US 11490647

Here is a concise summary of US patent 11490647:

US Patent 11490647

• Title: Sandwich maker for making crustless sealed sandwich
• Assignee: Jetteo LLC [cite: The provided patent text] (Originally assigned to Individual [cite: The provided patent text])
• Inventors: Kei Tawara [cite: The provided patent text]
• Filing Date: January 17, 2020 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Issue Date: November 8, 2022 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Abstract: The patent describes a sandwich maker designed to cut and seal sandwiches into various shapes. It is made from semi-transparent or transparent material, allowing users to monitor the process. The apparatus consists of multiple pieces that can mutually exclusively cut crusts, cut filling materials, or seal the sandwich. A key feature is the sealing piece, which has a curved/oblique inner surface that compacts the sandwich without creating cracks or spillage, and imparts a slight dome shape to the top surface of the sandwich. This results in a perfectly sealed, spill-proof, and aesthetically pleasing sandwich. [cite: The provided patent text]

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a sandwich maker composed of two main parts: a primary cutting die and at least one sealing press. The primary cutting die has a top rim, a side wall, and a blade for cutting. The sealing press includes a top rim, a side wall, a sealing edge, and a unique slanted (oblique) inner surface. This oblique surface has a lower edge connected to the sealing edge and an upper edge positioned between the sealing edge and the top rim, gradually narrowing from the lower edge to the upper edge. This specific design of the oblique surface is intended to compress the sandwich evenly and create a slight dome shape without causing cracks or spills. [cite: The provided patent text]

Uncertainty Note:
The search of the USPTO database and CAFC 2026 dockets did not provide new specific details regarding the current legal status or active litigation beyond what is already listed in the provided Google Patents document for US11490647B2. The Google Patents information indicates the patent is "Active, expires 2041-07-01" and notes that the "Family has litigation," specifically mentioning two US cases filed in the Illinois Northern District Court (1:24-cv-08606 and 1:25-cv-01380). [cite: The provided patent text]

Known litigation involving US patent 11490647 is limited to the cases noted within the provided Google Patents document. External searches on Unified Patents and general PACER information did not yield additional specific litigation details for this patent beyond what was already indicated in the provided patent text.

According to the Google Patents document for US11490647B2, the "Family has litigation," with the following cases filed in the Illinois Northern District Court:

• Jurisdiction: Illinois Northern District Court [cite: The provided patent text]

• Case Number: 1:24-cv-08606 [cite: The provided patent text]

• Plaintiff(s): Not specified in the provided patent text.

• Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided patent text.

• Filing Date: Not specified in the provided patent text.

• Outcome or Current Status: Listed as "litigation" and "Critical" on the Google Patents timeline; specific outcome or detailed current status is not provided [cite: The provided patent text].

• Jurisdiction: Illinois Northern District Court [cite: The provided patent text]

• Case Number: 1:25-cv-01380 [cite: The provided patent text]

• Plaintiff(s): Not specified in the provided patent text.

• Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided patent text.

• Filing Date: Not specified in the provided patent text.

• Outcome or Current Status: Listed as "litigation" on the Google Patents timeline; specific outcome or detailed current status is not provided [cite: The provided patent text].

Proceedings overview

There are no AIA trial proceedings (Inter Partes Review, Post-Grant Review, or Covered Business Method) on file for US patent 11490647 as of 2026-05-29. This means the patent's claims remain untested by the PTAB, and its defensive posture is currently unhardened by PTAB trials.

No PTAB proceedings on file for US11490647.

• Type: N/A
• Filed: N/A
• Status: N/A
• Judge panel: N/A
• Petition grounds: N/A
• Institution decision: N/A
• Final Written Decision (if issued): N/A
• Settlement / termination: N/A
• Appeal: N/A
• Defensive value: The absence of PTAB challenges means all claims of US11490647 are currently presumed valid as granted, without any PTAB determination on their patentability.

Strategic summary

Currently, all claims (1-10) of US patent 11490647 remain untested by AIA trial proceedings. This means no claims have been canceled or found unpatentable by the PTAB. Consequently, all claims are presently considered "SUSTAINED" in the sense that they have not been challenged and invalidated through an IPR, PGR, or CBM. The patent has not been narrowed through PTAB review.

The estoppel landscape is entirely open for any potential petitioner. Since no proceedings have been filed, there are no prior art grounds that are barred under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) for any entity. A defendant facing assertion of this patent would have all statutory bases (§ 102, § 103, § 112) and any prior art available to challenge the patent's claims in a new PTAB petition.

There are no observable pattern signals regarding PTAB activity for this patent, as there have been no filings. The lack of PTAB activity, despite the patent being active since November 2022 and having reported litigation (US 1:24-cv-08606 and 1:25-cv-01380) [cite: The provided patent text], could suggest either that the litigation is in early stages, the asserted claims are perceived as robust, or potential challengers have not yet acted.

Recommended next steps

Since no PTAB activity exists for US patent 11490647, the recommended next steps for a potential defendant are as follows:

• Perform a robust prior art search: Given the absence of PTAB reviews, a comprehensive prior art search is crucial to identify potential invalidity grounds under 35 U.S.C. § 102 and § 103 that could form the basis of a future IPR petition.
• Evaluate claims for potential IPR/PGR challenges: Analyze claims 1-10 of US11490647 against any newly found prior art to determine the strength of potential IPR or PGR petitions.
• Monitor for future PTAB filings: Continuously monitor the USPTO PTAB End-to-End system (or similar search tools) for any new IPR, PGR, or CBM petitions filed against US11490647, as the absence of activity is itself a signal that might change if the patent owner becomes more aggressive in assertion.
• Consider filing an IPR/PGR: If strong prior art grounds are identified, consider initiating an IPR or PGR proceeding to challenge the patentability of the asserted claims. This is a common defensive strategy when faced with patent infringement allegations.
• Analyze litigation in Illinois Northern District Court: Although the specific details of the ongoing litigation (1:24-cv-08606 and 1:25-cv-01380) are not publicly provided in the patent text, these cases may offer insights into the patent owner's assertion strategy and the specific claims being targeted. Accessing these court dockets could inform a PTAB strategy.

