Abstract: A mechanical shock and sway arrestor to be interposed between piping, related equipment and a stationary support, the parts of which are constructed and arranged to automatically change the effective length of the arrestor in response to thermally induced movements of the piping and to subtantially instantaneously convert the arrestor into a rigid strut in the event that the piping is subjected to shock-loading or vibration of substantial amplitude.The arrestor includes a housing for a ball screw and a ball nut threaded over the ball screw or equivalent acme screw. The ball screw is resiliently mounted and has a flywheel secured thereto centrally diposed between two clutch plates which engage the flywheel when the screw moves in response to movement of the piping thereby effectively arresting such motion and altering the effective length of the arrestor.

Abstract: The disclosure is that of an invention directed to a mechanical shock and sway arrestor to be interposed between piping, related equipment and a stationary support. The parts are constructed and arranged to automatically change the effective length of the arrestor in response to thermally induced movements of the piping and to substantially instantaneously convert the arrestor into a rigid strut in the event that the piping is subjected to shock loading or vibration of substantial amplitude.