Abstract: A system for storing articles can have at least two operating modes. In the first mode, gases are evacuated from the system whereby the articles are stored at a pressure less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. In the second mode, gases are evacuated while the system is open to the admittance of gases from the exterior of the system whereby the articles are ventilated by the admitted gases. The system also can have a third operating mode wherein both the first and second modes are rendered inoperative. The storage system can function so that when the articles are stored in the first mode, gases are intermittently removed from the system whereby the pressure at which the articles are stored is maintained at less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. The storage system can be located in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator.

Abstract: A system for storing articles can have at least two operating modes. In the first mode, gases are evacuated from the system whereby the articles are stored at a pressure less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. In the second mode, gases are evacuated while the system is open to the admittance of gases from the exterior of the system whereby the articles are ventilated by the admitted gases. The system also can have a third operating mode wherein both the first and second modes are rendered inoperative. The storage system can function so that when the articles are stored in the first mode, gases are intermittently removed from the system whereby the pressure at which the articles are stored is maintained at less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. The storage system can be located in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator.

Abstract: A system for storing articles can have at least two operating modes. In the first mode, gases are evacuated from the system whereby the articles are stored at a pressure less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. In the second mode, gases are evacuated while the system is open to the admittance of gases from the exterior of the system whereby the articles are ventilated by the admitted gases. The system also can have a third operating mode wherein both the first and second modes are rendered inoperative. The storage system can function so that when the articles are stored in the first mode, gases are intermittently removed from the system whereby the pressure at which the articles are stored is maintained at less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. The storage system can be located in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator.

Abstract: A storage compartment comprises an external enclosure having an opening and a holding compartment that is capable of being inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure through the opening in the external enclosure. Stored articles are contained within the holding compartment. The external enclosure and the holding compartment have coacting surfaces, and a seal is interposed between those coacting surfaces for sealing off the interior of the holding compartment to the entry of gases when the holding compartment is inserted into the external enclosure and the coacting surfaces of the external enclosure and the holding compartment are brought together in a sealing relationship with the seal. Complementary surfaces at the holding compartment and at the exterior of the external enclosure are in engagement with one another and provide surfaces along which the holding compartment travels when it is inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure.

Abstract: A storage compartment comprises an external enclosure having an opening and a holding compartment that is capable of being inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure through the opening in the external enclosure. Stored articles are contained within the holding compartment. The external enclosure and the holding compartment have coacting surfaces, and a seal is interposed between those coacting surfaces for sealing off the interior of the holding compartment to the entry of gases when the holding compartment is inserted into the external enclosure and the coacting surfaces of the external enclosure and the holding compartment are brought together in a sealing relationship with the seal. Complementary surfaces at the holding compartment and at the exterior of the external enclosure are in engagement with one another and provide surfaces along which the holding compartment travels when it is inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure.

Abstract: A system for storing articles can have at least two operating modes. In the first mode, gases are evacuated from the system whereby the articles are stored at a pressure less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. In the second mode, gases are evacuated while the system is open to the admittance of gases from the exterior of the system whereby the articles are ventilated by the admitted gases. The system also can have a third operating mode wherein both the first and second modes are rendered inoperative. The storage system can function so that when the articles are stored in the first mode, gases are intermittently removed from the system whereby the pressure at which the articles are stored is maintained at less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. The storage system can be located in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator.