AUTOMATED VACUUM CANISTER

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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to storage containers, and more particularly to vacuum storage containers for perishable items.

BACKGROUND

Storage containers that preserve freshness for food, beverage, and other perishable items are generally well known. While some sealable storage containers can limit the flow of air into the container, better devices can also store items under vacuum to reduce further exposure of stored items to air. Vacuum storage devices suitable for home use can be as simple as sealable vacuum bags or can be more complex by involving pumping mechanisms to facilitate evacuating ambient air from within a container. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 11,365,041 teaches a vacuum sealable container with an internal pump mechanism that allows for mechanical rotational actuation by a user to pump and remove air from within a container storing perishable items.

Unfortunately, purely mechanical pump mechanisms can require physical activity by a user that may be considered by some to be cumbersome and inconvenient. While other pump mechanisms may be automated, many require devices separate from the vacuum container, and these still do not account for issues leading to a need to maintain vacuum over time. Some perishable items, such as coffee beans or grounds, outgas while under vacuum. Pressure levels within the container then rise over time, which detracts from a more ideal vacuum environment.

Although traditional storage containers for perishable items have worked in the past. improvements are always helpful. In particular, what is desired are improved storage containers that maintain vacuum over time for better storage of coffee and other perishable items.

SUMMARY

It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide improved storage containers that maintain vacuum over time for better storage of perishable items. The disclosed systems, apparatuses, features, and methods provide for the automatic application and maintenance of vacuum to stored perishable items, among other possible applications. This can include storage of perishable items that naturally outgas under vacuum, such as coffee beans or grounds, for example. A low pressure or vacuum environment within the storage container can be maintained automatically even when these items outgas over time. These advantages can be accomplished at least in part by an automated vacuum container that can include a main storage body and a removable and sealable lid that is configured to automatically detect a pressure level within the main body and pump out gas therefrom when the pressure level rises above a set threshold.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an automated vacuum container can include a main body, a removable lid, one or more valves, an automated pump, a processing component, and one or more input devices. The main body can have an outer housing, an inner volume contained therein, and a sealable opening therethrough. The inner volume can be configured to store one or more perishable items received through the sealable opening. The lid can be removably coupled to the main body and can cover the sealable opening. The lid can include an inner surface proximate to the inner volume, an outer surface proximate an exterior of the automated vacuum container, and one or more air passages from the inner surface to the outer surface. The one or more valves can be located within or proximate the lid and can be configured to control the flow of air through the one or more air passages. The automated pump can be located within or proximate the lid and can be coupled to the one or more air passages. The automated pump can be configured to pump air from the inner surface through the one or more air passages to the outer surface to form a vacuum within the inner volume. The processing component can be located within or proximate the lid and can be coupled to the automated pump. The processing component can be configured to receive one or more inputs, to control operation of the automated pump based on the one or more inputs, and to operate in a sleep mode to conserve power and an awake mode based on one or more environmental conditions. The one or more input devices can be located within or proximate the lid and can be coupled to the processing component. At least one input device can be configured to generate a wake up signal and send the wake up signal to the processing component based on an environmental condition change. The processing component can be further configured to wake up from its sleep mode to its awake mode when it receives the wake up signal.

In various detailed embodiments, the automated vacuum container can also include a user interface located at or proximate the outer surface of the lid. Actuation of the user interface can result in a user input being provided to the processing component. The user interface can include a button located along a top surface of the lid. The at least one input device can include an accelerometer or other motion sensor configured to detect motion of the lid. The one or more valves can include a check valve, a solenoid valve, or both. One or more pressure sensors can be located within or proximate the lid and can be coupled to the processing component. The one or more pressure sensors can be configured to detect an air pressure within the inner volume and to provide a detected air pressure input to the processing component. The processing component can be configured to turn off the automated pump when the detected pressure input is below a minimum threshold pressure and to turn on the automated pump when the detected pressure input is above a maximum threshold pressure.

In further detailed embodiments, the automated vacuum container can also include a battery and a charging port. The battery can be located within or proximate the lid and can be coupled to the processing component. The charging port can be located along the lid outer surface, can be coupled to the battery, and can be configured to facilitate charging the battery from an external power source. A status indicator can be located at or proximate the outer surface of the lid and can be coupled to the processing component. The status indicator can be configured to indicate statuses regarding inner vacuum state, pump operation, battery charge, charging operation, or any combination thereof. In some arrangements, the automated vacuum container can also include a filter, a screen, and a gasket. The filter can be removable, can be located proximate the inner surface of the lid, and can be configured to prevent fine particles from entering the one or more air passages. The screen can be removable, can be located proximate the filter, and can be configured to keep coarse particles away from the filter. The gasket can be located between the lid and the main body and can be configured to provide an airtight seal when the lid is coupled to the main body. In some embodiments, the main body can be a cylindrical canister including a first threaded region at the sealable opening. The lid can include a second threaded region configured to facilitate a rotational coupling of the lid to the first threaded region of the cylindrical canister.

