Abstract: A modular fluid control system, comprising: a control module for receiving parallel electronic control signals as a plurality of data streams, the control module including a control unit configured to convert the data streams of the parallel electronic control signals to serial electronic control signals, each including a plurality of data pulses as control instruction signals, and an electrical connector; a plurality of valve modules, each valve module including at least one valve operable to control the flow of pressurized fluid; and a plurality of manifold modules connectable in series to the control module and connected to respective ones of the valve modules, each manifold module including a fluid supply conduit to provide a common manifold for receiving pressurized fluid, first and second electrical connectors for connection with ones of the connectors of adjacent manifold modules and the connector of the control module to provide an electrical bus for transmission of the serial control signals and powe

Abstract: A modular fluid control system, comprising: a control module for receiving parallel electronic control signals as a plurality of data streams, the control module including a control unit configured to convert the data streams of the parallel electronic control signals to serial electronic control signals, each including a plurality of data pulses as control instruction signals, and an electrical connector; a plurality of valve modules, each valve module including at least one valve operable to control the flow of pressurised fluid; and a plurality of manifold modules connectable in series to the control module and connected to respective ones of the valve modules, each manifold module including a fluid supply conduit to provide a common manifold for receiving pressurised fluid, first and second electrical connectors for connection with ones of the connectors of adjacent manifold modules and the connector of the control module to provide an electrical bus for transmission of the serial control signals and powe

Abstract: A modular fluid control system is disclosed in which a common fluid manifold is formed by the connection of a required number of identical manifold modules (4). Each manifold module (4) has a valve module (9) connected thereto with connections to receive and return fluid from/to the manifold. In addition, each manifold module (4) includes data/power connectors (36, 37) which allow connection to adjacent manifold modules (4) thereby forming a common power and data bus through the connected manifold modules (4). Each manifold module (4) includes a controller (18) capable of controlling the valve within its connected valve module (9) in accordance with instructions received from a primary controller (16) connected to the data/power bus at one end of the common manifold.