oil having the general formula C 1'1 It is recommended that the mineral oil utilized be as pure as is commercially available to ensure that the oil contains no ingredients which might be harmful to watch mechanisms. Accordingly, by highly refined mineral oil is meant a commercially available mineral oil containing no ingredients harmful to the timepiece mechanisms. Generally, the construction materials of timepiece mechanisms include plates made of brass with copper or silver plate thereon, train wheels of brass, pinions of steel and wheels (other than train wheels) of various forms of steel.

A preferred form of mineral oil is neutral mineral oil, or white mineral oil, commonly known as petrolatum. Neutral oils or white mineral oils are polycyclic, high boiling fractions that have been decolorized by an agent such as activated Fullers earth or bauxite. The general characteristics of oils suitable for use in the present invention include a viscosity index of about 100 to 150, a viscosity at 10 F. of about 10-50 centistokes and a pour point in the range from about l to 20 F. Highly refined mineral oils meeting these specifications and containing no additives or contaminants harmful to timepiece mechanisms are commonly available from most petrochemical sources. For example, these mineral oils are known to be commercially marketed by Witco Chemical Co., Humble Oil & Refining Co., Mobil Oil Corp., Shell Chemical Co. and many others.

The highly refined mineral oil suitable for the present invention may include additives to confer additionally desirable properties upon the oil, although insofar as the present process is concerned, it is not necessary that these additives be present. For example the oils may contain rust inhibitors, oxidation inhibitors, antiwear additives, anti-foam additives, dispersing agents and the like, all as are well known in the art. It will be appreciated that the inclusion of additives to the highly refined mineral oil, and the identity of the particular additives, do not constitute a part of the present invention. However, where additive-containing mineral oils are utilized in the present process, the additives should be present in relatively minor proportion, preferably constituting no more than about percent by weight of the mineral oil.

For purposes of illustration, and not limitation, the additives useful in the mineraloils of the present invention may include anti-foaming surface active agents such as sulfonates of high titer fats, silicone products manufactured for this purpose, as well as octyl alcohol anti-foam agents. Among the dispersing agents that may be used are the sodium salts of formaldehyde reacted naphthlenesulfonic acid, alkylolamine fatty acid condensates, fatty alcohol sulfates and various polyethylene glycol water-soluble liquid polymers. The antioxidants may include butylated hydroxyanisole, crystalline alkylated tar acid compounds, dimethylaminomethyl phenols, and the like.

One readily available commercial source of highly refined mineral oils including a number of the desirable additives are automotive automatic transmission fluids having a Seybolt viscosity of about 175-185 at 100 F., a flash point and fire point of about 400 F. and 450 F. respectively, a pour point of l0 F., a viscosity index of about 100 and an API gravity of 30.]. Such oils are commercially available, for example, from the Sun Oil Co. and the Union Oil Co. under the trademark Dexron-lOO. Laboratory tests have confirmed that Dexron-lOO automotive automatic transmission fluids comprise primarily linear alkanes having the general formula C, H wherein n is greater than or equal to 6.

In use, the mineral oil lubricant is diluted by a solvent therefor to form a first solution preferably having proportions by volume of mineral oil to solvent in the range from 1:8 to 1:64. Although solutions having concentrations outside of the preferred range may be used in the present process, it has been found that both more dilute and more concentrated solutions tend to lubricate inadequatelyalbeit for different reasons. Increasingly dilute solutions have insufficient mineral oil available for lubrication while increasingly concentrated solutions become too viscous to effectively lubricate, by capillary action. The most preferred proportion, in terms of efficiency and economy, is 1 part by volume mineral oil to 32 parts by volume solvent.

Suitable solvents are generally organic and are characterized by relatively high volatility and chemical inertness. In particular, the solvents may not be any substance which could be detrimental to the materials constituting the timepiece mechanism. Exemplary of suitable solvents are amyl acetate, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chlorothene, cyclohexane, ethylene dichloride, ethyl ether, 2-ethyl hexanol, hexyl ether, isooctane, methyl ethyl ketone, methylene chloride, methyl ether, perchloroethylene, Stoddard solvent, toluene, trichloroethylene and xylene. Particularly preferred as a solvent, because of their ready availability and suitability for use in connection with complex timepieces, are commercially available watch rinse solutions. Such solutions are typically at least 5075 percent comprised of a solvent which is compatible with watch mechanisms. A typical watch rinse solution comprises an ammoniate soap fully dissolved in a petroleum hydrocarbon base having a high flash point of about 102 F. and an auto ignition temperature of 475 F. and marketed under the trademark L & R rinsing solution, for ultrasonic or non-ultrasonic application, by L & R Mfg. Co. Other manufacturers of commercially available watch rinse solutions include B. Jadow & Sons, Inc., Bulova Watch' Co. and Zenith Mfg. Co. It is noteworthy that the practice of the present invention may utilize either ultrasonic or conventional apparatus and watch rinse solutions interchangeably.

