oscillating engine

noun

1. a steam engine having piston rods connected directly to the crankshaft and cylinders oscillating on trunnions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oscillating engine¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

An oscillating engine is one in which the cylinder is mounted on bearings called trunnions, so that the cylinder can swing and keep its bore and the piston pointing to the crank at all parts of the engine revolution.

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The valve motion for an oscillating engine consists of an ordinary eccentric gear or motion, with the addition of various mechanical arrangements to accommodate the valve gear to the vibrating motion of the valve chest.

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The stuffing box of an oscillating engine is made deeper than usual because the gland bore has more strain on it, and extra wearing surface is therefore required to prevent its wearing oval.

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He usually built an oscillating engine, and rarely attached a condenser.

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Murdoch’s Oscillating Engine, 1785 134 37.

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