PNEUMATIC APPARATUS USING AN ARRAY OF PNEUMATIC CYLINDERS

摘要

A support assembly for selective support of an article (2) from a face thereof, comprising an array of pneumatically actuated cylinders (6) movable from a retracted to a support position, wherein the cylinders (6) are arranged in an array and their actuation is controlled by a valve mechanism comprising a number of control valves (Va-Vh, V1-V8) which is less than the number of cylinders, such that each cylinder is controlled by actuation of two valves (Vg, V6) which determine uniquely which cylinder is actuated. A cylinder assembly having a locking mechanism for use in the array is also disclosed.