The "crosshead" |
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The double-acting steam engines piston can not drive the rod directly. The closed cylinder does not allow the rod to swing. A device called the "crosshead" is put between the piston and the rod. This can be clearly seen in the figure. The piston is connected to a stem and the stem to the crosshead. The stem must not swing. The rod, joined at the other side of the crosshead, can freely swing. |
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