spring-beamn.
/ˈsprɪŋbiːm/, U.S. /ˈsprɪŋˌbim/ Now historical and rare.
A supporting beam having some degree of elasticity, typically acting as suspension for a device or to communicate motion when struck; esp. a beam of this kind forming part of the fittings for a paddle box, steam engine, or pump.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > engine > [noun] > parts of
helm1663
spring-beam?1794
steam-jacket1838
cut-off1849
steam-jacketing1870
starting block1881
timing chain1889
timing mark1901
decelerator1907
air drain1908
plenum chamber1908
reservoir1920
?1794 Trans. Royal Irish Acad. 5 274 This engine was repaired about three years ago at a very great expense, with a new cylinder, new regulating beam, and new cylinder and spring beams.
1843 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 6 70/1 They have no connexion with the spring-beam or frame of the paddle-boxes.
1953 R. N. Hill Sidewheeler Saga 80 He had experimented with..a type of feathering paddlewheels with spring-beams to protect them.
2003 M. Nevell et al. Park Bridge Ironworks iv. 72 Still visible are the empty sockets for the spring beams on either side of the wall.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2017; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.?1794