Abstract: An apparatus is provided for collecting medical waste fluids. The apparatus includes: a medical waste collection container for collecting medical waste fluids; first and second electrically conductive sensing elements disposed inside the container so as to be exposed to fluid collected in the container, where the first and second sensing elements are located inside the container at a position corresponding to a full fluid level at which point the container is full of fluid; and an electronic circuit coupled to the sensing elements for generating a full alarm signal when the electronic circuit determines that current can flow between the first and second sensing elements as a result of fluid in the container reaching the full fluid level and thereby completing a current path between the first and second sensing elements.

Abstract: A system is provided for the treatment of wounds by applying a negative pressure to a wound. The system comprises an electronically controlled suction regulator that comprises: a vacuum regulator, a coupler for coupling the vacuum regulator to an external vacuum source, a valve connected to the vacuum regulator for supplying a negative pressure to the wound, and a control circuit for generating control signals for controlling the valve so that negative pressure may be continuously or intermittently supplied to the wound. The system further comprises a wound dressing provided at the wound site and coupled to the electrically operated valve. The wound dressing comprises a wound dressing pad for placing over the wound, and a wound drape provided over the wound dressing pad and the wound site for sealing the wound site for application of the negative pressure.