In various further embodiments of the present disclosure, an automated vacuum lid can be configured to maintain a vacuum within a separate associated container having an inner volume. The automated vacuum lid can include an upper lid housing, a lower lid housing, one or more air passages, one or more valves, an automated pump, and a processing component. The upper lid housing can have an outer surface proximate an exterior of the automated vacuum lid. The lower lid housing can be coupled to the upper lid housing to form an internal lid space therebetween, and the lower lid housing can have an inner surface arranged to be proximate to the inner volume of the separate associated container when the automated vacuum lid is removably coupled to the separate associated container. The one or more air passages can be located within the internal lid space and can connect the inner surface to the outer surface. The one or more valves can be located within the internal lid space and can be configured to control the flow of air through the one or more air passages. The automated pump can be located within the internal lid space and can be coupled to the one or more air passages. The automated pump can be configured to pump air from the inner surface through the one or more air passages to the outer surface to form a vacuum within the inner volume of the separate associated container. The processing component can be located within the internal lid space, can be coupled to the automated pump, and can be configured to receive one or more inputs and to control operation of the automated pump based on the one or more inputs.

In various detailed embodiments, the user interface can be located at or proximate the outer surface, and actuation of the user interface can result in a user input being provided to the processing component. The one or more pressure sensors can be located within the internal lid space, can be coupled to the processing component, and can be configured to detect an air pressure within the inner volume of the separate associated container and to provide a detected air pressure input to the processing component. The processing component can be configured to turn off the automated pump when the detected air pressure input falls below a minimum threshold pressure and to turn on the automated pump when the detected air pressure input rises above a maximum threshold pressure. In some arrangements, the air pressure within the inner volume of the separate associated container can rise above the maximum threshold pressure due to outgassing of one or more perishable items stored within the inner volume under vacuum.

In further detailed embodiments, the automated vacuum lid can also include a battery located within the internal lid space and coupled to the processing component, as well as a charging port located along the outer surface and coupled to the battery. The charging port can be configured to facilitate charging the battery from an external power source. In addition, a status indicator can be located at or proximate the outer surface and coupled to the processing component. The status indicator can be configured to indicate statuses regarding vacuum state of the inner volume of the separate associated container, pump operation, battery charge, charging operation, or any combination thereof.

In still further embodiments of the present disclosure, various methods of maintaining a vacuum state within an automated vacuum container are provided. Pertinent process steps can include monitoring a pressure level within an inner volume of the container, determining when the pressure level rises above a maximum threshold pressure, activating an automated pump when the pressure level so rises, pumping air out of the inner volume, determining when the pressure level falls below a minimum threshold pressure, and turning off the automated pump. Pressure level monitoring can be done automatically by a pressure sensor, and the inner volume can be configured to store one or more perishable items under vacuum. Maximum threshold pressure level determining can be done automatically by a processing component coupled to the pressure sensor. Activating the automated pump can be done automatically by the processing component when the pressure level is determined to rise above the maximum threshold pressure. Pumping can be done automatically by the automated pump. Minimum threshold pressure level determining can be done automatically by the processing component. Turning off the pump can be done automatically by the processing component when the pressure level is determined to fall below the minimum threshold pressure.

In various detailed embodiments, the automated vacuum container can include a main body having the inner volume and a lid removably coupled to the main body. The lid can include the pressure sensor, the processing component, the automated pump, and one or more air passages connecting the inner volume to an exterior of the automated vacuum container. Further process steps can include receiving a user input prior to the step of monitoring, activating the automated pump in response to the user input, and pumping air out of the inner volume by the automated pump until a vacuum state is reached within the inner volume.

