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Abstract

Apparatus for absorbing the energy associated with the displacements of pipes and other structural elements due to seismic and other dynamic forces. The apparatus includes a base on which a number of energy absorbing, plate-like members are mounted in cantilever fashion. The outer, free ends of the members are coupled to an arm which extends outwardly from the members and has an outer end connected to a pipe or other structural element whose displacement is to be controlled. Each member has convergent side edges on each side, respectively, of a narrowed central part, and the central parts of the adjacent members are substantially aligned with each other and with the outer end of the arm. Thus, when the pipe or structural element to which the arm is connected is displaced, the energy absorbing members bend, and uniformly yield, as the outer free end of the members remain in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the fixed ends of the members. The members are thereby kept out of compression or tension which could otherwise cause buckling of the members. The rod extends through curved slots in a pair of parallel walls secured to the base, the ends of the slots defining stops to limit the travel of the rod and thereby the bending of the members under the influence of extreme displacement of the pipe or structural element.

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First Claim