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Technology Machinery and tools Mechanisms Simple mechanisms

Simple mechanisms

Central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear

Coupling alternative

Bearing (mechanical)

Mechanism to constrain relative movement to the desired motion and reduce friction

Part of a cam mechanism which contacts the cam

Capstan (nautical)

Rotating machine used to control or apply force to another element

Mechanical device

Damper which resists motion via viscous friction

Differential (mechanical device)

Type of simple planetary gear train

Epicyclic gearing

Consists of two gears mounted so that the center of one gear revolves around the center of the other

Mechanism for regulating the speed of clocks

Four-bar linkage

Mechanical linkage consisting of four links connected by joints in a loop

Pivoted support system

Mechanical bearing that connects two solid objects, typically allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them

Physical system of two bodies connected to limit their relative movement

Linkage (mechanical)

Assembly of bodies connected to manage forces and movement

Rack and pinion

Type of linear actuator

Ratchet (device)

Mechanical device that allows continuous linear or rotary motion in only one direction

Rod end bearing

Mechanical articulating joint

Mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb and damp shock impulse

Part of an internal combustion engine that actuates a poppet valve through rocker arms and pushrods

Machine consisting of a wheel attached to a smaller axle

Whippletree (mechanism)

Mechanism to distribute force evenly through linkages

Device used to pull in or let out a rope or cable

Apparatus for moving heavy weights, consisting of a horizontal cylinder (barrel) rotated by the turn of a crank or belt; a winch is affixed to one end, and a cable is wound around the winch, pulling a weight attached to the opposite end