Twin configuration for increased life time in touch mode electrostatic actuators

An electrostatic actuator and drive configuration device for use in a system requiring a long term ON state operation, comprising:

• first electrostatic actuator means positioned to operate in said system requiring said long term ON state upon activation of first signal means to drive said first actuator means to an ON state to thereby provide a desired ON state operation in said system;
• second electrostatic actuator means positioned to operate in said system requiring said long term ON state upon activation second signal means to drive said second actuator means to an ON state to thereby provide said same desired ON state operation in said system;
• and
• power supply means supplying said first and second signal means to alternately select said first or said second electrostatic actuator means for activation to drive said selected actuator means to said ON state to maintain said desired ON state operation in said system, said first and second signals independently driving said first and second actuators, respectively to permit one or both actuators to be in an ON state.

A method of configuring an electrostatic actuator and drive device for use a system requiring a long term ON state operation, comprising the steps of:

• positioning a first electrostatic actuator to operate in said system requiring said long term ON state upon activation of a first signal to drive said actuator to an ON state to thereby provide a desired ON state operation in said system;
• positioning a second electrostatic actuator to operate in said system requiring said long term ON state upon activation of a second signal to drive said actuator to an ON state to thereby provide said same desired ON state operation in said system;
• and
• providing a power supply for supplying said first and second signal to alternately select said first or said second electrostatic actuator for activation to drive said selected actuator to said ON state to maintain said desired ON state operation in said system, said first and second signals independently driving said first and second actuators, respectively to permit one or both actuators to be in an ON state.