FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10, rule 13)
"FOOD STORAGE AND PRESERVATION SYSTEM"
WHIRLPOOL OF INDIA LTD. of Plot no. 40, Sector- 44, Gurgaon - 122002, Haryana, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a household refrigerator. In particular, the present invention relates a vacuum food storage system for improved storage and preservation of foodstuffs in a refrigerator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Oxygen in air causes certain reactions with the food and deteriorates the quality of food. Removal of oxygen from the food storage environment is required to enhance the quality and extend the shelf-life of foods.
Conventional means such as refrigerator is used to preserve perishable food for a prolonged time, thereby extending the shelf-life of foods. However, the refrigerators work on the concept of decreasing the temperature at which the food is stored as opposed to removing or prohibiting oxygen from coming in contact with the food.
Though refrigeration has been the most popular means for preserving fresh and perishable foods, another conventional mechanism to preserve food is by using combining the above described principles i.e. storing the food at reduced temperature and removing the oxygen from the food environment at the same time. By way of example, refrigerators are provided with one or more compartments in which the amount of oxygen can be controlled. These compartments are generally known as vacuum compartments. Vacuum packing and sealing is an effective means for food preservation. Vacuum sealers arc commonly used to extend the storage time of refrigerated, dried and frozen foods. Existing vacuum sealers suffer from a number of disadvantages such as huge amount of storage space in the refrigerator compartment. Also, when a portion of the food is to be removed from the vacuum storage, a number of cumbersome steps are required to be performed for resealing the vacuum storage.

Therefore, there arises a need to overcome the above-mentioned problems by providing an enhanced and effective vacuum food storage and preservation system inside a refrigerator.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of present invention is to improve food storage and preservation by providing a refrigerator with vacuum food storage system.
Another objective of present invention is to retain humidity in the food storage compartment, thereby maintaining freshness along with refrigeration.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved food preservation system for preserving food in reduced temperature and reduced pressure condition which ranges from 300-500 milibar pressure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates a vacuum food storage system for improved storage and preservafion of foodstuffs m a refrigerator.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a food storage and preservation system comprises a canister for storing food therein; a refrigerator for optionally accommodating the said canister: characterized in that: the canister is provided with an openable lid, a vacuum source connecting port, and a vacuum release means; and the refrigerator being provided with a vacuum pump locatable in a machine compartment thereof, a vacummiser unit locatable on a external surface thereof, and a vacuum line running through a body portion connecting the vacummiser unit and the vacuum pump; the said vacummiser unit housing at least one extension line, a distal end thereof being connectable to the vacuum source connecting port of the canister, and at least one interface unit for enabling a user to control vacuum application process.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a food storage and preservation system comprises a vacuum bin for storing food therein; a refrigerator for accommodating the said vacuum bin; characterized in that: the vacuum bin being provided with an openable lid. a vacuum source connecting port, and a vacuum release means and at least one interface unit; and the refrigerator being provided with a vacuum pump locatable in a machine compartment thereof, and a vacuum line running through a body portion connecting the vacuum bin and the vacuum pump and a control unit for controlling vacuum application process based on a timer or the interface unit or at least one sensor for sensing a vacuum created inside the vacuum bin.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a food storage and preservation system comprises a vacuum bin for storing food therein; a refrigerator for accommodating the said vacuum bin; characterized in that: the vacuum bin being provided with an openable lid. a vacuum source connecting port, a vacuum release means, atleast one interface unit and a vacuum pump housed to expel air contained in the vacuum bin to a surrounding atmosphere inside the refrigerator; and the refrigerator being provided with a docking station on an inner wall thereof for providing electrical energy to the vacuum pump and the interface unit provided in the vacuum bin, and a control unit disposed in a machine compartment thereof for controlling vacuum application process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features of the present invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanied drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1A and IB illustrates front and rear view of a refrigerator with a vaccumiser unit according to firsr embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D illustrates exemplary views of the vacuumiser unit in opened, closed disconnected and connected conditions according to first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a refrigerator showing a vacuum bin according to second and third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the vacuum bin inside the refrigerator according to second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows a block diagram illustrating arrangement of refrigerator and vacuum bin according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary view of the vacuum bin According to third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates the arrangement of mounting a vacuum bin inside the refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary view of the refrigerator with vacuum bin according to third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary view of the vacuum t)jn showing a vacuum pump according to third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10A and Figure 10B illustrates different vacuum bins according to various third embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a household refrigerator. In particular, the present invention relates to a refrigerator with vacuum food storage system for improving food storage and preservation.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a food storage and preservation system comprises a canister for storing food therein; a refrigerator for optionally accommodating the said canister; characterized in that: the canister is provided with an openable lid, a vacuum source connecting port, and a vacuum release means; and the refrigerator being provided with a vacuum pump locatable in a machine compartment thereof, a vacummiser unit locatable on a external surface thereof, and a vacuum line running through a body portion connecting the vacummiser unit and the vacuum pump; the said vacummiser unit housing at least one extension line, a distal end thereof being connectable to the vacuum source connecting port of the canister, and at least one interface unit for enabling a user to control vacuum application process.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the vacummiser unit optionally comprises at least one sensor for sensing a vacuum created inside the canister and a control unit for controlling vacuum application process based on the same.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the vacummiser unit optionally comprises a timer for controlling vacuum application process.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum pump actuator is disposed in the machine compartment for activating the vacuum pump upon receiving an appropriate signal from one or more of the user interface, the control unit and the timer.
The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canister further comprises a non-return valve disposed in the vacuum source connecting port to prevent flow of air back into the canister.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a food storage and preservation system comprises a vacuum bin for storing food therein; a refrigerator for accommodating the said vacuum bin; characterized in that: the vacuum bin being