To achieve long lasting protection of the mineral oil lubricant in contact with the mechanism surfaces, the present process contemplates the application of a continuous layer or film overlying the surfaces to provide protection from the elements, incidentally to waterproof the mechanism, and effectively to increase the life of the lubricant. This overlying film consists primarily of a very high viscosity, preferably about 1,000 centistokes at 77 F., silicone fluid, such as a dimethyl siloxane polymer. The viscosity of the fluid should not be less than 500 centistokes nor exceed 1,500 centistokes. At these elevated viscosities, the silicone does not act as a lubricant but rather functions as a protective bar rier or shield coat to increase the useful life of the hydrocarbon lubricant adjacent the mechanism surfaces. One preferred silicone suitable for use herein is a chemically inert, clear, water-white liquid having a relatively flat temperature coefficient of viscosity in the range from about 40 F to about 400 F., possessing a low surface tension to readily wet and impart water repellency to a surface which silicone is marketed under the trade name Dow Corning 200 Fluid and is available from the Chemical Products Division of Dow Corning Corporation. Dow Corning 200 Fluid is a series of crystal-clear inert silicone-base liquids characterized by their excellent thermal stability and low viscosity-temperature coefficients with pour points ranging from 1 23 to 47 F. and flash points ranging from 30 to 600 F. The fluids are very resistant to oxidation and shear breakdown and are highly moisture and dirt repellent. Other suitable silicone .fluids meeting the specifications described herein are available from General Electric Silicone Products Department, Union Carbide Corp. and a number of other sources.

The protective layer or film is applied to the watch mechanism via a solution containing approximately equal parts by volume of mineral oil and silicone liquid. Like the mineral oil solution, this second solution is utilized in diluted form having preferred proportions by volume of mineral oil and silicone liquid to solvent in the range from 1:8 to 1:64. Preferably the proportion by volume is 1 part mineral oil and silicone fluid to 32 parts solvent. Solvents suitable for use are those compatible with the silicone fluid and with the materials of the timepiece, and include at least those solvents set forth herein for use in diluting the highly refined mineral oil.

In order to lubricate a timepiece mechanism according to the present process, the movement or instrument is removed from its containr, case or holding apparatus, all dials, hands, indicators, pointers and the like are removed and the mechanism is inspected to determine if repair or replacement of any parts is necessary. Any needed repairs or replacement of parts is accomplished before cleaning and lubricating. Next, the watch is cleaned in accordance with conventional procedures well known to those skilled in the art. Cleaning of watch movements is well known using both ultrasonic and non-ultrasonic techniques and equipment and, as such, forms no part of the present invention. However, to enhance the understanding. of the'present process, it is pointed out that cleaning of the timepiece movement involves immersing the movement in a conventional cleaning solution, agitating the solution, removing the movement therefrom and'spinning-off or centrifuging all excess fluid possible. Generally, cleaning in this manner may be acomplished using commercially availvable watch cleaning equipment, either ultrasonic or standard, such as are available from B. J adow & Sons, Inc., Bulova Watch Co. and numerous other manufacturers. Watch cleaning equipment generally comprises a unit including compartments adapted to receive cleaning or rinsing solutions therein as well as a compartment useful for spin drying cleaned movements. Cleaning of watch movements comprises sequential immersion thereof in the respective cleaning and rinsing solutions accompanied by agitation for periods of from about two to five minutes, depending on the extent of contamination of the movement. Following cleaning, the. movement is removed from the cleaning solution, placed in the spin-dry compartment and centrifuged or spun, sometimes in a stream of warm air, until excess solution is removed or until it is dry. The cleaning is deemed ultrasonic if the agitation is created by the application of ultrasonic energy. It is conventional cleaning if mechanical means are employed to agitate the solutions and the movement therein. Although, as previously indicated, neither the cleaning process nor the apparatus employed form a part of the present invention, the apparatus conventionally used for cleaning watches is utilized in the present process to lubricate the assembled movements. Inasmuch as the cleaning equipment may be either standard or ultrasonic, the process may be practiced on virtually any age equipment and the watchmaker need not incur substantial costs to practice the present process. Experimental testing has determined that substantially the same results are attainable with both ultrasonic and nonultrasonic machines.