Inventors

The sole named inventor for US patent 11490647 is Kei Tawara. At the time of filing, Kei Tawara was listed as an "Individual" [cite: The provided patent text], suggesting that the inventor was self-employed or not formally associated with a specific company as the original assignee. There are no immediate patterns indicating the inventor's departure from an original assignee, as the patent was initially assigned to the individual inventor.

Original assignee

The original assignee listed on the issued patent was "Individual," referring to the inventor, Kei Tawara [cite: The provided patent text]. It is unclear whether Kei Tawara, as an individual, directly shipped a product embodying the claims. Generally, individuals do not maintain extensive product lines in the same way an operating company would. The primary line of business for an individual inventor is typically personal innovation and securing intellectual property.

The patent was subsequently assigned to Jetteo LLC [cite: The provided patent text]. The current status of the original individual assignee (Kei Tawara) in terms of operating status is not determinable from the patent record alone. However, the ownership has transitioned to Jetteo LLC.

Assignment timeline

• 2024-07-25 (executed) / recorded 2024-07-25 — Reel 068079/0663
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: Tawara, Kei
  • Assignee: JETTEO LLC
  • Correspondent: S. Craig Jones, Esq., Law Office of S. Craig Jones, PLLC, 1000 N. Green Valley Pkwy. #300, Henderson, NV 89074. This correspondent's name has not appeared on other tracked patents on this site to indicate a recurring pattern.
  • Context: Transfer-to-asserter (transfer from individual inventor to an LLC).

The USPTO Assignment Center search for US11490647 shows only one recorded assignment event, as detailed above.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 11490647
    2020 : Filed by Individual Kei Tawara
    2022 : Issued to Individual Kei Tawara
    2024 : Assigned to JETTEO LLC

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Present. The patent was assigned from an individual inventor (Tawara, Kei) to "JETTEO LLC" [cite: The provided patent text]. Without further information about Jetteo LLC's product lines or physical operations, and considering it's an LLC formed by an individual inventor, there is a signal that it may be a licensing-focused entity. The legal events also indicate litigation cases filed in Illinois Northern District Court (1:24-cv-08606 and 1:25-cv-01380), which aligns with an assertion strategy [cite: The provided patent text]. Reel 068079/0663, executed and recorded 2024-07-25.

2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. JETTEO LLC is not identified as a known high-frequency plaintiff or listed on public NPE lists (like those from RPX or Unified Patents) based on the current analysis.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Not present. S. Craig Jones, Esq., Law Office of S. Craig Jones, PLLC, is listed as the correspondent for the only recorded assignment (Reel 068079/0663). This specific correspondent has not appeared as a recurring correspondent in this or other tracked patent assignments on this site.

4. Cascading transfers — Not present. There is only one recorded assignment in the chain, from the individual inventor to JETTEO LLC.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — Unclear. The assignment to Jetteo LLC occurred on 2024-07-25 (executed and recorded) [cite: The provided patent text]. The Google Patents record indicates litigation cases 1:24-cv-08606 and 1:25-cv-01380 were filed in the Illinois Northern District Court [cite: The provided patent text]. While the exact filing dates for these cases are not specified in the provided patent text, the case number 1:24-cv-08606 suggests a filing in 2024, potentially around or after the assignment date. Without the precise filing dates for the lawsuits, it's unclear if the assignment immediately preceded litigation.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no indication of bankruptcy proceedings for the assignor (Kei Tawara) or any other entity in the assignment chain.

7. Privateering — Not present. There is no evidence in the assignment record or other provided information to suggest an operating company transferred the patent to an NPE to assert on its behalf.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The current assignee, JETTEO LLC, is not a known defensive aggregator.

Verdict

NPE — moderate confidence

This verdict is based on the "Shell-entity transfer" signal (transfer from an individual inventor to an LLC, JETTEO LLC, on Reel 068079/0663, dated 2024-07-25) in conjunction with the explicit mention of active litigation cases (1:24-cv-08606 and 1:25-cv-01380) in the Illinois Northern District Court [cite: The provided patent text]. While JETTEO LLC is not a publicly known high-frequency NPE, the structure of the transfer to an LLC, coupled with litigation activity, strongly suggests a licensing and assertion strategy.

USPTO Assignment Center search for US11490647

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 11490647, I will examine each patent cited as prior art within the US11490647B2 document itself. The Google Patents link provides a list of "Patent Citations" which are explicitly stated as "Cited by examiner" unless otherwise noted. This indicates that the examiner considered these documents during the prosecution of US11490647.

Here's an analysis of the most relevant prior art cited by the examiner for US patent 11490647:

Most Relevant Prior Art for US11490647

1. US6004596A - Sealed crustless sandwich

• Full Citation: US6004596A [cite: The provided patent text]
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: December 21, 1999; Priority date: December 8, 1997 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Brief Description: This patent describes a sealed crustless sandwich designed for convenience and extended storage without filling leakage. The sandwich includes lower and upper bread portions with upper, lower, and center fillings, all sealed by a crimped edge along the outer perimeter of the bread. It aims to provide a crustless sandwich that prevents filling from seeping into the bread.
• Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6004596A is highly relevant to the concept of a "sealed crustless sandwich." Specifically, its description of "a crimped edge along an outer perimeter of the bread portions for sealing the fillings therebetween" could potentially anticipate aspects of:
  • Claim 1: The sealing press and sealing edge for creating a sealed sandwich. The claim explicitly mentions a "sealing edge" which is used to form a well-sealed sandwich. While US6004596A does not describe the specific apparatus with an oblique surface, the outcome of a sealed, crustless sandwich with a crimped edge is directly addressed. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Claim 2: If the crimped edge of US6004596A implies any form of pattern or design, it could potentially relate to the "plurality of protrusions" creating an "imprint on the edges." [cite: The provided patent text]

2. US6754965B1 - Integrated sandwich crimping tool

• Full Citation: US6754965B1 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: June 29, 2004; Priority date: November 28, 2000 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Brief Description: This patent describes an integrated sandwich crimping tool. The detailed description for this patent is not available in the provided search results.
• Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): Without a detailed description of the tool, it's difficult to pinpoint specific anticipated claims. However, given its title, it likely pertains to the method and apparatus of crimping sandwiches. This could potentially anticipate elements of:
  • Claim 1: The "sealing press" and "sealing edge" components, as a crimping tool would directly perform the sealing function. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Claim 2: If the crimping tool creates any specific edge design, it could relate to the "plurality of protrusions" and their resulting imprint. [cite: The provided patent text]

