He head of the hoist is equipped with a gripping device made of two flexed cross-bows, which are released when the pile reaches the maximum height, thus transmitting to it all the power available. This action could be repeated several times over, until the pile was driven into the ground at the required depth. SELF-MOVING CAR
The numerous sketches and drawings of cars and vehicles scattered throughout the codices testify to how Leonardo was particularly attracted to problems related to locomotion. This model is an example of a self-moving car to which several mechanisms known to and used by Leonardo were applied (leaf springs and geared wheels, in particular). The car was operated through a system implying the hand-loading of the leaf springs; the latter hence transmitted the stored power to the driving wheels by means of a complicated set of gears. The drive was independent on each wheel and was ensured by a wheelwork device which also allowed speed variation. A third wheel was connected to a kind of helm, to direct the car. FAN
This is a curious machine intended for compressing air and force it out of a duct. This device could be used either for keeping the air in a room cool or, more probably, for driving air into a furnace. It is made up of a wooden drum fitted with propulsion fins. It can be either water- or hand-operated. The inside of the drum is divided into four sectors communicating with one another through valved outlets. A certain amount of water is circulated throughout the inside of the drum. The drum, rotating, helps water flow from one sector to the next, thus compressing the air and “forcing” it out of the central shaft which, in turn, is fitted with a valve.