Line Shaft

A line shaft is a power driven rotating shaft for power transmission that was used extensively from the Industrial Revolution until the early 20th century. Prior to the widespread use of electric motors small enough to be connected directly to each piece of machinery, line shafting was used to distribute power from a large central power source to machinery throughout an industrial complex. The central power source could be a water wheel, turbine, windmill, animal power or a steam engine. Power was distributed from the shaft to the machinery by a system of belts, pulleys and gears known as millwork.

Read more about Line Shaft:  Operation, History, Early Examples

Famous quotes containing the words line and/or shaft:

    I thank heaven for a man like Adolf Hitler, who built a front line of defense against the anti-Christ of Communism.
    Frank Buchman (1878–1961)

    “It’s hard to tell you how I managed it.
    When I saw the shaft had me by the coat,
    I didn’t try too long to pull away,
    Or fumble for my knife to cut away,
    I just embraced the shaft and rode it out....”
    Robert Frost (1874–1963)