Other apparatuses, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional apparatuses, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed systems, apparatuses, features, and methods for automated vacuum lids, canisters, and other storage containers. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the disclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates in front perspective view an example automated vacuum canister according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates in rear elevation view the automated vacuum canister of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an example summary method of maintaining a vacuum state within an automated vacuum container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates in front perspective view an example lid for an automated vacuum canister according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates in top plan view the lid of FIG. 4A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C illustrates in side elevation view the lid of FIG. 4A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D illustrates in bottom plan view the lid of FIG. 4A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates in partial exploded view example lid components for an automated vacuum canister according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates in bottom plan view the lid of FIG. 4D with its screen and filter removed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates in partial exploded view the automated vacuum canister of FIG. 1 with its lid upper housing separated according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of electronic components for an automated vacuum canister according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary applications of apparatuses, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the disclosure. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details provided herein. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it is understood that these examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The present disclosure relates in various embodiments to systems, apparatuses, features, and methods for storing perishable items under vacuum. In particular, the disclosed systems, apparatuses, features, and methods provide for automated vacuum canisters and other containers that are configured to maintain vacuum on an inner volume automatically, such that little to no user intervention is required. In particular, the disclosed embodiments can create and maintain vacuum automatically on stored perishable items that tend to outgas naturally during vacuum conditions, such as coffee, for example.

While the term “vacuum” is used herein for purposes of discussion and illustration, it will be understood that a pure vacuum is not always required and that very low pressure levels can be sufficient and interchangeable with the term vacuum in some instances. Similarly, while the term “canister” is used herein for purposes of discussion and illustration, it will be readily appreciated that other types of containers beyond canisters can alternatively be used. Although it is contemplated that the disclosed automated vacuum containers are generally portable in nature, larger versions of these devices and systems are also possible.

Although the various embodiments disclosed herein are directed toward the storage of coffee and other perishable food items for purposes of simplicity in illustration, it will be readily appreciated that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and features can similarly be used for any other kind of item storage under vacuum. For example, the disclosed systems, apparatuses and features can be used for storing powders, liquids, plastics, and other materials, particularly those that may naturally outgas to raise storage pressure levels when subjected to vacuum storage. Other applications and extrapolations of the disclosed embodiments are also possible.

Referring first to FIG. 1, an example automated vacuum canister is illustrated in front perspective view. Automated vacuum canister 100 can include a main body 110 and a lid 120 that can be removably coupled to the main body. Main body 110 can generally have an outer housing, an inner volume contained therein, and a sealable opening therethrough, such as an open top to the canister shaped main body. The inner volume can be configured to store one or more perishable items received through the sealable opening. While main body 110 can have a medium height canister geometry as shown, it will be understood that other shapes, geometries, and sizes can alternatively be used for a suitable main body.

Lid 120 can be removably and rotationally coupled to the main body to cover the sealable opening, such as by way of suitable mating threads and a gasket arrangement. Lid 120 can include an inner surface proximate the inner volume, an outer surface proximate an exterior of the automated vacuum container, and one or more air passages from the inner surface to the outer surface, as detailed below. Lid can include a button 122 or other user interface and an indicator 124, both of which can be located along its top surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates in rear elevation view the automated vacuum canister of FIG. 1. Again, assembled automated vacuum canister 100 can include a main body 110 and a lid 120 rotationally coupled thereto. As shown, lid 120 can have a charging port 126 located along its outer surface, such as along its rear side. Charging port 126 can be coupled to a battery located within lid 120, and this charging port can be configured to facilitate charging the battery from an external power source. In some arrangements, charging port 126 can be a standard USB-C compatible port, for example, although other types of charging arrangements are also possible. Lid can also include various internal components, such as one or more valves, an automated pump, a processing component, and one or more pressure sensors, among other possible internal components, as set forth in greater detail below.

Turning next to FIG. 3, a flowchart of an example summary method 300 of maintaining a vacuum state within a vacuum container is provided. Summary method 300 can represent a broad overview of steps performed by an automated vacuum container, and it will be understood that various other steps, features, and details are not provided here for purposes of simplicity. Some or all of the steps in summary method 300 can be performed automatically by the automated vacuum container, and it will be understood that other steps and functions of an overall method of creating and maintaining a vacuum state within a vacuum container can be conducted manually by a user who is using the container.

After a start step 302, a first process step 304 can involve monitoring a pressure level within an inner volume of an automatic vacuum container. The inner volume can be configured to store one or more perishable items under vacuum, such as coffee, for example. The pressure level can be at vacuum or near vacuum and can be anticipated to rise over time due to small leaks, outgassing of stored coffee or other items, and/or other factors. Process step 304 can be automatically performed by one or more pressure sensors, which can be located within or proximate a lid of the automated vacuum container, for example.

