The Aeolipile of Heron (Aeolosphere)
- KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Robotics
- computing mechanisms
- Automation & Programming
- Telecommunication
- CRYPTOGRAPHY
- astronomy
- AUTOMOTION & AUTOMATIC NAVIGATION
- Jet Propulsion
- RELIGIOUS TECHNOLOGY
- “PNEUMATIC” AUTOMATA
- MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
- TOOLS & MACHINES
- GEODESY & CARTOGRAPHY
- timekeeping
- Gadgets
- HOISTING MACHINES
- MILITARY TECHNOLOGY
- ATHLETIC TECHNOLOGY
- Strategy & showing games
- MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
- HYDRAULIC TECHNOLOGY
- NAVAL TECHNOLOGY
- TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY
- ancient theatre technology
- AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY
- The Measurements of Man
- PULLING MACHINES
- KINEMATIC MECHANISMS
- WIND & HYDRAULIC ENERGY
- MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY
- MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
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The first “steam-machine” in history - 1st c. A.D.
It is the precursor of the steam-turbine, which would have led the Hellenistic Era (had it not been interrupted by the political, economical and social factors) to the Industrial Revolution with unforeseeable consequences for humanity.
It consisted of a sphere (with two curved nozzles) which rested on the curved ends of two pipes connected to the top of an airtight boiler. When the water in the boiler was heated, it turned into steam. Then, it entered the sphere and came out with speed from the two nozzles forcing the opposite continuous rotation of the sphere.
SOURCE: Heron of Alexandria, Pneumatics.