Peaucellier-Lipkin linkage - GIF

[Floradawg]

Probably not likely, it was invented in the 1860's. As for applications, a bit of info here (as much as I hate to quote wikipedia):

"Until this invention, no planar method existed of converting exact straight-line motion to circular motion, without reference guideways. In 1864, all power came from steam engines, which had a piston moving in a straight-line up and down a cylinder. This piston needed to keep a good seal with the cylinder in order to retain the driving medium, and not lose energy efficiency due to leaks. The piston does this by remaining perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, retaining its straight-line motion. Converting the straight-line motion of the piston into circular motion was of critical importance. Most, if not all, applications of these steam engines, were rotary.

The mathematics of the Peaucellier–Lipkin linkage is directly related to the inversion of a circle."

Most of these linkages were (I expect still are) developed as mathematical problems to be worked on and solved either to solve some particular real world problem or just for the sake of understanding the minute details of the world more deeply. Eventually lots of them trickle down into real world use. I don't pretend to understand much of the esoteric analysis behind stuff like this but find it all fascinating nonetheless. I have read a few books on the study of linkages and while I feel like I can follow much of what is being explained, the understanding leaves me pretty soon after I read it.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peauce...Lipkin_linkage

I'm not disagreeing with you but there's a much simpler way to do it. Think of a steam locomotive. If you spin the drive wheel the piston rod will make a nice linear move.