Crank

part · 1206 · Middle Ages

A lever on an axle that turns reciprocating motion into rotation and back. Described by al-Jazari.

Principles and materials it uses

Bicycle drivetrain — is part of. The cranks turn the motion of the legs into rotation.
Watt steam engine — is part of. The stroke of the piston becomes rotation of a shaft (Watt first used a planetary gear).
Steam locomotive — is part of. Connecting rods and cranks carry the piston stroke to the wheels.
Windlass — is used in. The handle of a windlass is a crank.
Sawmill — is part of. A crank turns the wheel’s rotation into the stroke of the saw.
Sewing machine — is part of. A crank turns rotation into the stroke of the needle.
Cotton gin — is part of. The drum was turned by a handle.
Cinématographe — is part of. The film was advanced by turning a handle.
Spinning wheel — is part of. A foot drive through a crank.
Reaper — is part of. A crank moves the knife.
Hierapolis sawmill — is part of. A crank and connecting rod mechanism.
Michaux velocipede — is part of. Cranks on the wheel axle.
Ice cream maker — is part of. A handle.
Egg beater — is part of. A handle.
Meat grinder — is part of. A handle.
Mangle — is part of. A handle.
Pedal — is used in. The pedal sits on a crank: push it and the crank turns the chainring.
Archimedes’ screw — is part of. A handle or rotary drive.
Arithmometer — is part of. The handle for adding and subtracting.
Windlass — is part of. A handle.