Fixing pivots with simple and double wedges
Wedge-locked pivot seatings that hold a shaft or sliding iron fast
Folio 99v shows several bracket assemblies for holding pivots (poli) fast toward their ends by means of wedges (conii), distinguishing a simple wedge (conio scienpio) from a double wedge (conio doppio) used so as not to weaken the seating. One figure explains how, if the iron g must slide up and down along the iron S m, a pierced wedge f enters between o and S and then locks g in place. A closing note stresses that such wedges serve only to keep parts fixed.
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Holding pivots fast with simple and double wedges
Leonardo groups devices for keeping pivots fixed toward their ends by various wedges, the simple wedge and the double wedge. He notes that these serve only to hold things fast, not to allow motion.
A pierced wedge locking a sliding iron
If the iron g must go up and down along the iron S m, the pierced wedge f enters between o and S and then locks g with the iron where it moves. The bracket figure at left shows the arrangement.
A double wedge that does not weaken the seating
One figure is annotated as a double wedge, used precisely so as not to weaken the seating of the pivot. It is set beside the simpler single-wedge fixings.
