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Collection on deposit

Description:


This model illustrates the principle of the gearbox. It is a device comprising some of the machine parts most familiar to Leonardo (the lantern gear and the toothed wheel), which in varying combinations and drawn in various different ways, are frequently found in Leonardo’s notes as fundamental parts of his inventions.
The cone-shaped lantern gear transmits rotary movement to three toothed wheels of different diameters, which all turn in the same direction but at different speeds, according to the time each one takes to complete a full turn. Each toothed wheel has its own axis.
The principle used by this gearbox is identical to that used today in modern cars, whereas in Renaissance times it could be used for gears in mills or other types of machinery, so as to increase the transmission ratio and achieve obvious enhancements in the propulsion output.

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