How do I operate the machine that O'Toole was using?

Hint 1 of 7:

You first need to find a way to turn it on.

Hint 2 of 7:

That involves finding the right part for the machine.

Hint 3 of 7:

It looks like something else you saw a lot of on the Central Plains.

Hint 4 of 7:

It's another one of those plaques.

Hint 5 of 7:

Only this is a "blank plaque."

Hint 6 of 7:

It was the item you found above the monitor in the wheel room.

Hint 7 of 7:

There's a place to put the plaque on the right side of the machine.  Once you
put it there, you can then press the arrows to move the piston.