Storage device utilizing zeolites to control gaseous content

Abstract

A storage device for the preservation of oxidizable materials includes a storage chamber enclosing a storage space adapted to receive oxidizable materials for storage therein. The storage device also includes a zeolite chamber having a zeolite therein, the zeolite chamber allowing at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. The zeolite chamber is in fluid communication with the storage chamber such that the at least one selected gas allowed to pass through the zeolite chamber flows into the storage chamber. An air mover feeds gases to the zeolite chamber, and the level of oxygen within the storage chamber is reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of, under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e), U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/404,009, filed Aug. 16, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a storage device, and more specifically to a long-term storage device for oxidizable materials which controls the gaseous content of a storage volume of the device in order to prolong storage life, allow storage of currently difficult-to-store materials and to inhibit the ripening and/or deterioration of certain foods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Refrigerated devices are well known and widely utilized to increase the storage life of items to be stored, such as food items. As an example, a refrigerator commonly used in most households in the United States increases the storage life of many foods by maintaining the temperature well below room temperature, thereby slowing the natural ripening and oxidation processes. However, such devices suffer from a number of disadvantages, including complexity, weight and cost.

[0004] Moreover, devices which rely solely upon refrigeration can be noisy and generate a great amount of heat, which may be undesirable in many circumstances. Furthermore, refrigeration devices are generally not energy efficient, and thus such devices are typically costly to operate and environmentally unfriendly. Furthermore, refrigeration devices may not be appropriate for storing all food items (e.g., apples may lose their taste when cold, bananas may turn black, etc.). Another problem with refrigeration devices is that they may not be appropriate for storing many non-food items (e.g., documents, stamps, coins, etc.) due to moisture problems.

[0005] Another type of storage device which has been developed is a vacuum storage device, which operates by creating a vacuum within a storage volume of the device in order to remove oxygen therefrom, and extend the storage life of oxidizable materials. Although such devices obviate some of the disadvantages of refrigeration devices (i.e., the problems associated with storing certain food items in a cold environment and the moisture problems), vacuum devices do not remedy a number of the other problems. Vacuum storage devices are typically even more complex, heavy and costly to produce than refrigeration devices, which is why such vacuum devices are typically used only in industrial settings. These devices are typically large and may pose a safety problem, as it has been known that persons may become trapped within such devices, and be injured or killed because of the vacuum created therein.

[0006] Furthermore, the vacuum pumps used with vacuum storage devices can be noisy and are generally not energy efficient, thereby making vacuum storage devices costly to operate and environmentally unfriendly. Moreover, vacuum storage devices suffer from a number of additional disadvantages. In addition to requiring a costly vacuum pump, the storage volume itself is also costly. This is true because, due to the vacuum created, a structurally heavy storage volume is required so as to inhibit implosion or collapsing thereof due to the vacuum formed therein. Moreover, a complex and expensive sealing means is required so that the storage volume can hold a vacuum. Moreover, despite the precautions taken, there is a very real possibility that implosion may occur and/or that a vacuum may not be held.

[0007] Yet another type of storage device which has been developed is an inert gas pumping system. In these devices, an inert gas environment is artificially maintained within a storage volume by pumping an inert gas, such as nitrogen, into the storage volume, thereby displacing the normal atmospheric content (including oxygen) to maintain and prolong the storage life of oxidizable items stored therein. However, these devices are typically even more costly and complex than refrigeration and vacuum systems, and are therefore generally used only to store rare documents, stamps, coins, and/or other valuable materials. A further disadvantage of these types of systems is that it is necessary to provide, and to replace on a regular basis, cylinders of inert gas, which can be costly and burdensome, and which renders such devices appropriate only for large-scale industrial use (as opposed to home use).

