Electrostatic/pneumatic actuators for active surfaces

An actuator device controlling the shape of a flexible surface having a quasi-continuum in a plurality of locations, comprising:

• a base means for supporting a plurality of first electrostatic electrode means for forming an array and mounted therein and oriented to present said first electrostatic electrode means for electrostatic cooperative action with an electrostatic electrode means positioned above it;
• a cover mounted above said first electrostatic electrode means and defining an array of enclosed cavities, said cover having a second electrostatic electrode means facing each of said cavities for cooperative electrostatic activation between said first and second electrostatic electrode means, said cover having a flexible outer surface, said flexible surface being adapted to move in a plurality of locations;
• cover means mounted above said first electrode means and defining an array of enclosed cavities, said cover means having a second electrostatic electrode means facing each of said cavities for cooperative electrostatic activation between said first and second electrostatic electrode means, said cover means having a flexible outer surface means forming said flexible surface adapted to move in a plurality of locations to provide a quasi-continuous change in said flexible surface between maximum and minimum distances of separation between said base means and said flexible outer surface means;
• a power supply means connected to said at least one first and second electrostatic electrodes for causing selective cooperative electrostatic activation between portions of said flexible surface;
• and
• a quantity of fluid contained within said cavities for pneumatically defining a plurality of flexible surface conditions during said cooperative electrostatic actuation, whereby the shape of the flexible outer surface means is varied quasi-continuously from said maximum and minimum distances during said cooperative electrostatic actuation.