provided with an opcnable lid. a vacuum source connecting port, and a vacuum release means and at least one interface unit: and the refrigerator being provided with a vacuum pump locatable in a machine compartment thereof, and a vacuum line running through a body portion connecting the vacuum bin and the vacuum pump and a control unit for controlling vacuum application process based on a timer or the interface unit or at least one sensor for sensing a vacuum created inside the vacuum bin.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum pump actuator is disposed in the machine compartment for activating the vacuum pump upon receiving an appropriate signal from the control unit.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum bin further comprises a non-return valve disposed in the vacuum source connecting port to prevent flow of air back into the vacuum bin.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a canister is provided for storing therein food, said canister being locatable inside the vacuum bin.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the canister is provided with an openable lid, an opening for enabling evacuation of air contained by the canister and a vacuum release means.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the canister further comprises a non-return valve disposed in the opening to prevent flow of air back into the canister.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a food storage and preservation system comprises a vacuum bin for storing food therein; a refrigerator for accommodating the said vacuum bin; characterized in that: the vacuum bin being provided with an openable lid, a vacuum source connecting port, a vacuum release means, atleast one interface unit and a vacuum pump housed to expel air contained in the vacuum bin to a surrounding atmosphere inside the refrigerator; and the refrigerator being provided with a docking station on an inner wall thereof for providing electrical energy to

the vacuum pump and the interface unit provided in the vacuum bin, and a control unit disposed in a machine compartment thereof for controlling vacuum application process.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is disposed in a machine compartment of the refrigerator to control the vacuum application process based on at least one sensor for sensing a vacuum created inside the vacuum bin or a timer or the interface unit.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum pump actuator is disposed in the machine compartment for activating the vacuum pump upon receiving an appropriate signal from the control unit.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum bin further comprises a non-return valve disposed in the vacuum source connecting port to prevent flow of air back into the vacuum bin.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a canister is provided for storing therein food, said canister being locatable inside the vacuum bin.
According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the canister is provided with an openable lid, an opening for enabling evacuation of air contained by the canister and a vacuum release means.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the canister further comprises a non-return valve disposed in the opening to prevent flow of air back into the canister.
Figure 1A and 1B illustrates front and rear view of a refrigerator with a vaccumiser unit according to First embodiment of the present invention.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vacuumiser unit 1 is mounted onto the external surface i.e. door of a refrigerator and is connected to a vacuum pump 2

