Capstan (nautical)
rotating machine used to control or apply force to another element
A capstan is a vertical-axled rotating machine developed for use on sailing ships to multiply the pulling force of sailors when hauling ropes, cables, and hawsers. The principle is similar to that of the windlass, which has a horizontal axle.
History
The word, connected with the Old French capestan or cabestan(t), from Old Provençal cabestan, from capestre "pulley cord", from Latin capistrum, a halter, from capere, to take hold of, seems to have come into English (14th century) from Portuguese or Spanish shipmen at the time of the Crusades. Both device and word are considered Spanish inventions.
Early form
In its earliest form, the capstan consisted of a timber mounted vertically through a vessel's structure which was free to rotate. Levers, known as bars, were inserted through holes at the top of the timber and used to turn the capstan. A rope wrapped several turns around the drum was thus hauled upon. A rudimentary ratchet was provided to hold the tension. The ropes were always wound in a clockwise direction (seen from above).
Later form
Capstans evolved to consist of a wooden drum or barrel mounted on an iron axle.
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