GB792093A - Improvements relating to sway braces for pipes and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

792,093. Spring units. BERGEN PIPESUPPORT CORPORATION. May 2, 1956 [May 3, 1955], No. 13522/56. Class 108(3) ' A sway brace for piping comprises a housing consisting of relatively slidable first and second units 11, 12 each including spaced first and second end walls, the first end wall of each unit being disposed between the end walls of the other unit resilient means 45 interposed between the first end walls of the units 11, 12 and normally acting to effect retraction of the brace and means 46, partly in and slidable with respect to the housing, and movable in opposite directions, in one of which directions it engages the unit 12 and effects extension of the brace. As shown, the unit 11 comprises diametrically opposed arcuate side portions 15, 16 rigid with first and second circular end walls 13, 14. The end wall 14 has connection lugs 18. The unit 12 comprises diametrically spaced arcuate side portions 22, 23. rigid with first and second circular end walls 20, 21. A coiled spring 45 acts between an annular member 42 adjacent the wall 13 and a similar member 40 which is internally screw threaded and carried by a screw threaded sleeve 37 rigid with a bolt 36 adapted to be turned by means of a suitable tool from outside the housing. Thus the pre-load of the spring 45 may be varied. The axial position of the member 40 relative to the housing is indicated by means of a pin 41 which projects through a slot 27 in the housing to give a reading of load on a scale 31. A similar pin 44 is carried by the member 42 and projects through slot 26 to furnish a reading relative to a second load scale 28. The piping (not shown) is connected to a rod 50 which is rigid with, but axially adjustable in relation to, a plunger 46 carrying a head 48. Under no-load conditions, the plunger 46 is urged by the spring 45 acting through member 42 on the head 48, into a position in which the head 48 engages with the end wall 21. In operation, when a tension load is applied between the rod 50 and the lugs 18, the end wall 13 picks up the member 42 so compressing the spring 45 and causing retractive movement between the units 11. 12. When a compression load is applied the head 48 picks up the member 42 and applies compression to the spring 45 and relative retraction occurs between the members 11, 12. In a modification (Fig. 5, not shown), the axially adjustable member 40 is dispensed with, and the spring 45 at this end bears directly on the end wall 20. The threaded sleeve 37 is replaced by a plain sleeve which is rigid with the end wall 20, and is of sufficient axial length for it to serve as a guide for the plunger 46.