through a vacuum line 3. The vacuumiser unit 1 is used to create vacuum inside containers such as canisters for storing and preserving foods. The vacuum pump 2 is located in a machine compartment of the refrigerator. The machine compartment of the refrigerator further comprises a vacuum pump actuator 4 disposed for activating the vacuum pump 2. The vacuum pump actuator 4 is connected to the vacuumiser unit 1 through an actuator pipe 5. The vacuum line 3 and the actuator pipe 5 are foamed in the refrigerator door and passed over the bottom hinge of the door to the machine compartment. The vacuumiser unit 1 comprises at least one sensor for sensing a vacuum created inside the canister and a control unit for controlling vacuum application process based on the same. The vacummiser unit 1 optionally comprises a timer for controlling vacuum application process to the said canister.
Figure 2A. 2B, 2C and 2D illustrates exemplary views of the vacuumiser unit in opened, closed disconnected and connected conditions according to first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2A shows the vacuumiser unit 1 in a closed condition. Figure 2B shows the vacuumiser with a lid 6 in an open condition. Figure 2C shows the vacuumiser unit and a canister 7 for storing the food to be preserved. Figure 2D shows the canister 7 connected to the vacuumiser unit 1 for vacuumisation.
The vacuumiser unit 1 encloses at least one extension line 8, an adapter 9, and an interface unit 10. The extension line 8 connects the vacuum pump 2 to the canister 7 for vacuumisation. The canister 7 is provided with an openable lid. The lid of the canister is further provided with a vacuum source connecting port and a vacuum release means. The vacuum source connecting port is the port through which air is sucked out of the canister.
The vacuum release means is used to equalize the pressure of the canister 7 to the atmospheric pressure. This allows the door of the canister 7 to be opened without resistance from reduced air pressure.
A distal end of the extension line is connectable to the canister 7 for creating vacuum

inside the said canister. The proximal end of the extension line 8 is connected to an adapter housed inside the vacuumiser unit 1. The adapter 9 forms an interface between the hose 8 and the canister 7.
In one embodiment, the proximal end of the extension line 8 is fixed to the adapter 9. In another embodiment, the extension line 8 can be removed from the adapter 9 and placed away fr0m the refrigerator. The interface unit enables the user to control the vacuum application process manually.
In the embodiment, the vacuum pump 2 is disposed in the machine compartment of the refrigerator, and is connected to the hose 8 via a vacuum line 3.
In order to vacuumise the canister, the extension line 8 is removed from the vacuumiser
unit 1 and connected to the canister 7. The vacuum pump actuator 4 disposed in the
machine compartment activates the vacuum pump 2 upon receiving an appropriate signa)
from one or more of the interface unit, the control unit and the timer
Once the vacuum pump is activated, the air is sucked out of the canister 7 by the vacuum
pump 2 through the vacuum line 3. The canister 7 comprises a non-return valve in the
vacuum source connecting port to prevent flow of air back into the canister.
When the pressure within the canister 7 is lowered than the atmospheric pressure, the
process is complete and the adapter 9 can be removed from the canister 7. The canister 7
can then be placed anywhere inside or outside the refrigerator.
Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a refrigerator showing a vacuum bin according to second and third embodiment of the present invention.
The refrigerator is a conventional household refrigerator provided with a defined storage space commonly known as refrigerator compartment for storing food items. As shown in the figuj-e 1. a vacuum bin 11 is placed at the lower portion of the refrigerator compartment for food storage and preservation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the vacuum bin inside the refrigerator according to second embodiment of the present invention.
According to second embodiment of the present invention, the system for food storage and preservation comprises of a vacuum bin for storing food and a refrigerator for accommodating the said bin.
In one embodiment, the vacuum bin 11 is provided with an openable lid 12 hinged to the bin 11. The lid 12 is provided with a gasket 13 for air-tight sealing of the vacuum bin 11. The lid 12 is also provided with a vacuum release means 14 and at least one interface unit 15. The activation of the vacuum release means 14 permits the pressure within the vacuum bin 11 to be same as the atmospheric pressure and allows the lid 12 to be opened. The external surface of the vacuum bin 11 is provided with an interface unit 15 (for example: an On-Off switch 16) which enables the user to control the vacuum application process manuai'fy. A vacuum line i 7 connects a vacuum pump 18 to a vacuum source connecting port of the vacuum bin 11 which draws air out of the vacuum bin 11 and expels the air drawn with the help of an air exhaust system connected with the vacuum pump 18. The vacuum pump 18 is placed in the machine Compartment located at the rear side of the refrigerator. The machine compartment of the refrigerator is further provided with a vacuum pump actuator for activating the vacuum pump upon receiving appropriate instructions.
The vacuum bin 11 is provided with a conduit 19 is provided to route the harness 20. A connector 21 is used to connect foamed-in harness 22 with the vacuum bin harness 20. A quick fitting 23 is used to connect foamed in vacuum line 17 with the pipe connected to the vacuum bin 11.
Further, the refrigerator is also provided with a control unit for controlling vacuum application process based on a timer or the interface unit 15 or at least one sensor for sensing a vacuum created inside the vacuum bin. The vacuum pump actuator activates the vacuum pump upon receiving an appropriate signal from the control unit. The vacuum

