Piston

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The piston, found in reciprocating engines, pumps, compressors and cylinders, is a crucial component within these mechanisms. It's the moving part enclosed by a cylinder and sealed by rings to ensure gas tightness. In an engine, it converts force from expanding gas within the cylinder into motion via a piston or connecting rod for the crankshaft. Conversely, in pumps, force is transferred from the crankshaft to the piston to compress or expel fluid inside the cylinder. Additionally, some engines utilize the piston as a valve mechanism by covering and uncovering ports on the cylinder wall.