Abstract: A fluorescent lamp assembly is comprised of a lamp and a ballast therefor. The lamp includes an internal, solid wire starting aid connected to third lead-in wire sealed in an end of the lamp. A resistive ballast serially couples the lamp electrodes to a lamp starting means such as a glow-bottle. The starting aid is capacitively coupled to a lead-in wire of its adjacent electrode.

Abstract: An anchor element inserted through the end of a panel joint into the joint cavity provides an anchor site. Components, such as window frames, flashings, girts and the like, are secured to the anchor element by positive fasteners. Integrally formed flexible arms retain the anchor element in fixed position until its anchoring function is required.

Abstract: A joint between roof panels of the type comprising inner and outer skins connected in shear-transferring relation by an insulating core. The joint comprises male and female marginal connecting means formed along the upper edges of adjacent side walls presented by the outer skins of adjacent panels. The male and female connecting means are inter-nested, the female connecting means is bent, that is, closed about the male connecting means thereby to provide a primary interlocking connection of the standing seam type. A sealant engaging the male and female connecting means provides a primary weathertight seal at the exposed surface of the roof structure. Complementary mating elements may be formed along adjacent inner edges of the adjacent composite panels to provide a second connection at the interior face of the roof structure.

Abstract: A composite roof panel comprising inner and outer skins which are connected in shear-transferring relation by an insulating core. The outer skin presents marginal connecting means, a first of which is adapted to receive and to be bent, i.e., closed, about a second connecting means of an adjacent panel to provide a standing seam connection at the exterior face of the roof structure. During closure, the first connecting means is bent in one direction and experiences only minor bending stresses. Hence, a large number of different types of decorative coating materials can be applied to the outer skin. The inner skin presents complementary mating elements which provide a connection between adjacent panels at the interior face of the roof structure. Means adapting the panel to be erected in end-to-end overlapped relation and in side-by-side interlocked relation is disclosed.

Abstract: A four corner joint between wall panels of the type comprising outer and inner skins connected by an insulating core, and having marginal connecting means formed along the opposite longitudinal edges of the outer skin. The outer and inner skins and the core co-terminate at the upper ends of the lower wall panels. The outer skins of the upper wall panels have lapping ends which extend downwardly beyond the lower ends of the upper wall panels and which overlap the wall panels. The marginal connecting means are substantially entirely removed along the length of the lapping ends of the upper panels to preclude interfering with the interconnection of corresponding marginal connecting means in the lower wall panels.

Abstract: A fastening device for securing adjacent double-skin foam-core wall panels to the structural framework of a building. One panel has a channel formed in the outer skin which extends laterally inwardly of a gap presented between the adjacent edges of the inner and outer skins. The adjacent panel has a tongue formed along the outer skin which is engaged in the channel. The fastening device includes a clip member and a fastener. The clip member has an edge strip engaged with the channel, a flange penetrating the core terminating proximate to the inner skin, and a medial strip connecting the edge strip to the flange. The medial strip is offset from the plane of the edge strip to provide space for the head of the fastener. The fastener extends through the medial strip, the core and the inner skin and secures the panel to the subgirt. The clip member may be mechanically connected with the channel to increase the suction load resistance of the joint.

Abstract: A fastening device for double-skin foam-core composite roof panels which present interfitted outer connectors spaced upwardly from the exterior surface of the panels, and interfitted inner connectors at the interior surface of the panels. The fastening device includes an upper end confined within the outer connectors, a base extending laterally of the upper end and overlying an exposed core surface, and a flange extending through the insulating core to the inner skin. A fastener extends through the base, the insulating core and the inner skin to secure the adjacent roof panels to a structural member.

Abstract: A double-skin building panel having an insulating core and having an outer facing sheet laterally offset from and spaced-apart from an inner facing sheet--each panel presenting an overlapping edge portion along one longitudinal side and an overlapped edge portion along its opposite longitudinal side. The panels are adapted to be erected in lapped relation without externally visible fasteners. The insulating core comprises a honeycomb core member filling a major portion of the space between the facing sheets, and rigid spacing means, one positioned along each side of the panel and thermally insulating the facing sheets from each other. The honeycomb core member presents open ended cells which are substantially entirely filled with an insulating medium, for example, expanded silicate.