A following process step 306 can involve determining when the pressure level within the inner volume rises above a maximum threshold pressure. This maximum threshold pressure can be −30 kPa, for example, although other thresholds can be used. Process step 306 can be automatically performed by a processing component coupled to the pressure sensor(s), with the processing component being configured to receive the pressure level from the one or more pressure sensors and determine when the maximum threshold pressure has been reached.

At the next process step 308, an automated pump can be activated when the pressure level is determined to rise above the maximum threshold pressure. Process step 308 can be automatically performed by the processing component to activate or turn on the pump as a programmed consequence of the inner volume pressure rising too high.

At a subsequent process step 310, air can then be pumped out of the inner volume. Process step 310 can be automatically performed by the automated pump, which can be an electric pump controlled by the processing component.

A following process step 312 can involve determining when the pressure level within the inner volume falls below a minimum threshold pressure as a result of the pumping. This minimum threshold pressure can be −50 kPa, for example, although other thresholds can be used. Process step 312 can be automatically performed by the processing component, which can be informed of the pressure level by the pressure sensor(s) during pumping.

The next process step can involve turning off the automated pump when the pressure level is determined to fall below the minimum threshold pressure. Process step 314 can be automatically performed by the processing component to turn off or deactivate the pump as a programmed consequence of the inner volume pressure falling below the minimum threshold. The method can then end at end step 316.

For the foregoing summary method 300, it will be appreciated that not all process steps are necessary, and that other process steps and details may be added. Furthermore, the order of steps may be altered in some cases, and some steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, steps 304 and 306 may be performed simultaneously. In some arrangements, the method can revert to step 304 after step 314 is finished and the method can repeat on continuous loop automatically without any user interaction. Other possible process steps and details are provided in further examples below, and variations and extrapolations of method 300 will also be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art.

FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrate an example lid for an automated vacuum canister in front perspective, top plan, side elevation, and bottom plan views respectively. Again, lid 120 can include a button 122 or other user interface and an indicator 124 located along its top surface as well as a charge port 126 located along its back side surface, although other locations and additional or other user interfaces, indicators, and charging features are also possible.

As shown in FIG. 4C, a removable gasket 130 can be located around a circumference of the lid near its bottom, and such a gasket can be of a size, geometry, and material to facilitate forming an airtight seal with a canister or other container when lid 120 is removably coupled to the container. As shown in FIG. 4D, a removable screen 132 can be located along a bottom surface of lid 120, and such a screen can be of a size, geometry, and material to facilitate keeping particulate matter away from internal regions of the lid.

FIG. 5 illustrates in partial exploded view example lid components for an automated vacuum canister. Again, lid 120 can be of a size, shape, and geometry to facilitate the ready coupling with and removal from an associated canister or other storage container. This can be accomplished, for example, by way of a threaded region 127 around a bottom circumference of lid 120, which threaded region can be configured to mate with a threaded region at a sealable opening of a cylindrical canister or other storage container. This mating of first and second threaded regions can facilitate a rotational coupling of lid 120 to the storage container, as will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Again, removable gasket 130 can be configured to form an airtight seal between lid 120 and the main body of an associated canister or other storage container when the lid is coupled with the storage container. A relatively thin filter 134 can be located proximate a bottom surface of lid 120, which can be considered an “inner surface” relative to the inner volume of the associated storage container where vacuum is to be maintained. Filter 134 can be removable and can be configured to prevent fine particles from entering inside lid 120, such as by way of one or more air passages through which air is pumped out of the inner volume. A relatively thin screen 132 can be located proximate filter 134 such that the filter is between the screen and the bottom surface of lid 120. Screen 132 can be removable and can be configured to keep coarse particles away from filter 134. In some arrangements, gasket 130, screen 132, and filter 134 can all be readily removable to facilitate easy cleaning of all part surfaces.

FIG. 6 illustrates in bottom plan view the lid of FIG. 4D with its screen and filter removed. As shown, the bottom surface of lid 120 can include a hole pattern that can facilitate the flow of air out of the inner volume of the associated canister or other storage container during a pumping process. Depressed region 128 can be a cavity set into the bottom generally flat surface of lid 120, and multiple holes 129 can provide initial air passages through the outer surface of the lid bottom. Multiple holes and air passages can be used to facilitate a better air flow out of the inner volume and can also help to prevent system failure in the event that one or a subset of all air passages become blocked or otherwise fail. It will be understood that other hole patterns and other lid bottom surface geometries are also possible to facilitate a sufficient evacuation of air from the inner volume of an associated storage canister or container.

