Old-fashioned single-acting beam pumping engine on the atmospheric principle, with chain connection between piston-rod and a segment at end of beam. The cylinder is open at top. Very low pressure steam is admitted below piston, and the weight of pump-rod, etc., at the other end of beam, helps to raise piston. Steam is then condensed by injection, and a vacuum thus produced below piston, which is then forced down by atmospheric pressure thereby drawing up pump-rod.