Patents by Inventor Nathaniel Mark Saal
Nathaniel Mark Saal has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11470853Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary embodiments including a computing device comprising a processor, a memory and a display, the computing device being configured to dynamically display a specific, structured interactive graphical user interface paired with a prescribed functionality directly related to the interactive graphical user interface's structure, the specific structured interactive graphical user interface configured to receive input information including an entry of a desired type of food to be prepared, and a desired characteristic of the food, the computing device processor automatically generating a food preparation parameter based on the received input information, and the computing device processor automatically generating a custom recipe for preparation of the food. Additionally, the specific structured interactive graphical user interface may be configured to receive an entry to modify the food preparation parameter or the custom recipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: CocoTerra CompanyInventors: Nathaniel Mark Saal, Karen Alter
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Patent number: 11464241Abstract: A chocolate processing system, including: a chamber, defining a rotation axis, the chamber including a first and second portion cooperatively defining a chamber lumen, the first and second portion actuatably separable at a seam, and a precursor inlet; a precursor dispenser, including an actuatable compartment coupled to the precursor inlet of the chamber; a reducer, arranged within the chamber lumen; a rotationally actuatable processing shaft, intersecting the chamber lumen; an agitator coupled to the processing shaft and extending into the chamber lumen; a motor including a drive shaft, the drive shaft coupled to the processing shaft and the chamber; a temperature control system including a transfer surface, the transfer surface thermally connectable to the chamber; and a mold, defining a mold lumen, the mold circumferentially arranged about the chamber at a seam.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: CocoTerra CompanyInventors: Nathaniel Mark Saal, Knut Skarpaas, VIII
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Publication number: 20200288741Abstract: Provided herein are exemplary embodiments including a computing device comprising a processor, a memory and a display, the computing device being configured to dynamically display a specific, structured interactive graphical user interface paired with a prescribed functionality directly related to the interactive graphical user interface's structure, the specific structured interactive graphical user interface configured to receive input information including an entry of a desired type of food to be prepared, and a desired characteristic of the food, the computing device processor automatically generating a food preparation parameter based on the received input information, and the computing device processor automatically generating a custom recipe for preparation of the food. Additionally, the specific structured interactive graphical user interface may be configured to receive an entry to modify the food preparation parameter or the custom recipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Nathaniel Mark Saal, Karen Alter
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Publication number: 20190357559Abstract: A chocolate processing system, including: a chamber, defining a rotation axis, the chamber including a first and second portion cooperatively defining a chamber lumen, the first and second portion actuatably separable at a seam, and a precursor inlet; a precursor dispenser, including an actuatable compartment coupled to the precursor inlet of the chamber; a reducer, arranged within the chamber lumen; a rotationally actuatable processing shaft, intersecting the chamber lumen; an agitator coupled to the processing shaft and extending into the chamber lumen; a motor including a drive shaft, the drive shaft coupled to the processing shaft and the chamber; a temperature control system including a transfer surface, the transfer surface thermally connectable to the chamber; and a mold, defining a mold lumen, the mold circumferentially arranged about the chamber at a seam.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2019Publication date: November 28, 2019Inventors: Nathaniel Mark Saal, Knut Skarpaas, VIII
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Patent number: 10463057Abstract: A chocolate processing system, including: a chamber, defining a rotation axis, the chamber including a first and second portion cooperatively defining a chamber lumen, the first and second portion actuatably separable at a seam, and a precursor inlet; a precursor dispenser, including an actuatable compartment coupled to the precursor inlet of the chamber; a reducer, arranged within the chamber lumen; a rotationally actuatable processing shaft, intersecting the chamber lumen; an agitator coupled to the processing shaft and extending into the chamber lumen; a motor including a drive shaft, the drive shaft coupled to the processing shaft and the chamber; a temperature control system including a transfer surface, the transfer surface thermally connectable to the chamber; and a mold, defining a mold lumen, the mold circumferentially arranged about the chamber at a seam.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: CocoTerra CompanyInventors: Nathaniel Mark Saal, Knut Skarpaas, VIII
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Publication number: 20170212595Abstract: A user interface system for a device that includes a first deformable layer that with a first sheet that defines a first surface, a first fluid vessel arranged underneath the first surface, and a first volume of fluid contained within the first fluid vessel that is manipulated to deform a first particular region of the first surface to receive a user input; a second deformable layer with a second sheet that defines a second surface, a second fluid vessel arranged underneath the second surface, and a second volume of fluid contained within the second fluid vessel that is manipulated to deform a second particular region of the second surface to change the shape of the device; and a displacement device a displacement device coupled to at least one of the first and second fluid vessels and configured to manipulate the volumes of fluid to deform particular regions of the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2017Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: Craig Michael Ciesla, Micah B. Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Patent number: 9619030Abstract: One embodiment of the user interface system comprises: A tactile layer defining a tactile surface touchable by a user and plurality of deformable regions operable between a retracted state, wherein the deformable regions are flush with an undeformable region of the tactile layer; and an expanded state, wherein the deformable regions are proud of the undeformable region. A substrate joined to the undeformable region and defining a fluid port per deformable region and a fluid channel. A displacement device displacing the fluid through the fluid channel and the fluid ports to transition the deformable regions from the retracted state to the expanded state. A first and a second pressure sensor detecting changes in fluid pressure within the fluid due to a force applied to a particular deformable region. A processor determining the particular deformable region to be location of the input force based upon the detected fluid pressure changes.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Tactus Technology, Inc.Inventors: Craig Michael Ciesla, Micah B. Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Publication number: 20170003745Abstract: A user interface system including a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a first level fluid vessel arranged at a first level within the sheet and a second level fluid vessel arranged at a second level within the sheet, wherein both the first and second level fluid vessels are arranged underneath the surface; a first volume of fluid contained within the first level fluid vessel; a second volume of fluid contained within the second level fluid vessel; and a displacement device coupled to the first and second level fluid vessels that selectively manipulates the first and second volumes of fluid, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface to a first and second stage, respectively or deforming a first particular region and a second particular region of the surface, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Craig Michael Ciesla, Micah B. Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Publication number: 20160357326Abstract: A dynamic tactile interface includes: a substrate including a first transparent material and defining an attachment surface, an open channel opposite the attachment surface, and a fluid conduit intersecting the open channel and passing through the attachment surface; a tactile layer including a second transparent material and defining a tactile surface, a peripheral region bonded to the attachment surface opposite the tactile surface, and a deformable region adjacent the fluid conduit and disconnected from the attachment surface; a closing panel bonded to the substrate opposite the attachment surface and enclosing the open channel to define a fluid channel; a working fluid; and a displacement device configured to displace the working fluid into the fluid channel and through the fluid conduit to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Micah Yairi, Craig Ciesla, Nathaniel Mark Saal, Curtis Ray, Michael Hammersley, Brandon Miller, Ben Calub, Carl Del Rosario, Mario Garcia, Ron Menigoz, David Krevor, Jonathan Jenkins
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Patent number: 9477308Abstract: A user interface system including a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a first level fluid vessel arranged at a first level within the sheet and a second level fluid vessel arranged at a second level within the sheet, wherein both the first and second level fluid vessels are arranged underneath the surface; a first volume of fluid contained within the first level fluid vessel; a second volume of fluid contained within the second level fluid vessel; and a displacement device coupled to the first and second level fluid vessels that selectively manipulates the first and second volumes of fluid, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface to a first and second stage, respectively or deforming a first particular region and a second particular region of the surface, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Tactus Technology, Inc.Inventors: Craig Michael Ciesla, Micah B. Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Publication number: 20160266712Abstract: A method for actuating a tactile interface layer for a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of detecting a gesture of the user along the surface of the tactile interface layer that includes a movement of a finger of the user from a first location on the surface to a second location on the surface; interpreting the gesture as a command for the deformable region; and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Craig Ciesla, Micah Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Publication number: 20160252961Abstract: A user interface system for a device that includes a first deformable layer that with a first sheet that defines a first surface, a first fluid vessel arranged underneath the first surface, and a first volume of fluid contained within the first fluid vessel that is manipulated to deform a first particular region of the first surface to receive a user input; a second deformable layer with a second sheet that defines a second surface, a second fluid vessel arranged underneath the second surface, and a second volume of fluid contained within the second fluid vessel that is manipulated to deform a second particular region of the second surface to change the shape of the device; and a displacement device a displacement device coupled to at least one of the first and second fluid vessels and configured to manipulate the volumes of fluid to deform particular regions of the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2016Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventors: Craig Michael Ciesla, Micah B. Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Publication number: 20160231841Abstract: One variation of a user interface includes: a substrate defining a fluid channel fluidly coupled to a cavity and including a linear segment parallel to a first direction; a tactile layer including a tactile surface, a deformable region cooperating with the substrate to define the cavity, and an peripheral region coupled to the substrate proximal a perimeter of the cavity; a displacement device coupled to the fluid channel and configured to displace fluid through the fluid channel to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting, the deformable region tactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region in the expanded setting; a display coupled to the substrate and including a set of pixels arranged in a linear pixel pattern parallel to a second direction nonparallel with the first direction; and a sensor coupled to the substrate and configured to detect an input on the tactile surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Micah B. Yairi, Craig M. Ciesla, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Patent number: 9405417Abstract: One variation of a dynamic tactile interface includes: a substrate including a first transparent material and defining an attachment surface, an open channel opposite the attachment surface, and a fluid conduit intersecting the open channel and passing through the attachment surface; a tactile layer including a second transparent material and defining a tactile surface, a peripheral region bonded to the attachment surface opposite the tactile surface, and a deformable region adjacent the fluid conduit and disconnected from the attachment surface; a closing panel bonded to the substrate opposite the attachment surface and enclosing the open channel to define a fluid channel; a working fluid; and a displacement device configured to displace the working fluid into the fluid channel and through the fluid conduit to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Tactus Technology, Inc.Inventors: Micah B Yairi, Craig Ciesla, Nathaniel Mark Saal, Curtis Ray, Michael Hammersley, Brandon Miller, Ben Calub, Carl Del Rosario, Mario Garcia, Ron Menigoz, David Krevor, Jonathan Jenkins
