SLIPPER PISTON

a piston with the lower edge cut away so that the piston skirt is short on the two sides not used as thrust surfaces. Such a design lightens the piston making it easier to accelerate and decelerate, wastes less power, and is easier on the bearings. Cutting away the skirt also allows the connecting rod to be made shorter but leaves enough room between the counterweights and the pistons so the overall height of the engine can be reduced.