[0008] Still another type of storage device includes a storage chamber enclosing a storage space where oxidizable materials may be placed and a differentially permeable membrane. The differentially permeable membrane allows at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. The differentially permeable membrane is in fluid communication with the storage chamber such that the at least one selected gas is allowed to pass through the differentially permeable membrane flows into the storage chamber. An air mover, preferably a compressor, feeds gases to the differentially permeable membrane. Such devices may not provide adequate efficiency at a reasonable cost in certain situations.

[0009] What is desired, therefore, is a storage device for oxidizable materials which controls the gaseous content of a storage volume of the device in order to prolong storage life, to allow storage of currently difficult-to-store materials, to allow storage of non-refrigeratable foods and to inhibit the ripening and/or deterioration of certain foods without adversely affecting flavor, which is relatively simple in design, lightweight and inexpensive to produce, which operates quietly and does not generate a great amount of heat, which is appropriate for storing substantially all oxidizable food items and non-food items, which is energy efficient and therefore relatively inexpensive to operate and environmentally friendly, which does not risk implosion, and which does not require servicing and/or the replacement of components on a regular basis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a storage device for oxidizable materials which controls the gaseous content of a storage volume of the device in order to prolong storage life, to allow storage of currently difficult-to-store materials, to allow storage of non-refrigeratable foods and to inhibit the ripening and/or deterioration of certain foods without adversely affecting flavor.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage device for oxidizable materials having the above characteristics and which is relatively simple in design, lightweight and inexpensive to produce.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a storage device for oxidizable materials having the above characteristics and which operates quietly and does not generate a great amount of heat.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage device for oxidizable materials having the above characteristics and which is appropriate for storing substantially all oxidizable food items and non-food items.

[0014] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a storage device for oxidizable materials having the above characteristics and which is energy efficient and therefore relatively inexpensive to operate and environmentally friendly.

[0015] Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a storage device for oxidizable materials having the above characteristics and which does not risk implosion.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a storage device for oxidizable materials having the above characteristics and which does not require servicing and/or the replacement of components on a regular basis.

[0017] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in one embodiment by the provision of a storage device for the preservation of oxidizable materials including a storage chamber enclosing a storage space adapted to receive oxidizable materials for storage therein. The storage device also includes a zeolite chamber having a zeolite therein, the zeolite chamber allowing at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. The zeolite chamber is in fluid communication with the storage chamber such that the at least one selected gas allowed to pass through the zeolite chamber flows into the storage chamber. An air mover feeds gases to the zeolite chamber, and the level of oxygen within the storage chamber is reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

[0018] In some embodiments, the zeolite chamber employs pressure swing absorption in order to allow the at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. In some embodiments, a cooling element is provided for cooling the temperature within the storage chamber below that of the ambient temperature surrounding the storage device. In certain of these embodiments, the cooling element cools the temperature within the storage chamber to a temperature within a range from about 15° F. to about 20° F. below normal room temperature. In certain embodiments, the cooling element comprises a piezoelectric or Peltier module.

[0019] In some embodiments, the at least one selected gas allowed to pass through the zeolite chamber comprises nitrogen. In certain of these embodiments, the zeolite within the zeolite chamber has an affinity for nitrogen. In some embodiments, the zeolite chamber comprises a vent for venting oxygen to the atmosphere. A flow controller valve may be provided which, in conjunction with the air mover, selectively maintains a positive pressure within the zeolite chamber. In certain of these embodiments, the flow controller valve comprises a needle valve. In certain embodiments, a gauge is provided to indicate a level of positive pressure within the zeolite chamber.

[0020] In some embodiments, a moisture separator or filter may be provided to remove moisture from gases entering the zeolite chamber. In some embodiments, the air mover draws the gases for feeding to the zeolite chamber from the atmosphere. In certain of these embodiments, the storage chamber includes a vent to allow gases present therein, including oxygen introduced when the storage chamber is opened to access objects therein, to be forced out by substantially oxygen free gases passed through the zeolite chamber. In certain embodiments, the vent of the storage chamber comprises a seal around a door of the storage chamber which allows gases to escape therearound.

