Plan B Forum

I came across something called an "Anti-twist countermeasure" is that a double negative? Or rather should it describe something that prevents or ensures twist?

Crackpot wrote:I came across something called an "Anti-twist countermeasure" is that a double negative? Or rather should it describe something that prevents or ensures twist?

I'm not sure about the grammar but I think that's the lid that's found on old people's medicine bottles.

"Anti-twist countermeasure" is likely an engineering term; I would think that there are probably devices or other ways to keep thinks (like electrical cable) from twisting (which would be a good thing), but these anti twist devices would also pose some undesirable effect. So engineers would then design an anti twist countermeasure to minimize these effects. I don't know specifically if that's what is meant here, but I've seen the term
anti-x countermeasure used in other applications, so I'd bet that's what's meant.

Certainly it's a double negative, but that's the way engineers work and talk (would you agree oldr).

Problem in the Process of Anti-twist Steel Rope and Its Countermeasure
SUN Yun,CHEN Hong-xue,SHU Dong-yue(Hubei Electric Transmission & Distribution Engineering Company,Wuhan 430063,China)
The common problems in the process of anti-twist steel rope for the suspension of line conductor were analyzed and the countermeasures were put forward for the purpose of upgrading the processing quality,extending life span as well reducing the potential risk.

However, I'm of two minds as to whether or not this isn't a double negative

Certainly it's a double negative, but that's the way engineers work and talk (would you agree oldr).

I do not think I have any idea what you are not talking about.

But parsing the phrase "anti-twist, counter measure" probably arises from whatever measure they took to prevent twisting causing another problem. The counter measure prevents that problem.

Sort of like coiling a hose or winding up an extension cord. It never coils the way (say clockwise) you want it to, it wants to coil the other way (counter clockwise). And when you go the other way (counter clockwise), it wants to go the original (clockwise) way. Think about doing that and try to make an automated system to deal with it.

oldr--that's what I meant; I just said it in a lot more words.

Actually it just prevents twist which is likly to happen during assembly. (The process is a lot like trying to get into a pair of jeans a couple sizes too small)

Big RR wrote:oldr--that's what I meant; I just said it in a lot more words.

I see, lawyer speak

Crackpot wrote:Actually it just prevents twist which is likly to happen during assembly. (The process is a lot like trying to get into a pair of jeans a couple sizes too small)

Those were the days... weren't my jeans of course.