Eccentric (mechanism)
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In mechanical engineering, an eccentric is a wheel that rotates on an axle that is displaced from the focus of the circle described by the wheel; in other words, a mechanical motion that can operate either as a cam or a crank, depending upon what is connected to the wheel. Eccentrics are usually seen on small steam locomotives and other steam engines where they drive connecting rods that operate valves, usually indirectly through some kind of reversing mechanism.