Abstract: A load adaptive brake system is provided for an appliance which includes a motor, a drive wheel driven by the motor and a rotatable vessel. A brake surface is fixed relative to a non-movable portion of the appliance and at least one brake shoe carried by the vessel to rotate with the vessel. A biasing mechanism is engageable with the brake shoe to press the brake shoe into engagement with the brake surface. A cam is carried on the vessel, but is rotatable with respect thereto, and engageable with a portion of the brake shoe to overcome a bias of the biasing mechanism when the cam is rotated relative to the vessel in a first direction to disengage the brake shoe from the brake surface.

Abstract: A load adaptive brake system is provided for an appliance which includes a motor, a drive wheel driven by the motor and a rotatable vessel. A brake surface is fixed relative to a non-movable portion of the appliance and at least one brake shoe carried by the vessel to rotate with the vessel. A biasing mechanism is engageable with the brake shoe to press the brake shoe into engagement with the brake surface. A cam is carried on the vessel, but is rotatable with respect thereto, and engageable with a portion of the brake shoe to overcome a bias of the biasing mechanism when the cam is rotated relative to the vessel in a first direction to disengage the brake shoe from the brake surface.

Abstract: To restrict fluid flow between a high pressure working gas region and a low pressure lubricating oil sump in a gas turbine engine, a fluid bearing face seal includes a rotating mating ring confronted by a non-rotating carbon sealing ring with a face machined to provide an annular array of alternating lands and liftoff force-generating hydrodynamic lift pads, each comprising a three-step stairwell radially inwardly and outwardly bound by rails flush with the lands. An improved secondary seal includes a carbon mating ring to reduce seating drag forces on a piston ring biased into sealing engagement with a sealing ring carrier and a plurality of fluid orifices for pressure moment balancing the piston ring to the working gas pressure. To generate additional liftoff forces at low mating ring angularly velocities, the sealing ring face may also include an annular hydrostatic lift pad.