Vacuum storage apparatus with sliding drawers

Abstract

Provided is a modular vacuum storage apparatus and method for storing, dispensing, preserving and shipping perishable items.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A refrigerator having an air pressure controllable storage container, the refrigerator comprising:
 a storage container to store items therein;   a vacuum pump to evacuate the internal air of the storage container; and   a controller to operate in a pressure control mode by turning on the vacuum pump such that an internal air pressure of the storage container is at an air pressure-reduced state that is lower than an initial pressure of the storage container and turning off the vacuum pump at a target air pressure so as to allow the internal air pressure of the storage container to be restored to the initial air pressure.   
     
     
         22 . The refrigerator of  claim 21 , wherein the air pressure-reduced state is any air pressure lower than the initial pressure, and the controller controls the vacuum pump such that the air pressure-reduced state is maintained for a predetermined time period to the internal air pressure of the storage container being restored to the initial air pressure. 
     
     
         23 . The refrigerator of  claim 21 , wherein the controller is activated to operate in the air pressure control mode when the storage container is closed, and is deactivated from operating in the air pressure control mode when the storage container is open. 
     
     
         24 . The refrigerator of  claim 21 , further comprising an input unit, wherein the controller is activated or deactivated to operate in the air pressure control mode based on an input signal from the unit. 
     
     
         25 . The refrigerator of  claim 21 , further comprising an input unit to receive settings for an air pressure control condition of the storage container, wherein the controller receives the air pressure control condition from the input unit, and turns the vacuum on and off based on the pressure control condition, wherein the air pressure control condition comprises at least one of the target air pressure to be reduced in response to the turn-on operation of the vacuum pump.