Abstract: A structure and associated methodology for framing a wall having top and bottom runners supporting respective opposing ends of each of a plurality of upright studs. The top runner has a planar base and a track extending from the base and forming therewith an enclosure configured to operably capture top ends of the studs and compensate for vertical deflection. The track defines a laterally-directed slot configured for installing a fastener through to connect to the stud inside the enclosure. The track further defines indicia visually presenting a conformance-comparison of each stud's length to a predetermined threshold before the fastener is installed, the threshold related to a predetermined operable clearance between each stud's end and the base inside the enclosure.

Abstract: A stud layout locker and associated method having a longitudinal beam. A tab end at one end of the longitudinal beam defines an upstanding tab and a pair of opposing slots sized to receivingly engage a stud web. A slot end at the opposing end of the longitudinal beam has a flange defining a portion of a slot. The tab and slot are sized so that the tab of a first stud layout locker is insertable into the slot of a second stud layout locker and so that the tab is substantially parallel and adjacent the flange.

Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding method contemplating electrical raceway technology. A first segment has opposing first sidewalls and a first partition between the first sidewalls. A second segment has opposing second sidewalls and a second partition between the second sidewalls. The second segment is operably connected to the first segment so that the segments are selectively movable in relation to each other. The first sidewalls overlap the respective second sidewalls, and the partitions overlap at all selected movable positions of the segments, to define separate compartments in the raceway.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a header in a structural framing system comprising a pair of track members defining opposing receiving portions. A plurality of column members is disposed substantially transversely to the track members and joined thereto. A web member is receivingly engaged in the receiving portions and spans the column members. The track members can be characteristically longitudinally arcuate and the web member characteristically conformable to the arcuate shape of the track members. In one illustrative embodiment the track members can comprise a plurality of flexibly joined sections that are moveable to define a selected arcuate longitudinal shape. A retaining member is adapted for retaining the flexibly joined sections in the selected shape. A fixing member is adapted for fixing the web member to one or more column members and/or one or more of the track members after the track members achieve the selected shape.

Abstract: A plant for the continuous manufacture of steel comprises a direct reduction furnace for producing direct reduced iron (DRI) and a stationary electric arc furnace for melting the DRI. The electric arc furnace has a plurality of electrodes for melting the DRI. Inside the electric arc furnace, a bath of molten steel and a continuous slag layer are maintained, the steel bath preferably having a volume of approximately 7 to 13 tap volumes. Heat for melting the charge material is preferably provided by open arcs between the electrodes and the metal bath. The slag preferably has low basicity to reduce the rate of refractory erosion, and preferably contains about 8 to 20% by weight MgO, about 7 to 30% by weight FeO and has a basicity of about 1.5 to 2.0. Preferably, the direct reduction furnace is a shaft furnace which is closely coupled to the electric arc furnace.

Abstract: A deflection clip comprising a planar base plate comprising a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a guide depending from the base plate. The guide comprises a first arm extending along a longitudinal axis substantially transverse to the base plate from a proximal end adjacent the second surface. The guide further comprises a second arm extending away from the base plate oriented in the same direction as the first arm defining a channel between the arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a header in a structural framing system comprising a pair of track members defining opposing receiving portions. A plurality of column members is disposed substantially transversely to the track members and joined thereto. A web member is receivingly engaged in the receiving portions and spans the column members. The track members can be characteristically longitudinally arcuate and the web member characteristically conformable to the arcuate shape of the track members. In one illustrative embodiment the track members can comprise a plurality of flexibly joined sections that are moveable to define a selected arcuate longitudinal shape. A retaining member is adapted for retaining the flexibly joined sections in the selected shape. A fixing member is adapted for fixing the web member to one or more column members and/or one or more of the track members after the track members achieve the selected shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. A method of forming a curved structure comprises providing runners having a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having track portions, and each runner further having two strap members slidably engaging each of the track portions. The method also includes oppositely placing the runners in a curved position such that the runners are substantially aligned and attaching studs between the runners.

Abstract: A deflection clip comprising a planar base plate comprising a first surface and an opposing second surface, and a guide depending from the base plate. The guide comprises a first arm extending along a longitudinal axis substantially transverse to the base plate from a proximal end adjacent the second surface. The guide further comprises a second arm extending away from the base plate oriented in the same direction as the first arm defining a channel between the arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. A method of forming a curved structure comprises providing runners having a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having track portions, and each runner further having two strap members slidably engaging each of the track portions. The method also includes oppositely placing the runners in a curved position such that the runners are substantially aligned and attaching studs between the runners.

Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting leads to a device having a contact with a first end for electrically engaging the lead and a second end for electrically engaging the device. The contact is retained within a housing. A fastener maintains engagement of the lead with the contact. The connector being characterized in that the forces exerted to maintain the lead in electrical engagement with the contact by way of the fastener are isolated from the insulative body.