[0021] In some embodiments, the level of oxygen within the storage chamber is maintained in a range of about 2% to about 8%. In certain of these embodiments, the level of oxygen within the storage chamber is maintained in a range of about 4% to about 6%. In some embodiments, the air mover comprises a compressor.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, a storage device for the preservation of oxidizable materials includes a storage chamber enclosing a storage space adapted to receive oxidizable materials for storage therein. A zeolite chamber, having a zeolite with an affinity for nitrogen therein, employs pressure swing absorption to allow at least nitrogen to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. The zeolite chamber is in fluid communication with the storage chamber such that the at least nitrogen allowed to pass through the zeolite chamber flows into the storage chamber. A compressor feeds gases to the zeolite chamber. A piezoelectric or Peltier module cooling element is provided for cooling the temperature within the storage chamber below that of the ambient temperature surrounding the storage device, and the level of oxygen within the storage chamber is reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

[0023] In some embodiments, the zeolite chamber comprises a vent for venting oxygen to the atmosphere. In some embodiments, a flow controller valve is provided which, in conjunction with the compressor, selectively maintains a positive pressure within the zeolite chamber. In certain of these embodiments, the flow controller valve comprises a needle valve, and in certain of these embodiments, a gauge is provided to indicate a level of positive pressure within the zeolite chamber.

[0024] In some embodiments, a moisture separator or filter is provided to remove moisture from gases entering the zeolite chamber. In some embodiments, the cooling element cools the temperature within the storage chamber to a temperature within a range from about 15° F. to about 20° F. below normal room temperature. In some embodiments, the compressor draws the gases for feeding to the zeolite chamber from the atmosphere.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the storage chamber includes a vent to allow gases present therein, including oxygen introduced when the storage chamber is opened to access objects therein, to be forced out by substantially oxygen free gases passed through the zeolite chamber. In certain of these embodiments, the vent of the storage chamber comprises a seal around a door of the storage chamber which allows gases to escape therearound.

[0026] In some embodiments, the level of oxygen within the storage chamber is maintained in a range of about 2% to about 8%. In certain of these embodiments, the level of oxygen within the storage chamber is maintained in a range of about 4% to about 6%.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention a method for storing and preserving oxidizable materials is provided. The inventive method involves providing a storage chamber enclosing a storage space adapted to receive oxidizable materials for storage therein. At least one selected gas is forced to pass through a zeolite chamber having a zeolite therein and into the storage chamber while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing through the zeolite chamber, and the level of oxygen within the storage chamber is maintained at a level which is reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

[0028] In some embodiments, pressure swing absorption is employed in order to force the at least one selected gas to pass through a zeolite chamber having a zeolite therein and into the storage chamber while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing through the zeolite chamber. In some embodiments, the temperature within the storage chamber is cooled below that of the ambient temperature surrounding the storage chamber. In certain of these embodiments, the cooling step comprises that step of cooling the temperature within the storage chamber to a temperature within a range from about 15° F. to about 20° F. below normal room temperature. In certain embodiments, the cooling step comprises that step of providing a piezoelectric or Peltier module for cooling the temperature within the storage chamber below that of the ambient temperature surrounding the storage chamber.

[0029] In some embodiments, the oxygen inhibited from passing through the zeolite chamber is vented to the atmosphere. In some embodiments, a positive pressure is maintained within the zeolite chamber. In certain embodiments, the at least one selected gas forced to pass through the zeolite chamber comprises nitrogen.

[0030] In some embodiments, the maintaining the level of oxygen step comprises the step of maintaining the level of oxygen within the storage chamber within a range of from about 2% to about 8%. In certain of these embodiments, the maintaining the level of oxygen step comprises the step of maintaining the level of oxygen within the storage chamber within a range of from about 4% to about 6%.