In order to lubricate an already cleaned movement, the hereinbefore described solvent-diluted mineral oil solution is poured into one compartment of a conventional watch cleaning machine and the movement is immersed in the solution. The machine is activated to agitate the solution and the movement therein for a period of from about 2 to 5 minutes, depending upon the type machine and the mechanism involved. Generally, 2 minutes is satisfactory. Inasmuch as the type of cleaning machine employed is unimportant, the mode of agitation is likewise unimportant and may include, for example, ultrasonic energy induced vibration, mechanical churning, similar to that of a conventional clothes washer, or any other form of agitation generally employed in watch cleaning machines. Following agitation in the lubricating solution, the movement is removed therefrom and spun or centrifuged (as used hereinafter, centrifugation refers to any process whereby the movement is spun or rotated to remove excess liquid) for a period of about 1 O to seconds to remove all excess liquid from the movement. The movement is then immersed in a second solution in a compartment of a conventional cleaning machine. This second solution consists of a solvent, a highly refined mineral oil and the high viscosity silicone liquid. The second solution is subjected to agitation, as hereinbefore indicated, for a period of about 2 to 5 minutes. Again, 2 minutes has been found to be generally satisfactory. Following agitation in the second solution the movement is removed therefrom and spun or centrifuged for a period of 10 to 60'seconds or until all excess liquid is removed from the movement. Following centrifugation, or simultaneously therewith, depending upon the machine, the movement is thoroughly dried by exposure for about 5 to 10 minutes to forced hot air. Thorough drying can be confirmed by simple visual observation, there being no need for special tests.

Following drying the movement is removed from the drying chamber and allowedto return to normal room temperature before placing it on the timing machine to determine if further mechanical adjustment is necessary. It is imperative that no time measurements be made before the movement returns to room temperature since any expansion of parts caused by the heat during drying may affect the timing of the movement. Most movements require very little, if any, adjustment or regulation following lubrication in accordance with I the present invention.

To illustrate the foregoing double immersion lubrieating and protective coating process, tests were run for a period of approximately two years on watches, clocks and instruments of all kinds.' Approximately 1,500 pieces were successfully serviced with the afore mentioned lubricant and anti-corrosive solutions ac cording to the process described herein. It is believed that the success of the-present process is attributable, in large part, to the fact that the silicone is used in the lubricating process as a protective or barrier coat over the actual lubricant itself. Thus, the silicone serves as a shield to prevent foreign matter such as dirt, dust, lint, sand and moisture from contaminating the lubricant. The very low viscosity lubricant flows relatively rapidly into bearing holes and jewels and covers all parts with a very thin film layer. On the other hand, the relatively high centistokes-rated silicone will not flow or be taken on by the movement before the very low viscosity lubricant has penetrated the mechanism to lubricate the interstices thereof. Thus the high viscosity silicone does not act as a lubricant at all, but serves only as a protective coating over the lubricant.

To verify the corrosion and moisture resistance and general protection against the elements conferred on a movement by the present process, complete movements as well as completely disassembled movements lubricated according to the present process and lubri cated according to conventional techniques were immersed in fresh and salt water for periods from one to 14 days. Those movements and parts lubricated according to conventional techniques exhibited signs of oxidation and pitting, in varying degrees, from the very first day. In most cases it was necessary to replace all steel parts in these movements to place them in running condition. In the cases of the movements and parts lubricated in accordance with the present process all that was necessary following immersion was to reclean and lubricate the movement to remove all traces of water in order to place them in service once again.

The following examples are illustrative of the present process.

EXAMPLE I A Baby Ben alarm clock, no jewels, only brass bearings, in very dirty condition, full of lint and gummy oil was examined. It was determined that the clock needed cleaning and lubricating and that it contained no broken, worn or rusty parts. First, the clock was cleaned using conventional cleaning techniques. Next a lubricating solution was prepared using 4 ounces of Dexron 100 automotive automatic transmission fluid obtained from Union Oil Company and diluting the high quality solvent refined oil containing transmission fluid with 128 ounces of L & R rinsing solution obtained from L & R Manufacturing Company. A second solution was prepared from 2 ounces of the aforementioned transmission fluid, 2 ounces of Dow Corning 200 fluid and 128 ounces of the L & R rinsing solution. Using a standard watch cleaning machine the assembled movement was immersed for 2 minutes in the mineral oil solution and agitated therein following which it was removed and centrifuged for 60 seconds. The movement was next immersed and agitated in the mineral oil-silicone fluid-rinsing solution for Zminutes, removed therefrom and centrifuged for 60 seconds. Finally the movement was dried in a drying chamber using a warm air flow at a temperature ranging from about l25l50 for about minutes until the movement appeared dry. The movement was tested on a timing machine and found to be operating at three minutes per day fast, after which the movement was mechanically adjusted to 1 minute per day fast.

