PRESSURE CONTROL APPARATUS
FIG3 illustrates a schematic representation of a further pressure control apparatus
Alternatively, the pump 106 and motor 108 may be omitted, and the negative pressure may be provided via an external source of negative pressure, such as by connection to a vacuum line or vacuum reservoir. FIG3 provides a schematic representation of a further pressure control apparatus 200 for use with an external source of negative pressure, and which can be used to provide negative pressure to a wound site 10. Pressure control apparatus 200 includes a controllable valve 202 coupled between an inlet 102 and an outlet 118. The outlet 118 is coupled to the external source of negative pressure. Controller 212 provides control signals to the valve 202 to control the coupling of the external source of negative pressure to the inlet 102, and thereby to the wound chamber. The pressure at the inlet 102 is monitored by a pressure sensor 116, coupled to the inlet, and this monitored pressure is supplied to the controller 212. The operation of the pressure control apparatus 200 of FIG3 is similar to that of the pressure control apparatus 100, except that pressure is controlled by operating the valve 202 to couple the wound chamber to the external source of negative pressure. Controller 112 is able to control the level of negative pressure at the inlet 102 by controlling the valve 202. By monitoring the pressure at the inlet via the pressure sensor 116, the controller 212 can control the valve to provide the desired negative pressure at the wound site. The controller 212 described with respect of the pressure control apparatus 200 of FIG3 operates in a similar manner as described above except that the initial pump-down and maintenance pump-down states are replaced with valve activation states in which the inlet 102 is coupled to the external source of negative pressure connected to the outlet 118 via controllable valve element 202.
schematic
14
drape Example
202
valve
116
pressure sensor
118
outlet
102
inlet
200
pressure control apparatus
212
controller
['1. A battery powered pressure control apparatus for applying topical negative pressure at a wound site, the apparatus comprising: a pump (106) having an electric motor (108) configured to draw power from a battery; an inlet (102) for operatively coupling to a wound chamber formed over the wound site; a pressure sensor (116) coupled to the inlet (102); and a controller (112); wherein the controller (112) is coupled to the pressure sensor (116) and provides control signals for controlling the operation of the electric motor (108) to thereby provide negative pressure at the inlet (102); and one or more indicators (110) coupled to the controller to allow audio and/or visual feedback of status signals to a user; characterized in that  the controller (112) is further configured to disable the operation of the apparatus and provide a signal via an audio and/or visual cue to a user that attention to a non-transient leak is required if an unsuccessful attempt is made to establish a desired negative pressure at the wound site.', '13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the apparatus further comprises a one-way valve coupled between the inlet and the pump, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the wound dressing.']