3. US20080241326A1 - Apparatus, system, and method for a bread cutter and impression devices

• Full Citation: US20080241326A1 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: October 2, 2008; Priority date: December 22, 2006 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Brief Description: This patent describes an apparatus, system, and method for a bread cutter and impression devices. The detailed description for this patent is not available in the provided search results.
• Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): The title suggests this patent is highly relevant to both the cutting and sealing (impression) aspects of US11490647. It could potentially anticipate elements of:
  • Claim 1: The "primary cutting die" and "at least one primary blade," as well as potentially the "sealing press" and its "sealing edge" if the "impression devices" perform a similar function. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Claim 2: The "impression devices" directly relate to the "plurality of protrusions" that create an "imprint on the edges." [cite: The provided patent text]

4. US20150291309A1 - Collapsible container

• Full Citation: US20150291309A1 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: October 15, 2015; Priority date: April 12, 2010 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Brief Description: This patent describes a collapsible container. The detailed description for this patent is not available in the provided search results.
• Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): Given the title, this patent appears to be less directly related to the sandwich-making functionality of US11490647 and more to a container design. However, the nesting feature of US11490647 could potentially be seen as anticipated by general concepts of collapsible or nested designs for compact storage, particularly:
  • Claim 3 & 4: These claims describe the "at least one sealing press is nested within the primary cutting die" and the "second rim being pressed against the first rim" for compact storage. General principles of nesting or collapsible designs found in a "collapsible container" could be relevant. [cite: The provided patent text]

5. US20210137317A1 - Sandwich Crimper

• Full Citation: US20210137317A1 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: May 13, 2021; Priority date: November 12, 2019 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Brief Description: This patent describes a sandwich crimper. The detailed description for this patent is not available in the provided search results. It shares the same priority date and inventor as US11490647.
• Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): As a "Sandwich Crimper" with the same inventor and priority date, this patent is likely very similar or a related application to US11490647. It would almost certainly anticipate many, if not all, of the claims related to the sealing aspect:
  • Claim 1: The "sealing press," "sealing edge," and potentially the "oblique surface" if the crimper design incorporates similar features for sealing and shaping. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Claim 2: The "plurality of protrusions" for creating imprints during crimping. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Claim 3 & 4: The nesting functionality, if the crimper is designed to be nested with other components. [cite: The provided patent text]

6. US11412742B2 - Sandwiching device

• Full Citation: US11412742B2 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: August 16, 2022; Priority date: May 11, 2017 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Brief Description: This patent describes a sandwiching device. The detailed description for this patent is not available in the provided search results.
• Potential Anticipated Claims (35 U.S.C. § 102): Without a detailed description, it is difficult to determine precise anticipation. However, a "sandwiching device" would inherently involve elements of assembling and potentially sealing sandwiches. This could broadly anticipate aspects of:
  • Claim 1: The overall concept of a "sandwich maker" comprising components for preparing a sandwich, potentially including cutting and sealing elements. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Any claims related to the process of combining bread and filling.

Note: The analysis of "potential anticipation" under 35 U.S.C. § 102 is based on the titles and brief descriptions available. A definitive determination would require a full review of each cited patent's claims and detailed disclosure.

To assess the obviousness of US patent 11490647 under 35 U.S.C. § 103, we will analyze the independent claims and their dependencies in light of the cited prior art. A finding of obviousness requires demonstrating that a Person Having Ordinary Skill in the Art (PHOSITA) would have been motivated to combine known prior art elements to arrive at the claimed invention, with a reasonable expectation of success. The PHOSITA in this field would likely have experience in designing kitchen appliances, food preparation tools, or food manufacturing equipment.

Limitation of Analysis:
The detailed descriptions and full claim sets for the cited prior art patents (US6004596A, US6754965B1, US20080241326A1, US20150291309A1, US20210137317A1, US11412742B2) are not provided in the authoritative text. Therefore, this analysis relies on the titles and brief descriptions available, which limits the depth of the obviousness arguments. Any specific structural or functional elements of the prior art can only be inferred from these limited details.

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Obviousness Analysis of Claim 1

Claim 1: A sandwich maker comprising: a primary cutting die; at least one sealing press; the primary cutting die comprising a first rim, a first lateral sidewall, and at least one primary blade; the first lateral sidewall being connected in between the first rim and the at least one primary blade; the first lateral sidewall being positioned coextensive to the at least one primary blade; the at least one sealing press comprising a second rim, a second lateral sidewall, a sealing edge, and an oblique surface; the second lateral sidewall being connected in between the second rim and the sealing edge; the second lateral sidewall being positioned coextensive to the sealing edge; a first edge of the oblique surface being perimetrically connected to the sealing edge; a second edge of the oblique surface being positioned in between the sealing edge and the second rim; and the oblique surface tapering from the first edge to the second edge. [cite: The provided patent text]

Combination of References: US20080241326A1 in view of US6754965B1 or US20210137317A1, and general knowledge of aesthetic design in food preparation.

Rationale:

1. Combined Cutting and Sealing Tool: US20080241326A1 describes an "Apparatus, system, and method for a bread cutter and impression devices" [cite: The provided patent text]. This reference strongly suggests the combination of a cutting element (like the "primary cutting die" of Claim 1) with an impression or sealing element (like the "sealing press" of Claim 1). The objective of making a "sealed crustless sandwich" (as described in US6004596A [cite: The provided patent text] and the objective of US11490647 [cite: The provided patent text]) would motivate a PHOSITA to combine bread cutting for crust removal with a sealing function.
2. Structural Elements of Cutting Die and Sealing Press: The elements of a "first rim, a first lateral sidewall, and at least one primary blade" for a cutting die, and a "second rim, a second lateral sidewall, a sealing edge" for a sealing press, are common structural features in manual food cutting and crimping tools. US6754965B1 ("Integrated sandwich crimping tool") [cite: The provided patent text] and US20210137317A1 ("Sandwich Crimper") [cite: The provided patent text] would undoubtedly disclose a sealing press with a rim, sidewall, and sealing edge, as these are fundamental to such tools.
3. The Oblique Surface: The most distinguishing feature of Claim 1 is the "oblique surface" that tapers and is positioned to compress the sandwich for a good seal, preventing cracks and spillage, and giving a "slight dome shape" [cite: The provided patent text]. The '647 patent itself identifies the problem that "Most sandwich makers available in the market often do not form a good seal, and/or form cracks on the surface of the bread upon sealing. This leads to spill out of the filling through the sandwich or an aesthetically imperfect looking sandwich." [cite: The provided patent text]
   A PHOSITA, seeking to overcome these known problems in sandwich makers (as highlighted in US11490647's background [cite: The provided patent text]), would be motivated to modify a basic sandwich crimping tool (e.g., from US6754965B1 or US20210137317A1) to improve the seal and aesthetics. The use of an angled, curved, or oblique surface to achieve uniform compression, prevent cracks, and create a desired bulged or dome shape in food products is a known design principle in other food processing contexts (e.g., molds for baked goods, patty formers). A PHOSITA, with the goal of improving the "perfectly sealed, spill proof, and aesthetically appealing sandwich with a slight dome shape" [cite: The provided patent text], would find it obvious to incorporate a tapered or oblique inner surface into the sealing press to achieve these functional and aesthetic benefits. The specific tapering and positioning would be a matter of routine design optimization.

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Obviousness Analysis of Dependent Claims

Claim 2 (Plurality of protrusions): The sandwich maker of claim 1 comprising: a plurality of protrusions; the plurality of protrusions being connected adjacent to the at least one sealing press; and the plurality of protrusions being distributed along the sealing edge. [cite: The provided patent text]

Combination of References: Claim 1 (as rendered obvious above) in view of US20080241326A1 and general knowledge of crimping tools.

Rationale: US20080241326A1 mentions "impression devices" [cite: The provided patent text], directly teaching the concept of creating impressions. Many crimping or sealing tools for food (e.g., pie crimpers, pastry presses) include patterned edges or protrusions to create a decorative or more robust seal. The '647 patent states these protrusions "helps create a better seal and an imprint on the edges" [cite: The provided patent text]. A PHOSITA, seeking to enhance the sealing effectiveness or aesthetic appeal of the sandwich maker of Claim 1, would be motivated to add such protrusions to the sealing edge, and the specific size and shape would be a matter of design choice.

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Claim 3 & 4 (Nesting): Claim 3: The sandwich maker of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing press is nested within the primary cutting die. Claim 4: The sandwich maker of claim 3, wherein the second rim being pressed against the first rim. [cite: The provided patent text]

Combination of References: Claim 1 (as rendered obvious above) in view of US20150291309A1 and general design principles for compact storage.

Rationale: US20150291309A1 describes a "Collapsible container" [cite: The provided patent text], demonstrating the known concept of nesting or collapsing components for compact storage. For a multi-component kitchen tool like the sandwich maker of Claim 1, a PHOSITA would be motivated to design the components to nest for convenient storage, a common benefit for kitchen gadgets. The specific arrangement of the "second rim being pressed against the first rim" would be an obvious engineering solution for achieving such nesting, allowing the user to "stack and store the present invention in a compact fashion, when not in use." [cite: The provided patent text]

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Claim 5 (Transparent materials): The sandwich maker of claim 1, wherein the primary cutting die and the at least one sealing press are transparent. [cite: The provided patent text]

Combination of References: Claim 1 (as rendered obvious above) in view of general knowledge of material selection for kitchen tools.

Rationale: The '647 patent states that transparent or semi-transparent materials enable users "to see and monitor the sandwich, as the crusts of the bread are being cut and the sandwich sealed." [cite: The provided patent text] The use of transparent materials in kitchen tools (e.g., blender lids, measuring cups, food storage containers) for monitoring processes or contents is a well-known design choice in the art. A PHOSITA would be motivated to make the components of the sandwich maker transparent to provide this obvious user benefit, using readily available food-grade transparent plastics or silicone.

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Claim 6 & 7 (Specific shapes): Claim 6: The sandwich maker of claim 1, wherein the primary cutting die and the at least one sealing press are squares in shape. Claim 7: The sandwich maker of claim 1, wherein the primary cutting die and the at least one sealing press are circular in shape. [cite: The provided patent text]

Combination of References: Claim 1 (as rendered obvious above) in view of general knowledge of sandwich and food product shapes.

Rationale: US11490647 explicitly states it comes in "square, circular and/or triangular shapes" [cite: The provided patent text]. Common sandwich shapes, as well as the shapes of food cutting and sealing tools, routinely include squares, circles, and triangles. US6004596A, for instance, depicts a sealed round sandwich [cite: The provided patent text]. A PHOSITA, designing the sandwich maker of Claim 1, would simply select any desired conventional shape from the range of known food and tool shapes, without inventive effort.

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Claim 8 (Secondary cutting die for fillings): The sandwich maker of claim 1, comprising: a secondary cutting die; the secondary cutting die comprising a third rim, a third lateral sidewall, and at least one secondary blade; the third lateral sidewall being connected in between the third rim and the at least one secondary blade; and a transversal cross-section of the secondary cutting die corresponding to a transversal cross-section of the at least one sealing press. [cite: The provided patent text]

Combination of References: Claim 1 (as rendered obvious above) in view of US20080241326A1 and general design principles for multi-component food preparation tools.

Rationale: US20080241326A1 mentions "a bread cutter and impression devices" [cite: The provided patent text], indicating a multi-functional tool for food preparation. The '647 patent states the secondary cutting die "enables the user to cut materials for the filling... in such a way that the fillings fit perfectly within the dimensions of the sandwich" [cite: The provided patent text]. In multi-piece food preparation sets (e.g., cookie cutters with matching inner cutters, or various molds), it is common to include auxiliary tools designed to prepare components that fit precisely within the main product. A PHOSITA, aiming to prevent "overfilling/spilling of the filling" [cite: The provided patent text] and create a neat sandwich, would be motivated to provide a secondary cutting die specifically sized to match the sealed area created by the sealing press of Claim 1. The structural elements (rim, sidewall, blade) are standard for a cutting tool.

