Patent ID: 8240158

Claim:
An appliance system comprising: a food retaining space having a volume within the space; a module removably connectable to an appliance and comprising a housing, a controlling device, a switch, at least one valve, a vacuum pump, and a gas inlet wherein the switch, the valve, and the vacuum pump are each in communication with the controlling device wherein the controlling device comprises a controlling device selected from the group consisting of a microcontroller and a control board in combination with a relay; and wherein the valve is positioned between the gas inlet and the switch, the food retaining space and the vacuum pump such that compressed gas cannot flow past the valve when the valve is in the closed position and compressed gas can flow into the food retaining space when the valve is in the open position; and at least one compressed gas containing receptacle that includes all or a portion of a modified atmosphere to be added to the food retaining space.