Abstract: An apparatus for lubricating an operating component of a system in which the operating component is exposed to a range of conditions, such as a range of temperatures, which require adjustment of at least one physical property of the lubricant is described. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the operating component is located within a lubricant reservoir which contains a first lubricant of low density and high viscosity and a second lubricant of higher density and lower viscosity. During certain operating conditions, the lubricants are at least partially immiscible, usually at lower temperatures, and the first lubricant is appropriate for those operating conditions. A change in at least one operating condition which promotes at least partial miscibility of the lubricants, such as higher temperatures, causes the first and second lubricants to mix, at least partially, and form a third lubricant.

Abstract: An apparatus for lubricating an operating component of a system in which the operating component is exposed to a range of conditions, such as a range of temperatures which require adjustment of at least one physical property of the lubricant, is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus is useful for lubricating more than one operating component, each operating under a different operating condition. The apparatus utilizes a first lubricant and a second lubricant which are at least partially miscible, under a condition of at least partial miscibility, usually an elevated temperature. Under the condition of at least partial miscibility, the lubricants combine to provide a third lubricant. The third lubricant is dispensed to the operating component in response to a change in at least one operating condition which requires the properties of the third lubricant for efficient lubrication.