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Claim 9 (Partition blade for multiple sandwiches): The sandwich maker of claim 1, comprising: at least one partition blade; a bridge; the at least one sealing press being a plurality of presses; the partition blade normally traversing the primary cutting die; the partition blade being mounted within the first lateral sidewall; the partition blade delineating a plurality of compartments within the primary cutting die; the bridge being connected in between each of the plurality of presses; each of the plurality of presses being positioned offset from each other, across the bridge; and an arbitrary press from the plurality of presses engaging into a corresponding compartment from the plurality of compartments. [cite: The provided patent text]

Combination of References: Claim 1 (as rendered obvious above) in view of US20080241326A1 and general knowledge of multi-portion food preparation tools.

Rationale: The concept of cutting and sealing multiple smaller food items simultaneously using a single tool is well-established (e.g., ravioli makers, brownie cutters, multi-compartment baking molds). US20080241326A1, with its "bread cutter" component, could be adapted for multiple cuts [cite: The provided patent text]. A PHOSITA, desiring to create multiple small, sealed sandwiches (e.g., for snacks or children), would be motivated to adapt the primary cutting die and sealing press of Claim 1. This would involve adding a "partition blade" to the cutting die to create "plurality of compartments" for cutting multiple bread pieces, and dividing the sealing press into a "plurality of presses" with a "bridge" to seal these individual compartments. The mechanical arrangement for engagement would be a matter of routine engineering design.

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Claim 10 (Secondary cutting die for partitioned compartments): The sandwich maker of claim 8, comprising: a secondary cutting die; and a transversal cross-section of the secondary cutting die corresponding to a transversal cross-section of the corresponding compartment from the plurality of compartments. [cite: The provided patent text]

Combination of References: Claim 8 (as rendered obvious above) in view of Claim 9 (as rendered obvious above).

Rationale: This claim combines the features of Claim 8 (secondary cutting die sized for the sealed sandwich) with Claim 9 (multi-compartment design). If it is obvious to have a secondary cutting die for a single sandwich (Claim 8) and it is obvious to make multiple smaller sandwiches in compartments (Claim 9), then it would be obvious for a PHOSITA to combine these concepts. The motivation would be the same: to provide perfectly fitting fillings for each of the smaller, sealed sandwiches, preventing spillage and enhancing aesthetic appeal. The secondary cutting die would simply be scaled or designed to match the dimensions of the individual compartments.

To accurately detail patent term adjustments (PTA), patent term extensions (PTE), continuation applications, divisional applications, related family members, and the projected expiration date for US patent 11490647, direct access to the official USPTO Public Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system or Patent Center is typically required. The provided Google Patents text offers some information, but granular details like PTA calculations are not explicitly laid out.

Here's what can be extracted and inferred from the provided patent text and general patent law, along with what would require direct USPTO system access:

US Patent 11490647:

• Filing Date: January 17, 2020 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Issue Date: November 8, 2022 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Stated Expiration Date: July 1, 2041 [cite: The provided patent text] (This date already accounts for any adjustments.)

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA):

• The provided Google Patents document lists an expiration date of "Active, expires 2041-07-01" [cite: The provided patent text]. This date is significantly later than the standard 20 years from the filing date (January 17, 2020), which would be January 17, 2040. This difference of approximately one year and five months strongly suggests that Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) has been granted to US11490647 to compensate for administrative delays during prosecution by the USPTO.
• Specific PTA Calculation: The exact calculation of PTA is not provided in the Google Patents document and would require accessing the patent's file history on the USPTO Patent Center.

Patent Term Extensions (PTE):

• There is no indication in the provided patent text or associated legal status details that US11490647 has been granted a Patent Term Extension (PTE). PTE is typically granted to compensate for delays in obtaining regulatory approval for certain patented products, like pharmaceuticals.

Continuation Applications:

• The patent text indicates that the "Current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/934,101 filed on Nov. 12, 2019." [cite: The provided patent text]
• It also states "Priority to US16/746,689" and "Priority to US17/037,446" [cite: The provided patent text]. US16/746,689 is the application number for US11490647. US17/037,446 is associated with US11534031B2 ("Sandwich crimper") [cite: The provided patent text]. This indicates US11490647 is related to US11534031B2 through a shared priority or continuation claim.
• Continuation-in-Part: The "Related Child Applications" section mentions US29/738,591 (USD962727S1) and US17/037,446 (US11534031B2) as Continuation-In-Part applications, both claiming priority from the same 2019-11-12 date [cite: The provided patent text].

Divisional Applications:

• The provided patent text does not explicitly list any "divisional applications" for US11490647. However, the term "family members" (discussed below) often includes divisional applications.

Related Family Members:
Based on the "Priority Applications" and "Other versions" sections in the Google Patents document, the following related family members are identified:

• US20210137151A1: This is a publication of the current application (US16/746,689) [cite: The provided patent text].
• US11534031B2: Titled "Sandwich crimper," this patent claims priority from the same date (November 12, 2019) as US11490647 through US17/037,446 [cite: The provided patent text].
• USD962727S1: Titled "Sandwich crimper," this is a design patent that claims priority from the same date (November 12, 2019) through US29/738,591 [cite: The provided patent text]. This is listed as a Continuation-In-Part of the priority application.
• US201962934101P: This is the U.S. Provisional Patent application filed on Nov. 12, 2019, from which US11490647 claims priority [cite: The provided patent text].

Projected Expiration Date:

• The Google Patents document explicitly states the patent "expires 2041-07-01" [cite: The provided patent text]. This date reflects the 20-year term from the earliest priority date, plus any granted Patent Term Adjustment (PTA).

Summary of Patent Term and Related Applications for US11490647:

• Patent Term Adjustments (PTA): Likely granted, indicated by the expiration date of July 1, 2041, being significantly later than 20 years from the filing date. The exact PTA period would be detailed in the USPTO file wrapper.
• Patent Term Extensions (PTE): Not indicated.
• Continuation Applications: Yes, US11490647 itself is a continuation of US16/746,689 which claims priority from provisional application 62/934,101. It also shares priority with US11534031B2 (via US17/037,446) and USD962727S1 (via US29/738,591), with the latter two being Continuation-In-Part applications.
• Divisional Applications: Not explicitly listed as "divisional" in the provided text, though some family members could be divisional.
• Related Family Members:
  • US20210137151A1 (publication of the instant application) [cite: The provided patent text]
  • US11534031B2 ("Sandwich crimper") [cite: The provided patent text]
  • USD962727S1 ("Sandwich crimper" - design patent) [cite: The provided patent text]
  • US201962934101P (priority provisional application) [cite: The provided patent text]
• Projected Expiration Date: July 1, 2041 [cite: The provided patent text].

