This mechanism produces intermittent motion and therefore found much use in motion picture equipment where the film must be advanced and then halted long enough for the frame of film to be exposed, while standing still. (H. Roehl, c. 1950)

This mechanism was called by Reuleaux, a Maltese cross ratchet, or Geneva stop used in Swiss watches. (F. Moon, 2001)

Francis Moon 2003-05-29