You know, the things you can drop the latch in the handle into to leave the nozzle in the “open” position. I’m sure there’s some official industry name (even if it’s just “ridges”).
Earlier thread, which references an ever earlier one. Interesting to see that places have been taking them out for quite a while. I just noticed it recently.
Do you mean the ratchet that locks the pump handle in the on position for hands free pumping?
I’ve always heard them called “hold-open latches.”
I’d say it’s a form of escapement, but I’m certainly no expert in gears.
This is the first question I asked when I joined this board 13 years ago and I still remember the answer.
They are called ‘latch-open devices’ and they are illegal in some jurisdictions. The ridges are only one part of that mechanism of course. Here is an example of a law that deals with their use but you can look up others for your state for more information:
Stops?
Sounds good to me. I don’t know if that’s what the industry uses, but it certainly fits the bill.
“Latch-open device” is the name for the entire mechanism. It’s a linear ratchet. In a circular ratchet, the ridges are called “teeth” because the circle is a gear. On linear ratchets they are also called teeth, although they are more pronounced and tooth-like than the low-profile ridges on the gas pump device. But I would still call them teeth.
A ratchet is to allow movement in one direction but prevent it in the other. An escapement is a similar but more complex device that is used in timepieces. It has a mechanism that causes the gear to rotate at a precise stepped rate.
It’s a detent.
I like that one best 