Abstract: A monocoque joint for joining panels having a first skin portion having a first exterior surface and a first interior surface, a second skin portion having a second exterior surface and a second interior surface, a plurality of web sections, each of the web sections being in communication with the first interior surface and the second interior surface, the web sections and the first and second interior surfaces defining a plurality of core regions, and first and second tapered flange sections disposed on opposing ends of the joint. The first and second flange sections are formed integrally with the first and second skin portions and are adapted to receive preformed panels. The joint provides a substantially continuous integral load path whereby when the first and second flange sections are operatively attached to preformed panels and subjected to a load, the load is substantially uniformly transmitted to the panels.

Abstract: A transfer station for handling of wastes and recyclables uses a compactor to place compacted blocks of waste or recyclables into a specified shuttle container. The shuttle container is moved along a conveyor to a storage area or an unloading device where the compacted materials are put onto a trailer or other transportation means. Containers can be recalled from the storage area to receive additional compacted blocks of specified material as the additional compacted blocks arrive at the transfer station. When a full load is formed, the shuttle containers can be moved to the unloading device as trailers become available. The system allows the operations of receiving, compacting and shipping of waste and recyclable materials to occur independently.

Abstract: A bag assembly for containing material requiring handling and compaction, such as household waste products, is provided that includes bags that are nested one within another to produce a double-walled structure. Gussets and folds are also provided which are temporarily held together by restraining means such as adhesive to provide a first, smaller bag volume for a waste container. A bag restraining lid is removably positionable over the open end of the container, which includes a container lid thereon for accessing the bag assembly. The adhesive is adapted to break away when the bag assembly is compacted so that it assumes a second, larger volume and thereby minimizes the chance that the bag assembly will be ruptured during the compaction process. In an alternate embodiment, the bag assembly may be supported by a rack, frame, or hook. In a still further embodiment, the bag assembly may be a single-walled rather than a double-walled structure.

Abstract: A method of recycling employs a plurality of bags for containing and transporting recyclable that can survive the compaction process without breaking and mixing their contents. The inventive method includes the steps of: compacting recyclable that have been segregated into bags; transporting the bags to a transfer station; and separating the bags into groups of material containing like classifications. Thereafter, the classified recyclable material is either recycled into reusable material or transported to storage or to a recycling plant where the material is recycled into reusable material. The method may also include the preliminary step of separating the recyclable into a plurality of bags prior to placing the bags into a compactor vehicle or, as an interim step, into a garbage container, with or without other non-recyclable waste material. The separating may be done by visually perceptible coding on the bags, or by scanning coding on or in the bags by using a scanning device.

Abstract: A compactor places baled waste into a shuttle container that is moved along a conveyor system. This shuttle container is then moved to an unloading device, where the compacted trash can be placed into a transfer trailer. The use of the shuttle containers on the conveyor system allows for the compacting and the unloading functions to occur independently. The system is a modular one that can be expanded as required. Shuttle containers on the conveyor system can be stored until a transfer trailer is available.

Abstract: A joint with tapered edges allows, by means of the taper, a gradual transmission of the loads from panel to joint to adjacent panel such that the panels contribute not only as a shear web between the tensile and compressive members but also contributes to the compressive, tensile and bending loads of the corner structure and such that the combined structure of joint and panels behave as a monocoque structure. This joint allows for a lighter weight preformed panel to be used.