[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a storage chamber enclosing a storage space adapted to receive oxidizable materials for storage therein. The refrigerator comprises a zeolite chamber having a zeolite therein, the zeolite chamber allowing at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. The zeolite chamber is in fluid communication with the storage space such that the at least one selected gas allowed to pass through the zeolite chamber flows into the storage space. An air mover feeds gases to the zeolite chamber, and the level of oxygen within the storage space is reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

[0032] In some embodiments, the zeolite chamber employs pressure swing absorption in order to allow the at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough. In certain embodiments, the air mover comprises a compressor.

[0033] The invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a storage device for oxidizable materials in accordance with the present invention; and

[0035] FIG. 2 a schematic view of a refrigerator including a storage device for oxidizable materials in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Referring first to FIG. 1, a storage device 10 for oxidizable materials is shown. Storage device 10 includes a storage chamber 12, which may be of substantially any shape, for example, square, rectangular, cylindrical, trapezoidal, cookie jar-shaped, thermos-shaped, etc., by varying the configuration of its walls, as should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. A rectangular shape, however, is preferred for ease of construction and use. Storage chamber 12 provides a convenient place to store oxidizable objects.

[0037] Access to the interior of storage chamber 12 is provided through a door utilizing hinges and a handle mechanism which is known in the art. As such, and because such door and handle means are known in the art, a detailed description thereof is not presented herein. However, it should be noted that it is preferable, although not necessary, that the door comprise substantially an entire side of storage chamber 12 and that the hinges are positioned accordingly, such as is the case with a typical microwave oven. This arrangement is preferable so as to allow unrestricted access to the interior of storage chamber 12, and to allow off-gases (which may occur particularly when fresh fruits or vegetables are stored) to exit storage chamber 12 through the door when opened.

[0038] A gauge or oxygen meter may optionally be provided to monitor the percentage of oxygen content within storage chamber 12. Although not required, such a gauge may allow a user or manufacturer to verify that the oxygen content of storage chamber 12 is within a desired range.

[0039] Storage device 10 also includes an air mover 14 to draw air from the atmosphere and feed it to a zeolite chamber 16. Air mover 14 preferably comprises a compressor, but may also comprise a fan, a pump, a blower or any other device for feeding various gases.

[0040] Zeolite chamber 16 may take many forms so long as it contains zeolites. Zeolites are microporous crystalline solids with well-defined structures. Generally they contain silicon, aluminium and oxygen in their framework and cations, water and/or other molecules Within their pores. Many occur naturally as minerals, and are extensively mined in many parts of the world. Others are synthetic, and are made commercially for specific uses, or produced by research scientists trying to understand more about their chemistry. What is of particular importance here is that certain zeolites exhibit an affinity for one or more particular gases, effectively acting as sieves capturing these gases as a combination of gasses pass adjacent thereto. Zeolites with an affinity to substantially any gas other than oxygen may be employed in zeolite chamber 16. Because of the abundance of nitrogen in the atmosphere, a zeolite with an affinity to nitrogen would be a preferable choice.

[0041] Zeolite chamber 16 is configured so as to allow for pressure swing absorption of nitrogen therein. As pressure swing absorption is known in the zeolite art, only a simple illustration is provided herein. In this example, zeolite chamber 16 includes an inlet 18 for receiving gases from air mover 14 and two outlets 20, 22. One of outlets 20 is in communication with atmosphere, while the other of outlets 22 is in communication with storage chamber 12. Outlets 20, 22 each have a valve 24, 26 therein for selectively opening or closing each outlet 20, 22. Outlet 22 in communication with storage chamber 12 may also include a flow controller valve 28, such as a needle valve, to maintain, in conjunction with air mover 14, a positive pressure within zeolite chamber 16 when such a positive pressure is necessary to free captured nitrogen from the zeolites within zeolite chamber 16, as more fully described below. A gauge 30 or the like may be provided to ensure that the proper positive pressure required by the zeolites in zeolite chamber 16 is being maintained.

