GENEVA STOP Meaning and
Definition
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A geneva stop is a mechanical component used in various timekeeping devices, particularly in clocks and watches, that controls the rotation and movement of the main wheel. It is named after the Swiss city of Geneva, renowned for its watchmaking tradition and the invention of this mechanism.
The geneva stop consists of a metal disc with notches or teeth around its circumference, which engages with a pallet lever. The disc is attached to the main wheel axle and rotates at a constant speed. As the disc turns, the teeth alternately engage the pallet lever, causing the lever to oscillate back and forth.
The purpose of the geneva stop is to provide intermittent motion to the mechanism. When the teeth engage the pallet lever, it allows the mainspring's energy to be transferred to the gear train, advancing the hands of the clock or watch. However, once the tooth passes the pallet lever, it disengages, halting the movement until the next tooth engages again.
This intermittent motion created by the geneva stop is essential for the accurate measurement of time, as it allows the gears to move in discrete steps. It also controls the speed at which the gear train rotates, ensuring a consistent and regular movement of the timekeeping mechanism.
Overall, the geneva stop is an integral part of clockwork and watchmaking, enabling the precise measurement of time by controlling the movement and rotation of the main wheel.
Common Misspellings for GENEVA STOP
- feneva stop
- veneva stop
- beneva stop
- heneva stop
- yeneva stop
- teneva stop
- gwneva stop
- gsneva stop
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- g3neva stop
- gebeva stop
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- gejeva stop
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- genrva stop
Etymology of GENEVA STOP
The exact etymology of the term "geneva stop" is not widely documented. However, it is commonly believed to have originated from the city of Geneva, Switzerland, where watchmaking has a long history and was particularly well-known. The term "geneva stop" refers to a mechanism used in watches, especially in antique pocket watches.
The geneva stop is a type of escapement mechanism that controls the release of energy from the mainspring, regulating the movement of the watch's hands. It consists of a rotating wheel, called the Geneva wheel or Maltese cross, and a stationary pin located next to it. The teeth on the wheel engage with the pin, allowing the wheel to advance in small increments and then suddenly stop. This mechanism ensures that the watch hands move in a steady, measured manner.
