Bed-Plates

In an engine, or machine, that part of the casting to which the bearing-surfaces of the moving parts are secured, and which in an engine resists the tendency of the cylinder to be displaced by the reaction of the driving fluid. In a vertical beam engine, such as is used in ve els, it is called the sole-plate, and is made hollow to carry the foot-valve between the condenser and air-pump. In stationary engines it is fastened by long bolts to the foundation, to prevent any displacement of the main shaft, due to lack of balance of the revolving or reciprocating parts.