[0042] In operation, valve 26 in outlet 22 which is in communication with storage chamber 12 is closed, and valve 24 in outlet 20 which is in communication with atmosphere is opened. Air mover 14 causes gases (containing at least oxygen and nitrogen) to pass through zeolite chamber 16. The zeolites in zeolite chamber, having an affinity for nitrogen, capture nitrogen from the stream of gases passing therethrough before the gases (including substantially all of the oxygen) are vented to atmosphere. After a predetermined time period when a sufficient amount of nitrogen has been captured by the zeolites in zeolite chamber, valve 24 in outlet 20 which is in communication with atmosphere is closed and valve 26 in outlet 22 which is in communication with storage chamber 12 is opened. The positive pressure in zeolite chamber 16 generated by air mover 14 and flow controller valve 28 causes the nitrogen captured by the zeolites to be freed and to flow into storage chamber 12. As such, the gases entering storage chamber 12 contain substantially more nitrogen and substantially less oxygen than normal atmosphere. After a predetermined time period when a large amount of the nitrogen is freed from the zeolites, valve 24 in outlet 20 which is in communication with atmosphere is re-opened and valve 26 in outlet 22 which is in communication with storage chamber 12 is re-closed before a substantial amount of oxygen can escape through outlet 22 in communication with storage chamber 12. This process is repeated over and over so as to maintain a gas content in storage chamber with a substantially lower concentration of oxygen as compared to atmosphere.

[0043] Storage chamber 12 includes a vent 32 or the like to allow gases present therein, including oxygen which may be introduced when storage chamber 12 is opened to access objects therein, to be forced out by the substantially oxygen free gases passed through zeolite chamber 16. In one preferred embodiment, vent 32 may simply comprise a seal around a door of storage chamber 12 which allows gases to escape therearound.

[0044] Storage device 10 may include various additional air treatment devices when desirable depending upon the objects to be stored. For example, a moisture separator or filter, such as a water absorbent 34, may be provided to remove moisture from gases in the system. In addition, a heating or cooling element 36 may be provided is desired to adjust the temperature of the gases in the system. In this manner, storage device 10 or a section thereof may be refrigerated if such is desired. A heating, or more preferably, cooling element 40, such as a thermoelectric or Peltier module, may be provided in or around storage chamber 12. Although such cooling elements are not generally as effective as traditional refrigeration systems, they are sufficient here, since only a small temperature decrease is necessary, and since they are much less expensive to manufacture and operate.

[0045] By employing the above-described storage device, the atmosphere within storage chamber 12 may be controlled to replace normal atmospheric content of gas (i.e., approximately 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen) with an atmosphere with considerably less oxygen. It has been found that that providing an atmosphere within storage chamber 12 wherein the content of oxygen is between 2% and 8% is desirable. This is true because, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, there are generally three processes of deterioration which adversely affect stored materials: (i) oxidation, (ii) enzymatic deterioration, and (iii) microbial contamination. With respect to the first two of these processes, it is generally desirable to maintain as low an oxygen content as possible (i.e., the closer the oxygen content to 0% the better). However, with respect to microbial contamination, some types of bacteria (i.e., anaerobic bacteria) are known to flourish in substantially oxygen-free environments. Thus, maintaining an oxygen content of less than approximately 2% may be undesirable. It has also been found that the above-referenced deterioration processes are slowed or halted only in environments having oxygen contents of approximately 8% or less. Thus, the preferred range for oxygen content within storage chamber 12 is from about 2% to about 8%. As will also be recognized by those skilled in the art, the ideal oxygen content may vary depending upon the objects expected to be stored therein. However, it is often the case that various objects will be stored together, each of which has its own ideal oxygen content associated therewith. For example, when various fruits, vegetables and other food materials are being stored together, an oxygen content in the most preferred range of from about 4% to about 6% provides acceptable results.