source connecting port is provided with a non-return valve disposed in the vacuum source connecting port to prevent flow of air back into the vacuum bin 11.
The food to be stored and preserved can be stored directly inside the vacuum bin 11 or in a canister 24 (similar to the canister 7 referred in Fig. 2C) placed inside the vacuum bin 1 1. The canister 24 is an ordinary food storage container for placing the food which is to be preserved. Preservation of the food stored in the vacuum bin 11 or the canister 24 is achieved by the vacuum pump 18 connected to the vacuum bin 11 or the canister 24 respectively. The canister 24 is provided with an openable lid, an opening for enabling evacuation of air contained by the canister and a vacuum release means. The vacuum release means permits the pressure within the canister 24 to be same as the atmospheric pressure and allows the lid of the canister to be opened. The opening in the canister is provided with a non-return valve disposed in the opening to prevent flow of air back into the canister.
Figure 5 shows a block diagram illustrating arrangement of refrigerator and vacuum bin according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The refrigerator compartment comprises a vacuum bin 11 with an interface unit 15. A conduit 19 is provided onto the vacuum bin 11 to route the harness 20.The vacuum bin 11 is connected to the vacuum pump 18 through a vacuum line 17. The vacuum pump 18 is controlled either by the timer or by using air pressure detector (i.e. the vacuum sensor). The motor provides electrical energy to the vacuum pump 18 and one or more electrical appliances provided in the vacuum bin.
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary view of the vacuum bin according to third embodiment of the present invention.
According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum bin 11 is provided with an openable lid 12 hinged to the bin 11. The lid 12 is provided with a gasket 13 for air-tight sealing of the vacuum bin 11. The lid 12 is also provided with a

vacuum release means 14 and at least one interface unit. The activation of the vacuum release means 14 permits the pressure within the vacuum bin 11 to be same as the atmospheric pressure and allows the lid 12 to be opened. The interface unit enables the user to control the vacuum application process manually. A vacuum pump 18 is connected to a vacuum source connecting port of the vacuum bin 11 which draws air out of the vacuum bin J1 and expels the air drawn with the help of an air exhaust system connected with the vacuum pump 18. The vacuum pump 18 is disposed inside the vacuum bin 11. The vacuum source connecting port is provided with a non-return valve disposed in the vacuum source connecting port to prevent flow of air back into the vacuum bin 11.
The food to be stored and preserved can be stored directly inside the vacuum bin 11 or in a canister 24 placed inside the vacuum bin 11. The canister 24 is an ordinary food storage container for placing the food which is to be preserved. Preservation of the food stored in the vacuum bin 11 or the canister 24 is achieved by the Vacuum pump 18 connected to the vacuum bin 11 or the canister 24 respectively. The canister 24 is provided with an openable lid. an opening for enabling evacuation of air contained by the canister and a vacuum release means. The vacuum release means permits the pressure within the canister 24 to be same as the atmospheric pressure and allows the lid of the canister to be opened. The opening in the canister is provided with a nQn-return valve disposed in the opening to prevent flow of air back into the canister.
Figure 7 illustrates the arrangement of mounting a vacuum bin inside the refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 7 shows the arrangement of the vacuum bin 11 inside the refrigerator. The vacuum bin 11 is slid on a pair of guide plates 25 which is mounted on the inner walls of the refrigerator compartment. The vacuum bin 11 is connecteel with a docking station 25 for facilitating power supply. The docking station is also provided on the inner wall of the refrigerator for providing electrical energy to the vacuuin pump 18 and one or more interface unit 15 provided on the vacuum bin. The refrigerator is also provided with a