EXAMPLE II An Angelus 8 day alarm clock, seven jewels, was examined and found to be extremely dirty, no visible oil apparent, full of lint and dust and very erratic in timekeeping. No broken, rusty or damaged parts were observed. The assembled movement was cleaned by conventional techniques and lubricated in accordance with the procedure and using the solutions set forth in Example l. The dried movement was removed from the drying chamber and placed on a timing machine. It was found to be 30 seconds per day slow and was mechanically adjusted to 5 seconds per day fast.

EXAMPLE III A Hamilton ships chronometer, 21 jewel, 48-hour rated time of movement, lost 1 minute per day in operation. No broken or rusty parts were apparent on examination. The assembled mechanism was cleaned in accordance with conventional techniques and lubricated in accordance with the procedure set forth in Example 1, except that in lieu of Dexron-lOO in each solution, commercially available petrolatum was employed. Testing of the dried mechanism on a timing machine following lubrication showed that the movement ran 2 seconds per day slow.

EXAMPLE IV An Elgin 24-hour alarm clock, no jewels, just brass bushings for bearings, was inoperative. It appeared dirty, full of lint and completely dried out. The assembled movement was cleaned and in accordance with conventional techniques and lubricated in accordance with the procedure and using the solution set forth in Example lIl hereof, i.e., petrolatum as the high quality solvent refined oil in lieu of Dexron-lOO. Following lubrication the clock rated 2 minutesper day slow on a timing machine and was mechanically adjusted to achieve a rate of 30 seconds per day fast.

It has been found that the use of a dual solution lubricating procedure is desirable and necessary in the lubrication of large clocks and instruments. Obviously, large instruments have large bearing surfaces and require substantial amounts of lubricant. For such instruments, the solvent-mineral oil solution in the dual solution procedure process provides most of the lubrication while the solvent-mineral oil-silicone oil solution provides additional lubrication as well as barrier layer formation. However, for small instruments, i.e., from 22 Ligne size to 3% Ligne size, encompassing large pocket type timepieces to very small wrist size movements, the lubrication contributed by the solvent-mineral oil solution is not absolutely necessary. Rather, for small movements, it has been found that adequate lubrication is achieved by immersion and agitation of the movement in the solvent-mineral oil-silicone oil solution alone. In the practice of this single step procedure the mineral oil component contributes the necessary lubrication and the silicone liquid provides the barrier layer. It is believed that the low viscosity mineral oil is able to rapidly penetrate the mechanism to fully lubricate it before the very high viscosity barrier layer is formed thereover. It has been observed that the single solution lubrication-protection of small movements can be enhanced by immersing the movement in a solvent, such as the rinsing solution alone or any other suitable solvent, and agitating the solvent with the movement therein prior to immersion and agitation thereof in the-solvent-mineral oil-silicone oil solution. The use of a solvent solution as a preliminary to the single step lubricating procedure is believed to reduce any contamination which may result from the cleaning solution and to prevent carry-over of contami nants from the cleaning solution into the lubricating solution, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the mineral oil-silicone oil-solvent solution. However, it will be appreciated that the preliminary solvent immersion is by no means essential to the proper lubrication of the timepiece.

The following examples illustrate the single solution lubrication-protection of small timepieces.

EXAMPLE V A ladys Bulova wristwatch, l7 jewel, Ligne, appeared dirty, completely dry and not running. No broken or rusty parts were apparent. The assembled movement was cleaned in accordance with conventional techniques and lubricated ina solution containing 2 ounces Dexron-lOO, 2 ounces Dow Corning 200 fluid and 128 ounces L & R rinsing solution. The movement was immersed in the solution and, using a conventional cleaning machine, was agitated for 2 minutes. Following agitationthe movement was removed from the solution and centrifuged for 60 seconds, after which it was thoroughly dried in a flow of warm air in a drying chamber for about minutes. After cleaning and lubricating, the dried mechanism was placed on a timing machine and was observed to operate at 2 mintes per day fast. The time rate was mechanically adjusted to 30 seconds per day fast.

