Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing dunnage including a plurality of rollers for pulling a web of material through the machine, a nozzle with at least one port through which gas or liquid flows, a plurality of ceramic elements in opposing positions such that the web of material can pass between the plurality of ceramic elements. A heating element is routed through each of the plurality of ceramic elements such that heat will radiate through openings in the top surfaces of the ceramic elements that will melt the portion of the material that is passing between the opposing ceramic elements. The apparatus may be equipped to manufacture multiple pieces of dunnage simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing dunnage including a plurality of rollers for pulling a web of material through the machine, a nozzle with at least one port through which gas or liquid flows, a hammer mounted on an ultrasonic frequency converter, and an anvil mounted on the machine in a position such that the web of material can pass between the hammer and anvil while allowing the hammer to strike the anvil. The ultrasonic frequency converter is connected to a power source and generates vibrations at a frequency causing the hammer to vibrate at a frequency that will melt the portion of the material that is passing between the hammer and anvil thereby creating a seam. The ultrasonic frequency converter can be mounted on an arm and cam follower to account for variations in the thickness of the web material. The apparatus may be equipped to manufacture multiple pieces of dunnage simultaneously.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the presence of living organisms in a structure or behind a wall or partition utilizes a microwave or radio-frequency one or more transceivers which generate separate and distinct interrogating signals and receives separate and distinct signals reflected from a structure and living organisms within it. The reflected signals received by each of the transceivers are processed, for instance by a microprocessor, so as to provide output signals that indicate the presence or absence of a living organism in the structure or behind wall or partition. The microprocessor distinguishes and differentiate signals from different living organisms and from false indication of the presence of living organisms, thereby enabling the detection of living organisms despite the existence of motion signals caused by non-living organism motion.