Patents by Inventor Richard Custer

Richard Custer 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).

  • Publication number: 20080256901
    Abstract: A reclosable package, formed from at least one polymeric sheet, having a closure and a vacuum valve. The vacuum valve comprises a port, the port being aligned with an aperture in the first sidewall of the package. The vacuum valve allows gas to be removed from inside the package via a vacuum pump. A gas-impermeable layer, overlaying at least one of the aperture and the port, restricts gaseous communication between the vacuum valve and the inside of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Custer, Greg W. Melchoir, Paul Tilman
  • Publication number: 20080073368
    Abstract: Polymeric containers that have a container body and a removable and replaceable lid configured for sealing engagement with the body. The sealing arrangement between the container body and the lids includes a discontinuity feature that provides a passage for fluid from the exterior of the container to the sealing arrangement, which reduces the forces needed to open (e.g., unseal) or vent the container. The containers are often thermoformed, and might be considered “disposable” containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: RICHARD CUSTER, Catherine E. Kettner, Gary N. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080044113
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum storage bag system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its' periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Tilman, Michael Schrelter, James Buchman, Paul Tretina, Mladomir Tomic, Richard Custer
  • Publication number: 20070286534
    Abstract: A reclosable package having a zipper closure, and optionally a slider device to open and close the zipper closure. The package includes a sealant stripe, which can be a peal seal, and a one-way fluid valve. In use, the valve is used to remove air from the interior of the package, and the sealant strip, in combination with the zipper closure, provides a better seal than the zipper alone. The package may be part of a storage system that includes stand-off structures adjacent to the valve, a vacuum pump assembly, and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the vacuum pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Tilman, James Buchman, Richard Custer
  • Publication number: 20070092167
    Abstract: A reclosable package having a zipper closure, and optionally a slider device to open and close the zipper closure. The package includes a sealant stripe, which can be a peal seal, and a one-way fluid valve. In use, the valve is used to remove air from the interior of the package, and the sealant strip, in combination with the zipper closure, provides a better seal than the zipper alone. The package may be part of a storage system that includes stand-off structures adjacent to the valve, a vacuum pump assembly, and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the vacuum pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Tilman, James Buchman, Richard Custer