Patent ID: 8205414

Claim:
A method of providing a modified atmosphere to a food storage space having a volume for enhancing the preservation of food stored in the food storage space when the food storage space contains the food and the modified atmosphere comprising the steps of: providing a food storage space having a volume; a module removably connectable to an appliance that includes a first valve for regulating gas to or from the food storage space, a vacuum pump, and a gas canister engaging inlet; at least one removable gas canister containing a compressed gas wherein the first valve is positioned between the gas canister and both the vacuum pump and the food storage space; engaging the gas canister to the gas canister-engaging inlet of the module so as to operably connect the compressed gas with the module; engaging the module with an appliance such that the module receives power from the appliance; operably engaging the food storage space with the module such that gas is capable of moving out of and into the food storage space; activating the module thereby causing the module to perform the steps comprising activating the vacuum pump and, if not already closed, closing the first valve to thereby draw an amount of ambient air from the food storage space; stopping the vacuum pump; and opening the first valve to allow gas flow from the gas canister into the food storage space; and filling the food storage space with at least a portion of the compressed gas from the gas canister thereby forming all or part of the modified atmosphere.