EXAMPLE VI A mans Longines-Wittnaur, AS-l36l automatic wristwatch, 10%Ligne, 17 jewel, having no broken or damaged parts operated erratically. The assembled movementwas cleaned by conventional techniques and lubricated in accordance with the procedure and using the solution set forth in Example V. After cleaning and lubricating, the dried mechanism was placed on a timing machine and observed to operate 45 seconds per day slow.

EXAMPLE VII The assembled movement of a mans Elgin, Model 682'wristwatch, l7 jewel, 10%Lig'ne, was cleaned by conventional techniques and lubricated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Examples V and V1 except that petrolatum was used in lieu of Dexron-lOO as the mineral oil containing substance in the solution. Following lubrication and drying the watch, had a timing rate of 75 seconds per dayfast which was mechanically adjusted to 5 seconds per day fast.

EXAMPLE VllI A ladys Gruen 210 wristwatch, l7 jewel, 5 Ligne, was losing 10-15 minutes per day and appeared dirty and dry. Following cleaning by conventional techniques, the assembled mechanism was lubricated in accordance with the procedure and using the solution set forth in Example VII, i.e., with petrolatum as the mineral oil constituent of the lubricating solution. Following cleaning, and lubricating, the dried mechanism evidenced a rate of 40 seconds per day fast on the timing machine. The watch was mechanically adjusted to 8 seconds per day fast.

While the present invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood that numerous modifications can be made by, those skilled in the art without actually departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to which fall within the scope of the invention What is claimed as new is as follows: 11. A process for lubricating and protecting a complex mechanism without disassembly thereof comprising:

a. immersing the mechanism in a first composition comprising a solvent and a highly refined mineral oil; b. subjecting said first composition and mechanism therein to agitation; c. removing the mechanism from said first composition; (1. centrifuging the mechanism to remove excess composition therefrom; e. immersing the mechanism in a second composition comprising a solvent, a highly refined mineral oil and a silicone fluid having a viscosity in the range from about 500 to 1,500 centistokes;

f. subjecting said second composition and mechanism therein to agitation;

g. removing the mechanism from said second composition;

h. centrifuging the mechanism to remove excess composition therefrom; and

i. drying the mechanism.

2. A process, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proportion by volume of highly refined mineral oil to solvent in said first composition is in the range from 1:8 to 1:64.

3. A process, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the proportion by volume of highly refined mineral oil to solvent in said first composition is about 1:32. 7

4. A process, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second composition contains approximately equal quantities of mineral oil and silicone fluid.

5. A process, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the proportion by volume of highly refined mineral oil and silicone fluid to solvent in said second composition is in the range from 1:8 to 1:64.

6. A process, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the proportion by volume of highly refined mineral oil and silicone fluid to solvent in said second composition is about 1:32.

7. A process, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mineral oil is petrolatum.

8. A process, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said silicone fluid is an inert dimethyl siloxane polymer.

9. A process as claimed in claim 8, wherein said siloxane polymer is crystal clear and has a pour point from about 1 23 to 47 F. and a flash point from about 30 to 600 F. v

10. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein said agitation in each of said first and second compositions is continued for a period from about 2 to 5 minutes.

11. A process for lubricating and protecting a timepiece movement without disassembly thereof comprising:

a. immersing the movement in a first composition comprising a solvent and a highly refined mineral oil having a proportionby volume of mineral oil to solvent in the range from 1:8 to 1:64;

b. subjecting said first composition and movement therein to agitation;

c. removing the movement from said first composition;

d. centrifuging the movement to remove excess composition therefrom;

e. immersing the movement in a second composition comprising a solvent, a highly refined mineral oil and an inert dimethyl siloxane polymer having a viscosity in the range from about 500 to 1,500 centistokes, said second composition containing approximately equal quantities of said mineral oil and said siloxane polymer therein and having a proportion by volume of mineral oil and siloxane polymer to solvent in the range from 1:8 to 1:64;

f. subjecting said second composition and movement therein to agitation;

g. removing the movement from said second composition;

h. centrifuging the movement to remove excess composition therefrom; and

i. drying the movement.

12. A process, as claimed in claim 11, wherein said mineral oil is petrolatum and said solvent is a conventional watch rinse solution, and the proportion by volume of mineral oil to solvent is about 1:32.

13. A process, as claimed in claim 11, wherein said mineral oil is an automobile automatic transmission fluid and said solvent is a conventional watch rinse solution, and the proportion by volume of mineral oil to solvent is about 1:32.

14. A process for lubricating and protecting a timepiece movement without disassembly thereof comprising the steps of immersing the movement in a lubricating and protecting liquid including a solvent, a highly refined mineral oil and a silicone fluid having a viscosity in the range from about 500 to 1,500 centistokes, subjecting said liquid and the movement therein the agitation, removing the movement from said liquid and centrifuging the movement to remove excess liquid therefrom.

15. A process, as claimed in claim 14, wherein said liquid contains approximately equal amounts of mineral oil and silicone fluid and wherein the proportion by volume oil and silicone fluid to solvent is in the range from 1:8 to 1:64.

16. A process, as claimed in claim 15, wherein said mineral oil is selected from the group consisting of petrolatum and automobile automatic transmission fluid and said silicone fluid is an inert dimethyl siloxane polymer.

17. A process, as claimed in claim 14, including the steps of immersing the movement in a solvent and subjecting said solvent and movement therein to agitation prior to immersion thereof in said solvent-mineral oilsilicone fluid liquid.

Claims

2. A process, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proportion by volume of highly refined mineral oil to solvent in said first composition is in the range from 1:8 to 1:64.
3. A process, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the proportion by volume of highly refined mineral oil to solvent in said first composition is about 1:32.
4. A process, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second composition contains approximately equal quantities of mineral oil and silicone fluid.
5. A process, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the proportion by volume of highly refined mineral oil and silicone fluid to solvent in said second composition is in the range from 1:8 to 1: 64.
6. A process, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the proportion by volume of highly refined mineral oil and silicone fluid to solvent in said second composition is about 1:32.
7. A process, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mineral oil is petrolatum.
8. A process, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said silicone fluid is an inert dimethyl siloxane polymer.
9. A process as claimed in claim 8, wherein said siloxane polymer is crystal clear and has a pour point from about -123* to -47* F. and a flash point from about 30* to 600* F.
10. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein said agitation in each of said first and second compositions is continued for a period from about 2 to 5 minutes.
11. A process for lubricating and protecting a timepiece movement without disassembly thereof comprising: a. immersing the movement in a first composition comprising a solvent and a highly refined mineral oil having a proportion by volume of mineral oil to solvent in the range from 1:8 to 1:64; b. subjecting said first composition and movement therein to agitation; c. removing the movement from said first composition; d. centrifuging the movement to remove excess composition therefrom; e. immersing the movement in a second composition comprising a solvent, a highly refined mineral oil and an inert dimethyl siloxane polymer having a viscosity in the range from about 500 to 1,500 centistokes, said second composition containing approximately equal quantities of said mineral oil and said siloxane polymer therein and having a proportion by volume of mineral oil and siloxane polymer to solvent in the range from 1:8 to 1:64; f. subjecting said second composition and movement therein to agitation; g. removing the movement from said second composition; h. centrifuging the movement to remove excess composition therefrom; and i. drying the movement.
12. A process, as claimed in claim 11, wherein said mineral oil is petrolatum and said solvent is a conventional watch rinse solution, and the proportion by volume of mineral oil to solvent is about 1:32.
13. A process, as claimed in claim 11, wherein said mineral oil is an automobile automatic transmission fluid and said solvent is a conventional watch rinse solution, and the proportion by volume of mineral oil to solvent is about 1:32.
14. A process for lubricating and protecting a timepiece movement without disassembly thereof comprising the steps of immersing the movement in a lubricating and protecting liquid including a solvent, a highly refined mineral oil and a silicone fluid having a viscosity in the range from about 500 to 1,500 centistokes, subjecting said liquid and the movement therein the agitation, removing the movement from said liquid and centrifuging the movement to remove excess liquid therefrom.
15. A process, as claimed in claim 14, wherein said liquid contains approximately equal amounts of mineral oil and silicone fluid and wherein the proportion by volume oil and silicone fluid to solvent is in the range from 1:8 to 1:64.
16. A process, as claimed in claim 15, wherein said mineral oil is selected from the group consisting of petrolatum and automobile automatic transmission fluid and said silicone fluid is an inert dimethyl siloxane polymer.
17. A process, as claimed in claim 14, including the steps of immersing the movement in a solvent and subjecting said solvent and movement therein to agitation prior to immersion thereof in said solvent-mineral oil-silicone fluid liquid.