A counterclockwise torque is applied about fixed axis A to ratchet wheel 1 to hoist load Q. Pawls 2, 3 and 4 turn about axes B, C and D and separately engage the teeth of wheel 1, preventing rotation in the reverse direction and dropping of load Q. The pawls are of different length or their axes of rotation are so located that if pawl 2 engages the face of a tooth, pawl 3 is one-third pitch beyond the face of the next tooth and pawl 4 is two-thirds pitch beyond the face of the following tooth. The provision of three such pawls is equivalent to having a ratchet wheel with three times as many (but consequently weaker) teeth. The pawls are held in engagement with wheel 1 by flat springs 6.
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