control unit disposed in a machine compartment of the refrigerator to control the vacuum application process based on at least one sensor for sensing a vacuum created inside the vacuum bin and a timer.
The vacuum bin 11 is slid until the male connector of the vacuum bin 11 touches the terminals of the docking station 26. This arrangement provides plug-and-play feature and the vacuum bin 22 can also be used separately outside the refrigerator.
Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary view of the refrigerator with vacuum bin according to third embodiment of the present invention.
In third embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum bin 11 is placed above crisper 27 located inside the refrigerator. The vacuum bin 11 comprises of a vacuum pump 18 with an 8mm vacuum line 28. The vacuum line 28 is used to draw air out of the vacuum bin J J using the vacuum pump IS. The interface unit 15 of the vacuum bin is connected to the docking station 26 by means of a wiring harness 29. Another wiring harness 30 connects the control unit 31 with the terminals of the docking station 26. The control unit 31 is located in the machine compartment of the refrigerator and controls the functioning of the refrigerator. The machine compartment is further provided with a vacuum pump actuator for activating the vacuum pump upon receiving an appropriate signal from the control unit 31 and the interface unit 15.
Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary view of the vacuum bin showing a vacuum pump according to third embodiment of the present invention.
In the third embodiment, the vacuum pump 18 is mounted inside the vacuum bin 11. The vacuum pump 18 can be controlled either manually through an interface unit 15, or by using timer or a vacuum sensor. The vacuum bin 11 and the interface unit 15 are connected to the docking station 26 by means of a two-pin male connector 32 provided onto the vacuum bin 11. The interface unit 15 and the vacuum pump 18 are connected by a wiring harness to the docking station 26 for power supply.

When the user gives instructions using the interface unit 15, the vacuum pump 18 draws air out of the vacuum bin 11 through a suction input 33. The sucked air is thrown into the refrigerator by an air exhaust system 34 mounted in comrnunication with vacuum bin 11. When the air is sucked form the vacuum bin 11, the pressure in the vacuum bin is lowered, thereby preserving the food at a lower pressure compared to the atmospheric pressure. When the vacuum bin 11 needs to be opened, the vacuum release means is pushed, thereby equalizing the pressure within the vacuum bin 11 to the atmospheric pressure and allowing the lid 12 of the vacuum bin 11 to be opened.
Figure 10A and Figure 10B illustrates different vacuum bins according to various third embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in figure 10A. the vacuum pump 18 is placed iriside the vacuum bin 11 in the same compartment. As shown in figure 10B. the vacuum pump 18 is placed outside the vacuum bin 11 in an adjacent compartment.
Therefore, the refrigerator maintains a reduced temperature inside the refrigerator which in turn chills the vacuum bin placed inside the refrigerator. Further, the vacuum system withdraws air from the vacuum bin, thereby reducing the internal pressure within the vacuum bin. The result of the reduced temperature anci reduced pressure inside the vacuum bin is that the food items tend to deteriorate more slowly than when compared to the typical household refrigerator.
While the particular preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the teachings of the invention. It is therefore contemplates that the present invention cover any and a]] modifications, variations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed above and claimed herein.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has following advantages:
1) The present invention has a simple arrangement.
2) Once the vacuum bin/ canister are vacuumised, the same can be kept inside as well as outside the refrigerator.
3) Plug and play feature of the present invention requires only a 2-pin male connector to connect the vacuum bin with the docking station mounted on the cabinet of the refrigerator.
4) The noise level is reduced drastically when the pump is working with the refrigerator compartment door closed.
5) Improved performance due to reduction in evacuation line length.
6) The present invention facilitates elimination of foamed-in vacuum line.
7) The vacuum bin canisters can be placed in vacuum bin to vacuumise and once vacuumised, these canisters can be placed inside or outside refrigerator as per the requirement of the customer.
WE CLAIM:
1. A food storage and preservation system comprising:
a canister for storing food therein;

