How to Make a Ratchet Mechanism A ratchet can be a very useful mechanism within an automaton. It can be used to keep the handle from being turned the wrong way or to divide the cycle of action into a series of small steps. This is one way to extend the duration of the performance. […]
Steppy Movement from a Smooth Cam
Interestingly, the motion derived from the smooth helical cam is jerky because the ratchet moves it in a series of 12 steps. The pin in the foreground moves back and forth picking a tooth at a time. The follower, the steel lever at top right, on which rests a brass button, is lifted in 12 […]
Day 20 – Le Bureau Automatique
A new one-off piece from Paul Spooner for 2009. The grey office worker surveys his papers moving endlessly between his in tray and his out tray. The elaborate air powered mechanism contains tiny leather bellows, and a very long ratchet. An optional grey face can be removed, and hung on the side of the machine […]