Patent ID: 8444128

Claim:
A method of extending and clamping a work support, the method comprising the steps of: a) applying a pressurized flowable medium to the work support; b) extending a transmission member with a plunger from the work support corresponding to a change in at least a first pressure resulting from the pressurized flowable medium; c) allowing the pressurized flowable medium to flow from a first chamber to a third chamber when the transmission member is extended, wherein the pressurized flowable medium is allowed to flow from the first chamber to the third chamber by a plug which includes a poppet that is held in a first position by a first force from a resilient member under compression; d) applying a second pressure resulting from the pressurized flowable medium to a clamping mechanism after the transmission member is extended; and e) applying a clamping force to the plunger corresponding to the second pressure applied to the clamping mechanism.