swash-plate

[img_assist|nid=12015|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=142|height=105]A circular plate mounted at an angle to the centre-line of the drive shaft of a pump or hydraulic motor. The cylinders are mounted axially concentric with the shaft and, as the swash-plate rotates, its movement is transmitted through connecting rods to the pistons which move in and out of the cylinders, creating a flow of oil.