reversing-cylinder

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. The cylinder of a small auxiliary steam-engine used to move the link or other reversing-gear of a large steam-engine, when the latter is too large to be quickly and easily operated by the hand: now much used in marine engines.
2. n. A small cylinder connected to the head of the steam-cylinder of the air-compressor for an air-brake system.
3. n. A cylinder to aid in the reversing of the bed of a printing-press. A piston attached to the bed compresses air in the reversiug-cylinder near the end of the stroke. This assists in stopping the bed and the force of the compressed air helps to start it in the other direction.