a refrigerator for optionally accommodating the said canister;
characterized in that:
the canister is provided with an openable lid. a vacuum source connecting port, and a vacuum release means; and
the refrigerator being provided with a vacuum pump locatable in a machine compartment thereof, a vacummiser unit locatable on a external surface thereof, and a vacuum line running through a body portion connecting the vacummiser unit and the vacuum pump;
the said vacummiser unit housing at least one extension line, a distal end thereof being connectable to the vacuum source connecting port of the canister, and at least one interface unit for enabling a user to control vacuum application process.
2. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacummiser unit optionally comprises at least one sensor for sensing a vacuum created inside the canister and a control unit for controlling vacuum application process based on the same.
3. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacummiser unit optionally comprises a timer for controlling vacuum application process.
4. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a vacuum pump actuator disposed in the machine compartment for activating the vacuum pump upon receiving an appropriate signal from one or more of the user interface, the control unit and the timer.
5. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canister further comprises a non-return valve disposed in the vacuum source connecting port to prevent flow of air back into the canister.
6. A food storage and preservation system comprising:

a vacuum bin for storing food therein;
a refrigerator for accommodating the said vacuum bin;
characterized in that:
the vacuum bin being provided with an openable lid, a vacuum source connecting port, and a vacuum release means and at least one interface unit; and
the refrigerator being provided with a vacuum pump locatable in a machine compartment thereof, and a vacuum line running through a body portion connecting the vacuum bin and the vacuum pump and a control unit for controlling vacuum application process based on a timer or the interface unit or at least one sensor for sensing a vacuum created inside the vacuum bin.
7. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a vacuum pump actuator disposed in the machine compartment for activating the vacuum pump upon receiving an appropriate signal from the control unit.
8. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the vacuum bin further comprises a non-return valve disposed in the vacuum source connecting port to prevent flow of air back into the vacuum bin.
9. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a canister for storing therein food, said canister being locatable inside the vacuum bin.
10. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the canister is provided with an openable lid, an opening for enabling evacuation of air contained by the canister and a vacuum release means.
11. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 9. wherein the canister further comprises a non-relurn valve disposed in the opening to prevent flow of air back into the canister.
12. A food storage and preservation system comprising:

a vacuum bin for storing food therein;
a refrigerator for accommodating the said vacuum bin;
characterized in that:
the vacuum bin being provided with an openable lid, a vacuum source connecting port, a vacuum release means, atleast one interface unit and a vacuum pump housed to expel air contained in the vacuum bin to a surrounding atmosphere inside the refrigerator; and
the refrigerator being provided with a docking station on an inner wall thereof for providing electrical energy to the vacuum pump and the interface unit provided in the vacuum bin, and a control unit disposed in a machine compartment thereof for controlling vacuum application process.
13. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 12. wherein the control unit is disposed in a machine compartment of the refrigerator to control the vacuum application process based on at least one sensor for sensing a vacuum created inside the vacuum bin or a timer or the interface unit.
14. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a vacuum pump actuator disposed in the machine compartment for activating the vacuum pump upon receiving an appropriate signal from the control unit.
15. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the vacuum bin further comprises a non-return valve disposed in the vacuum source connecting port to prevent flow of air back into the vacuum bin.
16. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a canister for storing therein food, said canister being locatable inside the vacuum bin.

17. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the canister is provided with an openable lid, an opening for enabling evacuation of air contained by the canister and a vacuum release means.
18. The food storage and preservation system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the canister further comprises a non-return valve disposed in the opening to prevent flow of air back into the canister.