beam engine

British  

noun

1. an early type of steam engine, in which a pivoted beam is vibrated by a vertical steam cylinder at one end, so that it transmits motion to the workload, such as a pump, at the other end

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Example Sentences

In fifth place, with 10% of the votes, was the Crossness Engine House, and the James Watt rotative beam engine.

From BBC • Oct. 6, 2014

Q.--What are the proper dimensions of the main links of a land beam engine?

From A Catechism of the Steam Engine by Bourne, John, C.E.

The only type of steam engine then in existence was the Newcomen beam engine, which had been introduced in 1712 by Thomas Newcomen, also an Englishman.

From Kinematics of Mechanisms from the Time of Watt by Ferguson, Eugene S.

It is a standard American beam engine, with a cylinder 75 inches in diameter and 12 feet stroke of piston, and develops 3,850 horse power.

From The Hudson Three Centuries of History, Romance and Invention by Bruce, Wallace

Previously every engine for pumping, the only practical purpose to which steam was yet put, was worked by a beam engine and pair of cylinders.

From The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism. Volume 2 by Whymper, Frederick