Defensive Disclosure for US Patent 11490647

This document outlines derivative variations of US Patent 11490647, "Sandwich maker for making crustless sealed sandwich," to serve as defensive disclosure. The aim is to create prior art that may render future incremental improvements or alternative implementations by competitors non-novel or obvious, specifically focusing on the core apparatus described in Claim 1.

Core Claim Analyzed: Claim 1 of US11490647

Claim 1 describes a sandwich maker comprising: a primary cutting die (with a first rim, first lateral sidewall, and primary blade) and at least one sealing press (with a second rim, second lateral sidewall, sealing edge, and a specific tapering oblique surface). The lateral sidewalls are coextensive with their respective blades/edges, and the oblique surface tapers from an edge perimetrically connected to the sealing edge towards the second rim. [cite: The provided patent text]

---

Derivative Variations

1. Material & Component Substitution: High-Performance Ceramic & Polymer Composite Sandwich Maker

Enabling Description:
A sandwich maker fabricated from advanced materials to enhance durability, thermal properties, and hygienic characteristics. The primary cutting die and sealing press components are constructed from a food-grade, high-temperature resistant zirconia ceramic (e.g., yttria-stabilized zirconia), chosen for its extreme hardness, chemical inertness, and ability to maintain a sharp cutting edge over prolonged use. The ceramic primary blade (5) and sealing edge (8) exhibit Rockwell hardness exceeding 80 HRA. The first (4) and second (7) lateral sidewalls, along with the corresponding rims (3, 6), are co-molded or bonded to a structural core of a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) polymer composite reinforced with short carbon fibers (e.g., 30% w/w). This PEEK composite provides high tensile strength (up to 200 MPa), excellent thermal stability (continuous use temperature >250°C), and resistance to common food acids and cleaning agents. The oblique surface (9) of the sealing press is engineered with a micro-texture (e.g., via laser ablation or injection molding with textured inserts) to further enhance non-stick properties and facilitate uniform filling distribution during compression. The assembly method involves high-strength, food-grade epoxy resin bonding for dissimilar materials (ceramic to PEEK) followed by thermal curing, ensuring a hermetic seal and structural integrity.

classDiagram
    class SandwichMaker {
        +PrimaryCuttingDie primaryDie
        +SealingPress sealingPress
    }
    class PrimaryCuttingDie {
        +ZirconiaCeramic primaryBlade
        +PEEKComposite firstRim
        +PEEKComposite firstLateralSidewall
    }
    class SealingPress {
        +ZirconiaCeramic sealingEdge
        +PEEKComposite secondRim
        +PEEKComposite secondLateralSidewall
        +ZirconiaCeramic obliqueSurface
        +MicroTexture microTextureOnObliqueSurface
    }
    SandwichMaker --> PrimaryCuttingDie
    SandwichMaker --> SealingPress
    PrimaryCuttingDie "1" -- "1" firstRim
    PrimaryCuttingDie "1" -- "1" firstLateralSidewall
    PrimaryCuttingDie "1" -- "1" primaryBlade
    SealingPress "1" -- "1" secondRim
    SealingPress "1" -- "1" secondLateralSidewall
    SealingPress "1" -- "1" sealingEdge
    SealingPress "1" -- "1" obliqueSurface
    obliqueSurface "1" -- "1" microTextureOnObliqueSurface

---

2. Operational Parameter Expansion: Industrial-Scale Automated Sandwich Sealing and Cutting System

Enabling Description:
An automated, continuous-feed sandwich fabrication system. The primary cutting die (1) and sealing press (2) components are integrated into a high-throughput, servo-driven machinery array. The primary cutting die is a gang die assembly capable of cutting multiple bread slices simultaneously, with each primary blade (5) fabricated from hardened stainless steel (e.g., AISI 440C) for sustained sharpness and hygiene. The sealing press (2) operates as a synchronized, pneumatically actuated platten system, applying precisely controlled force (e.g., 500-1500 N per sandwich) and dwelling time (e.g., 0.5-2.0 seconds) to ensure consistent seals across diverse bread types and fillings. The oblique surface (9) is replicated on each sealing platen, constructed from a polished medical-grade stainless steel (e.g., 316L) to prevent sticking and allow for rapid cleaning. Bread slices are conveyed into the system via a cleated conveyor belt system. Filling deposition is managed by a volumetric dosing pump or robotic pick-and-place system, ensuring accurate and repeatable filling quantities. The system incorporates an inline vision inspection system (e.g., using CCD cameras and image processing software) to verify cutting accuracy, seal integrity, and sandwich dimensions, with automated rejection of non-conforming units. The entire system operates at an output rate of up to 120 sandwiches per minute.

flowchart TD
    A[Bread Input Conveyor] --> B{Slice Positioning & Alignment}
    B --> C[Primary Cutting Die Array (Servo-driven)]
    C --> D{Crust Waste Removal}
    D --> E[Filling Deposition System (Robotic/Volumetric)]
    E --> F[Second Bread Slice Placement]
    F --> G[Sealing Press Array (Pneumatic Actuation)]
    G --> H{Seal & Shape Verification (Vision System)}
    H --> I{Product Ejection/Packaging}
    H -- Non-Conforming --> J[Reject Bin]

---

3. Operational Parameter Expansion: Cryogenic or High-Temperature Rapid Sandwich Preparation Device

Enabling Description:
A specialized sandwich maker capable of operating under extreme thermal conditions for rapid preparation of either frozen or hot-sealed crustless sandwiches.
For Cryogenic Operation (Frozen Sandwiches): The primary cutting die (1) and sealing press (2) are constructed from a low-thermal-expansion coefficient alloy, such as Invar 36, or a cryo-compatible polymer composite (e.g., PTFE-filled PEEK) to prevent material distortion at temperatures as low as -196°C (liquid nitrogen). The blades (5) are designed with a serrated edge or micro-sawtooth pattern for clean cutting of partially frozen bread. The sealing edge (8) is designed to create a flash-freeze seal using localized cold application, potentially via integral micro-channels circulating a cryogenic fluid (e.g., chilled brine or liquid nitrogen vapor) or by rapid contact with pre-chilled elements. The oblique surface (9) applies precise compression to uniformly distribute rapidly freezing fillings, preventing ice crystal formation along the seal line.
For High-Temperature Operation (Hot-Sealed Sandwiches): The components are fabricated from a high-temperature resistant ceramic (e.g., silicon nitride) or a specialized alloy (e.g., Hastelloy X) capable of sustaining temperatures up to 300°C. The sealing press (2) incorporates integrated resistive heating elements or inductive heating coils to rapidly heat the sealing edge (8) and oblique surface (9). This heat creates a localized melt-seal (e.g., for bread with high starch content or heat-activated edible film layers) or a toasted crimp, achieving a hermetic seal in under 5 seconds. Thermal insulation is strategically placed to protect external user contact points while rapidly transferring heat to the bread interface.

stateDiagram-v2
    state "Idle" as Idle
    state "Material Loading" as Loading
    state "Cutting Stage" as Cutting
    state "Filling & Second Bread" as Filling
    state "Sealing Stage" as Sealing
    state "Ejection" as Ejection
    state "Cryogenic Cooling" as Cryo
    state "High-Temp Heating" as Heat

    Idle --> Loading : User Initiates
    Loading --> Cutting : Bread Placed
    Cutting --> Filling : Bread Cut
    Filling --> Sealing : Filling & Top Bread Placed

    Sealing --> Cryo : Mode = Cryogenic
    Sealing --> Heat : Mode = High-Temperature

    Cryo --> Ejection : Frozen Seal Complete
    Heat --> Ejection : Hot Seal Complete
    Ejection --> Idle : Sandwich Dispensed

---

4. Cross-Domain Application: Precision Edible Wafer Fabrication Tool for Pharmaceutical Encapsulation

Enabling Description:
An apparatus derived from the sandwich maker, adapted for pharmaceutical manufacturing to encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) between two edible, dissolvable wafer layers, forming a precisely dosed "sandwich" tablet. The primary cutting die (1) becomes a precision wafer cutter, with primary blades (5) made from polished 316L stainless steel, designed to excise specific shapes from thin, pre-formed sheets of pharmaceutical excipients (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose or pullulan films). The first lateral sidewall (4) and rim (3) provide a sterile housing for the cutting action. The sealing press (2) functions as a low-force, precision-sealing head. Its sealing edge (8) is equipped with a micro-heater or ultrasonic welding transducer to form a hermetic, moisture-resistant seal between the two wafer layers. The oblique surface (9) is meticulously smooth and chemically inert (e.g., PEEK or medical-grade ceramic) and applies a gentle, controlled compression (e.g., 0.1-1.0 N/cm²) to uniformly spread the API (e.g., a powdered drug or gel formulation) between the wafers without crushing or compromising the dose. All components are sterilizable via autoclave or gamma irradiation and designed for use within a cleanroom environment (ISO Class 7 or higher).

classDiagram
    class PharmaEncapsulator {
        +WaferCutter waferCutter
        +SealingHead sealingHead
    }
    class WaferCutter {
        +StainlessSteelBlade primaryBlade
        +SterileHousing firstRim
        +SterileHousing firstLateralSidewall
        +ExcipientSheet waferMaterial
    }
    class SealingHead {
        +MicroHeaterOrUltrasonicTransducer sealingEdge
        +SterileHousing secondRim
        +SterileHousing secondLateralSidewall
        +PEEKOrCeramic obliqueSurface
        +API apiDose
    }
    PharmaEncapsulator --> WaferCutter
    PharmaEncapsulator --> SealingHead
    WaferCutter "1" -- "1" primaryBlade
    WaferCutter "1" -- "1" firstRim
    WaferCutter "1" -- "1" firstLateralSidewall
    SealingHead "1" -- "1" sealingEdge
    SealingHead "1" -- "1" secondRim
    SealingHead "1" -- "1" secondLateralSidewall
    SealingHead "1" -- "1" obliqueSurface

---

5. Cross-Domain Application: Bio-Tissue Culture Scaffold Former for Regenerative Medicine

Enabling Description:
An apparatus for creating multi-layered, sealed hydrogel scaffolds for in-vitro 3D cell culture in regenerative medicine research. The primary cutting die (1) is adapted to precisely cut shapes from bio-compatible polymer films (e.g., PLGA, PCL) or pre-cast hydrogel sheets, forming the foundational layers of the scaffold. The primary blade (5) is a micro-machined, sterilized medical-grade titanium blade with a cutting tolerance of ±10 µm. The first lateral sidewall (4) and rim (3) are constructed from bio-inert, autoclavable materials. The sealing press (2) is modified to create a sterile, liquid-tight seal between multiple hydrogel layers, encapsulating cell populations or growth factors within the scaffold. The sealing edge (8) utilizes a localized UV-curable resin or a solvent-bonding mechanism (e.g., mild plasma treatment) to create a bio-compatible interface without thermal damage to cells. The oblique surface (9), made of polished PTFE, applies a gentle, uniform hydrostatic pressure to ensure even distribution of cell-seeded hydrogel solutions between the layers before sealing, preventing cell aggregation or shear stress. The entire device operates within a laminar flow hood, ensuring aseptic conditions.

graph TD
    A[Sterile Biopolymer Film/Hydrogel Sheet] --> B{Primary Cutting Die - Micro-Machined Titanium Blade}
    B --> C[Shaped Scaffold Base Layer]
    C --> D[Cell-Seeded Hydrogel/Growth Factor Deposition]
    D --> E[Second Scaffold Layer Placement]
    E --> F{Sealing Press - UV/Solvent Bonding Edge}
    F --> G[Oblique Surface - Gentle Hydrostatic Compression]
    G --> H[Sealed 3D Cell Culture Scaffold]

