Canister status determination

摘要

A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining status of a canister of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of monitoring pressure provided by a pump element of the TNP system, determining at least one characteristic associated with the monitored pressure and determining status of at least one parameter associated with a canister of the TNP system responsive to the determined characteristics.

主权项

1. A method of determining status of a canister of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system, the method comprising:
monitoring pressure provided by a vacuum pump of the TNP system for pressure pulses generated during operation of the pump; determining, by a controller of the TNP system, a magnitude and a frequency of the pressure pulses; and determining, by the controller, a level of fluid in the canister of the TNP system when the level of fluid is above a canister empty level and is at or below a canister full level in response to at least one of comparing the magnitude of the pressure pulses with a pressure magnitude threshold and comparing the frequency of the pressure pulses with a frequency threshold, wherein the magnitude of the pressure pulses increases as the level of fluid in the canister increases.