FIG. 7 illustrates in partial exploded view the automated vacuum canister of FIG. 1 with its lid upper housing separated. In some arrangements, lid 120 can have an outer housing that includes an upper housing 121 (removed from container main body 110) and lower housing (still coupled to container main body 110). Upper housing 121 can be removed from the rest of lid 120 in some arrangements, such as to perform maintenance on one or more of various internal components located within the lid. Such internal components can include, for example, one or more air passages 140, check valve 150, solenoid valve 152, rechargeable battery 160, automated pump 170, processing component 180, one or more pressure sensors 190, and one or more accelerometers or motion sensors 192, among other possible items. Internal components within lid 120 can also include button switch 122a and indicator LED 124a, with these items being coordinated with their respective components that are located on the outside of the lid.

Check valve 150 and solenoid valve 152 can be configured to control the flow of air through air passages 140 within lid 120. In some arrangements, multiple air passages 140 can extend from the holes in the bottom surface of lid 120 and these can feed into pump 170. At some point within lid 120, these multiple air passages can combine into a single air passage that can then be subject to control of a single check valve 150 and single solenoid valve 152. Check valve 150 can be passive and can be configured to allow airflow in only one direction away from the inner volume of the associated storage container by way of the inner (i.e. bottom) surface of lid 120. Solenoid valve 152 can be electrically controlled and can be actuated to allow a bypass of check valve 150 such that inner vacuum can be released (i.e., airflow back into the inner volume by way of the inner surface of lid 120). Solenoid valve 152 can be closed by default to retain vacuum inside the inner volume and can be opened by way of one or more particular triggers, such as by a user pressing a button. Other valve arrangements are also possible.

Automated pump 170 can be coupled to air passages 140 and can be controlled by processing component 180. Automated pump 170 can be an electrical pump that is configured to pump air from the inner surface of lid 120 (i.e., as shown in FIG. 6) through air passages 140 to an outer surface of the lid to form a vacuum within the inner volume of the associated storage container. In some arrangements, this outer surface can be at an inconspicuous location, such as along a groove around the outer circumference of lid 120. As noted above, automated pump can be controlled such that it is triggered to be turned on to pump air when pressure inside the inner volume rises above a maximum threshold pressure, and pumping can continue until the pressure falls below a minimum threshold pressure. In addition, automated pump may be activated by way of a user input, such as a press of the button, which can be done when there is no vacuum inside the inner volume or a partial vacuum or low pressure level inside the inner volume.

Processing component 180 can include one or more processors, traces, and other electronic items and components, some or all of which can be located on a printed circuit board (“PCB”) within lid 120. It will be understood that the term “processing component” can refer to any single processor, a subset of all processing items, or a full PCB or multiple PCBs that May be located within a total processing system. As will be understood for purposes of discussion and illustration herein, processing component 180 can be located within lid 120, can be coupled to automated pump 170, and can be configured to receive one or more inputs and to control operation of the automated pump based on the one or more inputs. Processing component 180 can also control operation of solenoid valve 152 and indicator LED 124a, among other possible system components. Processing component 180 can receive inputs from button switch 122a, battery 160, pressure sensors 190, and accelerometer 192, among other possible items.

Processing component 180 or any subset thereof can be configured to perform various functions automatically for the disclosed automated vacuum canister/container or its lid. These can include pump operations, valve operations, indicator operations, input response processing, battery charging, system monitoring, and sleep and awake mode cycling, among other possible automated system functions. For example, sleep and awake modes can be implemented to conserve battery power and extend system life before battery recharging is needed. This can involve the system being defaulted to a low power sleep mode whenever a user is not handling the device and only waking up to a higher powered awake or operational mode when a user handles the device or when the system periodically and quickly checks for pressure levels.

In some arrangements, the system can operate in low power sleep mode by default. The system can be awakened from sleep mode to an operational mode (i.e. awake mode) by way of a user when a user pushes the button, inserts or removes a charger from the charge port, or handles or disturbs the device such that the lid moves (e.g., internal accelerometer detects lid pitch, roll, or other motion). Other user cause awakening events are also possible. The system can also be awakened from a sleep mode to an operational mode periodically during a vacuum on monitoring cycle. For example, the system can use an internal clock cycle that automatically awakens the system from sleep to awake every 10 minutes to check pressure sensor status for a few microseconds. If pressure levels are acceptable then the system can automatically go back into sleep mode for another 10 minutes. If pressure of the inner volume has risen above a maximum threshold pressure, however, then the system can remain awake and operational while triggering the pump on until a suitable amount of air has been pumped out of the inner volume. While 10 minutes has been used as a possible example, it will be understood that other time interval cycles can be used and the time cycle lengths may vary as may be desired.

In some arrangements, a single digital pressure sensor can be used to detect the actual pressure level within the internal volume. In other arrangements, simpler pressure sensitive devices can be used as pressure sensors to indicate whether the actual pressure is above or below a specific value. For example a first pressure sensor can simply detect whether the inner volume pressure is above or below −30 kPa while a second pressure sensor can simply detect whether the inner volume pressure is above or below −50 kPa. The first pressure sensor can thus be set to indicate whether a maximum threshold pressure from vacuum has been reached, which would then trigger activation of the automatic pump upon detection during a maintenance awake cycle. The second pressure sensor can then be set to indicate whether a minimum threshold pressure has been reached during pumping by the automated pump, which would then trigger turning the pump off since a desirable level of vacuum has been achieved. Of course, other pressure levels can alternatively be used for these minimum and maximum pressure threshold values.

Various input devices can also be used to trigger the system to wake up from its battery conserving sleep mode, as will be readily appreciated. For example, any push of a button or other user interface interaction by a user can trigger an immediate awakening from sleep mode to awake and operational mode. As another example, a motion sensor can detect whether the lid has been moved in a significant way, such as by a user pushing, striking, or picking up the automated vacuum canister or container while it is under a vacuum storage condition. This can involve the use of a 3-axis accelerometer, for example, which can send a signal to the processing component when a significant amount of pitch, roll, and/or yaw are detected. In some arrangements, yaw may be eliminated as a triggering motion, such as where only significant motion of the device is to be used and incidental banging or vibrations in the surrounding environment are not desired to be awakening triggers. Other types of motion detectors or sensors may be used alternatively or in addition. For example, an optical motion sensor can be arranged to send a trigger when significant motion is detected at a certain region near the device, such that a user can wave near the sensor to trigger it awake. Other user initiated wakening events are also possible, such as plugging or unplugging into the charge port.

Various functions can be initiated or continued when the system is awake and in operational mode. For example, indicator LED 124a can be a single LED indicator that is configured to provide an output indicator in multiple ways. These can include different colors, different light intensities, and different solid or blinking light patterns, among other possible different function and state indicators, some or all of which can be controlled by the processing component. In some arrangements, LED indicator 124a can be displayed through an indicator opening in an upper housing of lid 120 to form indicator 124 visible to a user. Indicator can have different colors, such as green, yellow, red, and white, for example, different intensities, such as full, high, low, and off, for example, and also different blinking patters, such as solid, fast blinking, and slow blinking, for example, among other possible indicating features.

For example, indicator 124 can display a flashing green light when the automated pump is on and pumping, a solid green light when the pump is off and a vacuum state exists in the inner volume, and a solid white light when the pump is off and no vacuum state exists in the inner volume. A vacuum state can be considered an inner volume pressure that is below the minimum threshold pressure, for example, although below the maximum threshold pressure may alternatively be used for this vacuum state. A no vacuum state may be considered for when the inner volume pressure is above the maximum threshold pressure, such that triggering on the automated pump may be desirable or may even be automatically triggered. Additional pressure levels may be indicated in some arrangements, such that indicated pressure states can exist for ambient environment pressure (i.e., lid removed or no pumping yet), pressure below ambient but above the maximum threshold pressure, pressure between maximum and minimum threshold pressures, and pressure below minimum threshold pressure. Other indicator colors, intensities, and or blinking patterns may be used for such additional pressure states, if used.

As another example, indicator 124 can display a yellow light when the battery is charging, with the intensity level of the light reflecting the amount of battery charge. Full yellow light brightness can indicate a full battery while low yellow light brightness can indicate a low amount of battery charge. In some embodiments, separate indicators can exist for a dead battery (e.g., red light) and/or a charger plugged in when the battery is fully charged (e.g., yellow blinking light). Still further indicators can exist for other device functions. For example, when a vacuum release is indicated, such as when a user presses the top button, the solenoid valve can be actuated and indicator 124 can transition from a full vacuum no pumping solid green to a blinking white while the solenoid valve is actuated and air is filling the inner volume to a solid white when the inner volume is at ambient pressure and the solenoid valve is turned off.

In various embodiments, indicator 124 can be off and provide no display when the system is not in use (e.g., no vacuum) or is in use but in sleep mode (e.g., full vacuum and pump turned off). This can further conserve battery power and extend battery life between chargings. Indicator 124 can then turn on and provide one or more status indications upon the system being turned on or awakened from sleep mode. In some arrangements indicator 124 can switch between different indications for different statuses or states. For example, a full vacuum no pumping solid green indication can then change to a yellow light with intensity reflecting the current battery level while charging indication. One or more system statuses or state indications shown by indicator 124 may continue indefinitely while the system is plugged in and charging or may turn off after a set amount of time after the last user input (e.g., button push or motion trigger) or another active system operation such as pumping. When the system is not charging, all displays by indicator 124 can turn off automatically to conserve battery power after a set amount of time, such as 5 seconds, for example. The indicator display can then be awakened by a user input such as a button press or motion sensor trigger, or by the system detecting a need for pumping and activating the automated pump during a cyclical maintenance cycle, among other possible awakening triggers. Other indicator display modes, colors, patterns, features, triggers, and time cycles are also possible, as will be readily appreciated.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of electronic components for an automated vacuum canister. Electronic component arrangement 800 can generally include multiple internal components 810 contained within or located about an outer housing of the lid of the automated vacuum canister, as well as one or more external components 820 located outside of the lid. Internal components can include input components or devices, such as a user input button, and an accelerometer or other motion sensor. Internal components can also include one or more pressure sensors, a solenoid valve, an automated pump, an LED indicator or other display to provide outputs to a user, and a battery or other internal power source. Each of these internal components 810 can be electrically and/or communicatively coupled to a CPU, which can include one or more processors, memory units, and/or other circuitry items. External components can include an external power source and/or one or more additional outside items, such as, for example, a communication network, additional memory storage, outside user input components, and/or outside display components, for example. Other components, items, and features may be included for an automated vacuum canister, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated vacuum container, comprising: a main body having an outer housing, an inner volume contained therein, and a sealable opening therethrough, wherein the inner volume is configured to store one or more perishable items received through the sealable opening;a lid removably coupled to the main body and covering the sealable opening, wherein the lid includes an inner surface proximate the inner volume, an outer surface proximate an exterior of the automated vacuum container, and one or more air passages from the inner surface to the outer surface;one or more valves located within or proximate the lid, wherein the one or more valves are configured to control the flow of air through the one or more air passages;an automated pump located within or proximate the lid and coupled to the one or more air passages, wherein the automated pump is configured to pump air from the inner surface through the one or more air passages to the outer surface to form a vacuum within the inner volume;a processing component located within or proximate the lid and coupled to the automated pump, wherein the processing component is configured to receive one or more inputs, to control operation of the automated pump based on the one or more inputs, and to operate in a sleep mode to conserve power and an awake mode based on one or more environmental conditions; andat least one input device located within or proximate the lid and coupled to the processing component, the at least one input device being configured to generate a wake up signal and send the wake up signal to the processing component based on an environmental condition change,

2. The automated vacuum container of claim 1, further comprising: a user interface located at or proximate the outer surface of the lid, wherein actuation of the user interface results in a user input being provided to the processing component.

3. The automated vacuum container of claim 2, wherein the user interface includes a button located along a top surface of the lid.

4. The automated vacuum container of claim 1, wherein the at least one input device includes an accelerometer configured to detect motion of the lid.

5. The automated vacuum container of claim 1, wherein the one or more valves include a check valve, a solenoid valve, or both.

6. The automated vacuum container of claim 1, further comprising: one or more pressure sensors located within or proximate the lid and coupled to the processing component, wherein the one or more pressure sensors are configured to detect an air pressure within the inner volume and to provide a detected air pressure input to the processing component.

7. The automated vacuum container of claim 6, wherein the processing component is configured to turn off the automated pump when the detected air pressure input is below a minimum threshold pressure and to turn on the automated pump when the detected air pressure input is above a maximum threshold pressure.

8. The automated vacuum container of claim 1, further comprising: a battery located within or proximate the lid, wherein the battery is coupled to the processing component; anda charging port located along the lid outer surface and coupled to the battery, wherein the charging port is configured to facilitate charging the battery from an external power source.

9. The automated vacuum container of claim 1, further comprising: a status indicator located at or proximate the outer surface of the lid and coupled to the processing component, wherein the status indicator is configured to indicate statuses regarding inner vacuum state, pump operation, battery charge, charging operation, or any combination thereof.

10. The automated vacuum container of claim 1, further comprising: a filter located proximate the inner surface of the lid, wherein the filter is removable and is configured to prevent fine particles from entering the one or more air passages;a screen located proximate the filter, wherein the screen is removable and is configured to keep coarse particles away from the filter; anda gasket located between the lid and the main body, wherein the gasket is configured to provide an airtight seal when the lid is coupled to the main body.

11. The automated vacuum container of claim 1, wherein the main body is a cylindrical canister including a first threaded region at the sealable opening and the lid includes a second threaded region configured to facilitate a rotational coupling of the lid to the first threaded region of the cylindrical canister.

12. An automated vacuum lid configured to maintain a vacuum within a separate associated container having an inner volume, the automated vacuum lid comprising: an upper lid housing having an outer surface proximate an exterior of the automated vacuum lid;a lower lid housing coupled to the upper lid housing to form an internal lid space therebetween, the lower lid housing having an inner surface arranged to be proximate to the inner volume of the separate associated container when the automated vacuum lid is removably coupled to the separate associated container;one or more air passages located within the internal lid space, wherein the one or more air passages connect the inner surface to the outer surface;one or more valves located within the internal lid space, wherein the one or more valves are configured to control the flow of air through the one or more air passages;an automated pump located within the internal lid space and coupled to the one or more air passages, wherein the automated pump is configured to pump air from the inner surface through the one or more air passages to the outer surface to form a vacuum within the inner volume of the separate associated container;a processing component located within or proximate the lid and coupled to the automated pump, wherein the processing component is configured to receive one or more inputs, to control operation of the automated pump based on the one or more inputs, and to operate in a sleep mode to conserve power and an awake mode based on one or more environmental conditions; andat least one input device located within or proximate the lid and coupled to the processing component, the at least one input device being configured to generate a wake up signal and send the wake up signal to the processing component based on an environmental condition change, wherein the processing component is further configured to wake up from its sleep mode to its awake mode when it receives the wake up signal.

13. The automated vacuum lid of claim 12, further comprising: a user interface located at or proximate the outer surface, wherein actuation of the user interface results in a user input being provided to the processing component.

14. The automated vacuum lid of claim 12, wherein the at least one input device includes an accelerometer configured to detect motion of the lid.

15. The automated vacuum lid of claim 12, further comprising: one or more pressure sensors located within the internal lid space and coupled to the processing component, wherein the one or more pressure sensors are configured to detect an air pressure within the inner volume of the separate associated container and to provide a detected air pressure input to the processing component, and wherein the processing component is configured to turn off the automated pump when the detected air pressure input falls below a minimum threshold pressure and to turn on the automated pump when the detected air pressure input rises above a maximum threshold pressure.

16. The automated vacuum container of claim 15, wherein the air pressure within the inner volume of the separate associated container rises above the maximum threshold pressure due to outgassing of one or more perishable items stored within the inner volume under vacuum.

17. The automated vacuum lid of claim 12, further comprising: a status indicator located at or proximate the outer surface and coupled to the processing component, wherein the status indicator is configured to indicate statuses regarding vacuum state of the inner volume of the separate associated container, pump operation, battery charge, charging operation, or any combination thereof.

18. A method of maintaining a vacuum state within an automated vacuum container, the method comprising: monitoring automatically by a pressure sensor a pressure level within an inner volume of the automated vacuum container, wherein the inner volume is configured to store one or more perishable items under vacuum;determining automatically by a processing component coupled to the pressure sensor when the pressure level rises above a maximum threshold pressure;activating automatically by the processing component an automated pump when the pressure level is determined to rise above the maximum threshold pressure;pumping automatically by the automated pump air out of the inner volume;determining automatically by the processing component when the pressure level falls below a minimum threshold pressure; andturning off automatically by the processing component the automated pump when the pressure level is determined to fall below the minimum threshold pressure.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the automated vacuum container includes a main body having the inner volume and a lid removably coupled to the main body, the lid including the pressure sensor, the processing component, the automated pump, and one or more air passages connecting the inner volume to an exterior or the automated vacuum container.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of monitoring includes operating in a sleep mode to conserve battery power and waking up from the sleep mode at periodic intervals to perform the remaining steps.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of: receiving a user input prior to the step of monitoring;activating the automated pump in response to the user input; andpumping air out of the inner volume by the automated pump until a vacuum state is reached within the inner volume.