[0046] It should be understood that a storage device 10 in accordance with the present invention may comprise a stand-alone device. If desired, such a storage device may be portable, and may be powered by a self-sustained power supply, such as by batteries, rechargeable or conventional. It should also be understood that, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, storage device 10 may be incorporated into a larger device, such as a refrigerator 38. In such a case, storage device 10 may be used instead of or in addition to various fruit/vegetable and/or crisper drawers as are conventional in known refrigerator designs. It should be further understood that storage device 10 may be used in conjunction with other devices which control the gaseous content within a chamber. For example, system 10 may form a part of a larger system which employs a selectively permeable membrane in addition to zeolites in order to control the gaseous content within a chamber.

[0047] The present invention, therefore, provides a storage device for oxidizable materials which controls the gaseous content of a storage volume of the device in order to prolong storage life, to allow storage of currently difficult-to-store materials, to allow storage of non-refrigeratable foods and to inhibit the ripening and/or deterioration of certain foods without adversely affecting flavor, which is relatively simple in design, lightweight and inexpensive to produce, which operates quietly and does not generate a great amount of heat, which is appropriate for storing substantially all oxidizable food items and non-food items, which is energy efficient and therefore relatively inexpensive to operate and environmentally friendly, which does not risk implosion, and which does not require servicing and/or the replacement of components on a regular basis.

[0048] Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.

Claims

1. A storage device for the preservation of oxidizable materials comprising:

a storage chamber enclosing a storage space adapted to receive oxidizable materials for storage therein;

a zeolite chamber having a zeolite therein, said zeolite chamber allowing at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough, said zeolite chamber in fluid communication with said storage chamber such that the at least one selected gas allowed to pass through said zeolite chamber flows into said storage chamber;

an air mover for feeding gases to said zeolite chamber; and

wherein the level of oxygen within said storage chamber is reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

2. The storage device of claim 1 wherein said zeolite chamber employs pressure swing absorption in order to allow the at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough.

3. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising a cooling element for cooling the temperature within said storage chamber below that of the ambient temperature surrounding said storage device.

4. The storage device of claim 3 wherein said cooling element cools the temperature within said storage chamber to a temperature within a range from about 15° F. to about 20° F. below normal room temperature.

5. The storage device of claim 3 wherein said cooling element comprises a piezoelectric or Peltier module.

6. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the at least one selected gas allowed to pass through said zeolite chamber comprises nitrogen.

7. The storage device of claim 6 wherein the zeolite within said zeolite chamber has an affinity for nitrogen.

8. The storage device of claim 1 wherein said zeolite chamber comprises a vent for venting oxygen to the atmosphere.

9. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising a flow controller valve which, in conjunction with said air mover, selectively maintains a positive pressure within said zeolite chamber.

10. The storage device of claim 9 wherein said flow controller valve comprises a needle valve.

11. The storage device of claim 9 further comprising a gauge to indicate a level of positive pressure within said zeolite chamber.

12. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising a moisture separator or filter to remove moisture from gases entering said zeolite chamber.

13. The storage device of claim 1 wherein said air mover draws the gases for feeding to said zeolite chamber from the atmosphere.

14. The storage device of claim 13 wherein said storage chamber includes a vent to allow gases present therein, including oxygen introduced when said storage chamber is opened to access objects therein, to be forced out by substantially oxygen free gases passed through said zeolite chamber.

15. The storage device of claim 14 wherein the vent of said storage chamber comprises a seal around a door of said storage chamber which allows gases to escape there around.

16. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the level of oxygen within said storage chamber is maintained in a range of about 2% to about 8%.

17. The storage device of claim 16 wherein the level of oxygen within said storage chamber is maintained in a range of about 4% to about 6%.

18. The storage device of claim 1 wherein said air mover comprises a compressor.

19. A storage device for the preservation of oxidizable materials comprising:

a storage chamber enclosing a storage space adapted to receive oxidizable materials for storage therein;

a zeolite chamber having a zeolite with an affinity for nitrogen therein, said zeolite chamber employing pressure swing absorption to allow at least nitrogen to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough, said zeolite chamber in fluid communication with said storage chamber such that the at least nitrogen allowed to pass through said zeolite chamber flows into said storage chamber;

a compressor for feeding gases to said zeolite chamber;

a piezoelectric or Peltier module cooling element for cooling the temperature within said storage chamber below that of the ambient temperature surrounding said storage device; and

wherein the level of oxygen within said storage chamber is reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

20. The storage device of claim 19 wherein said zeolite chamber comprises a vent for venting oxygen to the atmosphere.

21. The storage device of claim 19 further comprising a flow controller valve which, in conjunction with said compressor, selectively maintains a positive pressure within said zeolite chamber.

