Abstract: An automated vacuum container can include a main body, lid, valve(s), automated pump, processor, and input device(s). The main body can have an outer housing, sealable opening, and inner volume. The lid can be removably coupled to the main body to cover the sealable opening and can include air passage(s) therethrough. Valve(s) can control airflow through air passage(s). as air is pumped from the inner volume to form a vacuum. The processor can operate in sleep and awake modes, receive input(s), and control pump operation. An input device can send a wake up signal to the processor based on an environmental condition change. Pressure sensor(s) can detect pressure within the inner volume and provide input to the processor. The pump can be stopped when pressure is sufficiently low and restarted when pressure rises above a threshold level, such as when stored perishable item(s) outgas under vacuum within the inner volume.

Abstract: An electrical conductor having an insulation jacket, which jacket includes from about 40% to about 50% by weight of a polyvinyl chloride resin; from about 20% to about 35% by weight of a filler; from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight of an unsaturated primary amide derived from erucic acid; from about 20% to about 30% by weight of a phthalate-based plasticizer; and from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of a lead-free heat-stabilizing system; wherein 100% is the weight of the jacket. Methods for improving the slip characteristics of an electrical conductor, having a lead-free NM jacket are also provided.