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Publication number: 20160205963Abstract: A chocolate processing system, including: a chamber, defining a rotation axis, the chamber including a first and second portion cooperatively defining a chamber lumen, the first and second portion actuatably separable at a seam, and a precursor inlet; a precursor dispenser, including an actuatable compartment coupled to the precursor inlet of the chamber; a reducer, arranged within the chamber lumen; a rotationally actuatable processing shaft, intersecting the chamber lumen; an agitator coupled to the processing shaft and extending into the chamber lumen; a motor including a drive shaft, the drive shaft coupled to the processing shaft and the chamber; a temperature control system including a transfer surface, the transfer surface thermally connectable to the chamber; and a mold, defining a mold lumen, the mold circumferentially arranged about the chamber at a seam.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Nathaniel Mark Saal, Knut Skarpaas, VIII
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Patent number: 9372539Abstract: A method for actuating a tactile interface layer for a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of detecting a gesture of the user along the surface of the tactile interface layer that includes a movement of a finger of the user from a first location on the surface to a second location on the surface; interpreting the gesture as a command for the deformable region; and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Tactus Technology, Inc.Inventors: Craig Ciesla, Micah Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Patent number: 9367132Abstract: A user interface system for a device that includes a first deformable layer that with a first sheet that defines a first surface, a first fluid vessel arranged underneath the first surface, and a first volume of fluid contained within the first fluid vessel that is manipulated to deform a first particular region of the first surface to receive a user input; a second deformable layer with a second sheet that defines a second surface, a second fluid vessel arranged underneath the second surface, and a second volume of fluid contained within the second fluid vessel that is manipulated to deform a second particular region of the second surface to change the shape of the device; and a displacement device a displacement device coupled to at least one of the first and second fluid vessels and configured to manipulate the volumes of fluid to deform particular regions of the surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Tactus Technology, Inc.Inventors: Craig Michael Ciesla, Micah B. Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Publication number: 20160139698Abstract: A dynamic tactile interface includes: a substrate including a first transparent material and defining an attachment surface, an open channel opposite the attachment surface, and a fluid conduit intersecting the open channel and passing through the attachment surface; a tactile layer including a second transparent material and defining a tactile surface, a peripheral region bonded to the attachment surface opposite the tactile surface, and a deformable region adjacent the fluid conduit and disconnected from the attachment surface; a closing panel bonded to the substrate opposite the attachment surface and enclosing the open channel to define a fluid channel; a working fluid; and a displacement device configured to displace the working fluid into the fluid channel and through the fluid conduit to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2016Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventors: Micah Yairi, Craig Ciesla, Nathaniel Mark Saal, Curtis Ray, Michael Hammersley, Brandon Miller, Ben Calub, Carl Del Rosario, Mario Garcia, Ron Menigoz, David Krevor, Jonathan Jenkins
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Publication number: 20160077662Abstract: A method adjusting a user interface experience for a device that includes providing a user interface to retrieve a user input, providing a tactile interface layer that defines a surface and includes a volume of fluid and a displacement device 10 that manipulates the volume of fluid to deform a particular region of the surface into a tactilely distinguishable formation retrieving a user preference between a first type, location, and/or timing and a second embodiment, location, and/or timing through the user interface, and manipulating the volume of fluid to deform a particular region of the surface into a tactilely distinguishable formation of one of the first and second type, location, and/or timing is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Craig Ciesla, Micah Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Patent number: 9280224Abstract: A dynamic tactile interface includes: a substrate including a first transparent material and defining an attachment surface, an open channel opposite the attachment surface, and a fluid conduit intersecting the open channel and passing through the attachment surface; a tactile layer including a second transparent material and defining a tactile surface, a peripheral region bonded to the attachment surface opposite the tactile surface, and a deformable region adjacent the fluid conduit and disconnected from the attachment surface; a closing panel bonded to the substrate opposite the attachment surface and enclosing the open channel to define a fluid channel; a working fluid; and a displacement device configured to displace the working fluid into the fluid channel and through the fluid conduit to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting to an expanded setting.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Tactus Technology, Inc.Inventors: Micah B Yairi, Craig Ciesla, Nathaniel Mark Saal, Curtis Ray, Michael Hammersley, Brandon Miller, Ben Calub, Carl Del Rosario, Mario Garcia, Ron Menigoz, David Krevor, Jonathan Jenkins