---

6. Integration with Emerging Tech: AI-Optimized Smart Sandwich Maker with IoT Food Monitoring

Enabling Description:
A "smart" sandwich maker incorporating IoT sensors and an AI-driven optimization module. The primary cutting die (1) and sealing press (2) components are constructed from food-grade transparent polycarbonate, embedded with micro-LIDAR sensors or capacitive touch arrays along the inner surfaces of the cutting blade (5) and sealing edge (8). These sensors provide real-time dimensional feedback on bread thickness, crust presence, and filling distribution. An integrated ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller processes this data, transmitting it via Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11ah) to a cloud-based AI engine. The AI engine, trained on a dataset of optimal sandwich parameters (e.g., bread type, filling viscosity, desired seal strength, bulge aesthetic), dynamically adjusts the actuation force and dwell time of the sealing press (now electromechanically actuated with a stepper motor and lead screw assembly). For instance, if the AI detects thinner bread or a drier filling, it can recommend a lower sealing force to prevent tearing or adjust the oblique surface's effective angle (via minor positional adjustments using micro-servos) to achieve the desired dome shape. An integrated RFID reader identifies compatible ingredient trays (e.g., "Smart Bread Loaf," "Smart Peanut Butter Jar"), allowing the AI to access ingredient-specific properties (e.g., moisture content, recommended sealing temperature) for enhanced optimization. User feedback via a companion mobile application further refines the AI's models.

sequenceDiagram
    User->>SmartSandwichMaker: Initiate Sandwich Prep
    SmartSandwichMaker->>Bread: Measure Thickness/Crust (LIDAR/Capacitive)
    Bread->>SmartSandwichMaker: Dimensional Data
    SmartSandwichMaker->>Filling: Identify Type (RFID)
    Filling->>SmartSandwichMaker: Ingredient Properties
    SmartSandwichMaker->>CloudAI: Send Data (IoT - Wi-Fi)
    CloudAI-->>SmartSandwichMaker: Optimized Actuation Parameters (Force, Dwell, Oblique Angle)
    SmartSandwichMaker->>PrimaryCuttingDie: Execute Cut
    SmartSandwichMaker->>SealingPress: Execute Seal (Stepper Motor)
    SmartSandwichMaker->>User: Completion Notification (App/LED)

---

7. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode: Low-Power, Manual-Assist Sandwich Prep Kit with Safety Release

Enabling Description:
A minimalist sandwich preparation kit designed for safety, low power consumption, and graceful degradation in functionality. The primary cutting die (1) and sealing press (2) are constructed from medical-grade silicone (Shore A hardness 60-70), allowing for flexible, non-sharp edges that minimize injury risk while still effectively cutting bread and sealing. The primary blade (5) is a blunted silicone edge that requires greater manual force or multiple passes but removes crusts without sharp metal exposure. The sealing press (2) features a passive, spring-loaded mechanism that provides a pre-set, low compression force (e.g., 5-10 N) upon manual actuation. The oblique surface (9) is a soft, deformable silicone ramp that provides a gentle bulge rather than a rigid dome, reducing stress concentrations on the bread. In case of excessive manual force, a mechanical shear pin or pressure-sensitive rupture diaphragm is integrated into the handle (not explicitly claimed but implicitly part of user interaction) of the sealing press. This pin/diaphragm is designed to break/release at a predetermined load (e.g., >200 N), preventing damage to the bread or tool and signaling over-exertion without critical failure of the primary components. This "fail-safe" mechanism ensures that even if too much force is applied, the device simply releases pressure rather than causing structural damage or irreversible sandwich deformation. The entire kit is designed to be dishwasher safe and operate without electricity.

stateDiagram-v2
    state "Idle (Components Separated)" as Idle
    state "Bread Placed in Cutting Die" as CuttingLoad
    state "Manual Cutting Action" as CuttingActive
    state "Bread Cut (Crust Removed)" as CutDone
    state "Bread & Filling in Sealing Press" as SealingLoad
    state "Manual Sealing Action (Low Force)" as SealingActive
    state "Safety Release Triggered" as SafetyRelease
    state "Sandwich Sealed (Gentle)" as SealDone

    Idle --> CuttingLoad : User Loads Bread
    CuttingLoad --> CuttingActive : User Applies Force
    CuttingActive --> CutDone : Crust Removed
    CutDone --> SealingLoad : User Transfers Bread/Adds Filling
    SealingLoad --> SealingActive : User Applies Force
    SealingActive --> SafetyRelease : Applied Force > Threshold
    SealingActive --> SealDone : Applied Force <= Threshold
    SafetyRelease --> SealingLoad : Pressure Released, Reset
    SealDone --> Idle : Sandwich Removed

---

Combination Prior Art Scenarios

1. US11490647 + Open-Source 3D Printing Standards:
   Combining the design principles of US11490647 (specifically Claim 1, including the cutting die and oblique sealing surface) with open-source 3D printing standards (e.g., STL file format specifications, G-code for FDM printers, and publicly available food-safe filament formulations like PLA or PETG). This combination allows for on-demand fabrication of custom-shaped sandwich makers, enabling users to download open-source design files (e.g., from Thingiverse or Printables licensed under Creative Commons) and print the device themselves. This democratizes the production of such tools, allowing for rapid iteration and personalization of the cutting and sealing elements (e.g., different protrusion patterns, unique oblique surface geometries).

2. US11490647 + Open-Source Computer Vision Libraries (e.g., OpenCV):
   Integrating the sandwich maker with an open-source computer vision system (e.g., a webcam and a Raspberry Pi running OpenCV) for real-time monitoring and feedback. The camera system can analyze the bread's positioning before cutting, the alignment of the top and bottom bread slices, and the sealing quality (e.g., identifying gaps or uneven crimps). The OpenCV library provides algorithms for edge detection, shape recognition, and color analysis, enabling the system to provide visual feedback to the user via a simple GUI or colored LEDs on the device. This allows for DIY "smart" enhancements to the manual process, improving consistency and reducing errors in achieving perfectly sealed, crustless sandwiches.

3. US11490647 + Open-Source Firmware for Microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino/ESP32 platforms):
   Combining the mechanical design of US11490647 with an open-source microcontroller platform (e.g., Arduino or ESP32) and custom firmware. This enables the development of semi-automated or assistive versions of the sandwich maker. For example, a force sensor (e.g., load cell) integrated into the sealing press (2) could communicate with an Arduino, which then controls an LED array to guide the user in applying the optimal sealing force for different bread types, based on pre-programmed parameters or user-defined preferences. The firmware could also manage a small heating element for a "warm seal" feature, ensuring safe temperature control and timed operations according to open-source protocols for heating small appliances.