22. The storage device of claim 21 wherein said flow controller valve comprises a needle valve.

23. The storage device of claim 21 further comprising a gauge to indicate a level of positive pressure within said zeolite chamber.

24. The storage device of claim 19 further comprising a moisture separator or filter to remove moisture from gases entering said zeolite chamber.

25. The storage device of claim 19 wherein said cooling element cools the temperature within said storage chamber to a temperature within a range from about 15° F. to about 20° F. below normal room temperature.

26. The storage device of claim 19 wherein said compressor draws the gases for feeding to said zeolite chamber from the atmosphere.

27. The storage device of claim 26 wherein said storage chamber includes a vent to allow gases present therein, including oxygen introduced when said storage chamber is opened to access objects therein, to be forced out by substantially oxygen free gases passed through said zeolite chamber.

28. The storage device of claim 27 wherein the vent of said storage chamber comprises a seal around a door of said storage chamber which allows gases to escape therearound.

29. The storage device of claim 19 wherein the level of oxygen within said storage chamber is maintained in a range of about 2% to about 8%.

30. The storage device of claim 29 wherein the level of oxygen within said storage chamber is maintained in a range of about 4% to about 6%.

31. A method for storing and preserving oxidizable materials, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a storage chamber enclosing a storage space adapted to receive oxidizable materials for storage therein;

forcing at least one selected gas to pass through a zeolite chamber having a zeolite therein and into the storage chamber while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing through the zeolite chamber; and

maintaining the level of oxygen within the storage chamber at a level which is reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein said forcing step comprises the step of employing pressure swing absorption in order to force at least one selected gas to pass through a zeolite chamber having a zeolite therein and into the storage chamber while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing through the zeolite chamber.

33. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of cooling the temperature within the storage chamber below that of the ambient temperature surrounding the storage chamber.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein said cooling step comprises that step of cooling the temperature within the storage chamber to a temperature within a range from about 15° F. to about 20° F. below normal room temperature.

35. The method of claim 33 wherein said cooling step comprises that step of providing a piezoelectric or Peltier module for cooling the temperature within the storage chamber below that of the ambient temperature surrounding the storage chamber.

36. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of venting the oxygen inhibited from passing through the zeolite chamber to the atmosphere.

37. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of maintaining a positive pressure within the zeolite chamber.

38. The method of claim 31 wherein the at least one selected gas forced to pass through the zeolite chamber comprises nitrogen.

39. The method of claim 31 wherein said maintaining the level of oxygen step comprises the step of maintaining the level of oxygen within the storage chamber within a range of from about 2% to about 8%.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein said maintaining the level of oxygen step comprises the step of maintaining the level of oxygen within the storage chamber within a range of from about 4% to about 6%.

41. A refrigerator which includes a storage chamber enclosing a storage space adapted to receive oxidizable materials for storage therein, said refrigerator comprising:

a zeolite chamber having a zeolite therein, said zeolite chamber allowing at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough, said zeolite chamber in fluid communication with the storage space such that the at least one selected gas allowed to pass through said zeolite chamber flows into the storage space;

an air mover for feeding gases to said zeolite chamber; and

wherein the level of oxygen within the storage space is reduced relative to the level of oxygen in the atmosphere.

42. The refrigerator of claim 41 wherein said zeolite chamber employs pressure swing absorption in order to allow the at least one selected gas to pass therethrough while inhibiting at least oxygen from passing therethrough.

43. The refrigerator of claim 41 wherein said air mover comprises a compressor.