ratchet-and-pawl motion
1Ratchet (device) — In mechanical engineering, a ratchet is a device that allows linear or rotary motion in only one direction, while preventing motion in the opposite direction. Ratchets are used in many other mechanisms, including clocks, capstans, turnstiles,… …
2ratchet — [rach′it] n. [earlier rochet < Fr, lance head, distaff < It rocchetto, bobbin, spindle, dim. of rocca, distaff < Goth * rukka, akin to OHG roccho, spindle, distaff < IE base * ruk(k) , spun yarn] 1. a toothed wheel (in full ratchet… …
3Brownian ratchet — The Brownian ratchet is a thought experiment about an apparent perpetual motion machine conceived by Richard Feynmancite book last = Feynman first = Richard P. authorlink = coauthors = title = The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol. 1 publisher =… …
4Pawl — Pawl, n. [W. pawl a pole, a stake. Cf. {Pole} a stake.] (Mach.) A pivoted tongue, or sliding bolt, on one part of a machine, adapted to fall into notches, or interdental spaces, on another part, as a ratchet wheel, in such a manner as to permit… …
5Pawl bitt — Pawl Pawl, n. [W. pawl a pole, a stake. Cf. {Pole} a stake.] (Mach.) A pivoted tongue, or sliding bolt, on one part of a machine, adapted to fall into notches, or interdental spaces, on another part, as a ratchet wheel, in such a manner as to… …
6Pawl rim — Pawl Pawl, n. [W. pawl a pole, a stake. Cf. {Pole} a stake.] (Mach.) A pivoted tongue, or sliding bolt, on one part of a machine, adapted to fall into notches, or interdental spaces, on another part, as a ratchet wheel, in such a manner as to… …
7Pawl ring — Pawl Pawl, n. [W. pawl a pole, a stake. Cf. {Pole} a stake.] (Mach.) A pivoted tongue, or sliding bolt, on one part of a machine, adapted to fall into notches, or interdental spaces, on another part, as a ratchet wheel, in such a manner as to… …
8ratchet — /rach it/, n. 1. a toothed bar with which a pawl engages. 2. (not in technical use) a pawl or the like used with a ratchet or ratchet wheel. 3. a mechanism consisting of such a bar or wheel with the pawl. 4. See ratchet wheel. 5. a steady… …
9ratchet wheel — noun toothed wheel held in place by a pawl or detent and turned by a lever • Hypernyms: ↑wheel • Part Holonyms: ↑ratchet, ↑rachet, ↑ratch * * * noun 1. : a notched or toothed wheel either held in position or turned by an engaging detent …
10ratchet — I. noun also rachet Etymology: alteration of earlier rochet, from French, alteration of Middle French rocquet ratchet, bobbin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rocko distaff more at rock Date: 1654 1. a mechanism that consists of a bar …
