Abstract: A modular fluid control system comprised of a plurality of fluid control modules (11), each including a manifold portion (17), and a support element (14) to which the modules are mechanically fixed (12). The manifolds of adjacent units are pneumatically, but not mechanically, connected in order to communicate therebetween. In such an arrangement the modules can be removed from within an array without disturbing neighboring units.

Abstract: A modular fluid control system comprised of a plurality of fluid control modules (11), each including a manifold portion (17), and a support element (14) to which the modules are mechanically fixed (12). The manifolds of adjacent units are pneumatically, but not mechanically, connected in order to communicate therebetween. In such an arrangement the modules can be removed from within an array without disturbing neighbouring units.

Abstract: An ignition system for a smoking machine is disclosed. The ignition system comprises an ignition head (12) for igniting one end of a smoking article which is held by a smoking machine, a sensor (18, 20) for detecting a distance between the end of the smoking article and the ignition head (12) in a direction parallel to the axis of the smoking article, and control means (21) for automatically adjusting ignition conditions in dependence on the detected distance. The sensor (18, 20) is arranged to detect the distance across a range of offset positions of the end of the smoking article in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the smoking article, which range is greater than the width of the end of the smoking article.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ignition system for a smoking machine, comprising a heat source (2) that is adapted for emitting heat for igniting one end of a smoking article which is held by a smoking machine; an automatic sensor (3, 4) which is adapted for detecting the position of said end of the smoking article; and control means in communication with said sensor (3, 4), which are adapted for automatically adjusting the operation of said heat source (2) and/or for automatically adjusting relative movement of said heat source and/or of said article, depending on the position of said end as detected by said sensor (3, 4), such as to enable successful ignition of said end by said heat source. The invention further provides a kit of components for forming an ignition system in accordance with the invention, and a smoking machine comprising an ignition system in accordance with the invention.