Electrostatic/pneumatic actuators for active surfaces

A method for forming and controlling a flexible surface having a quasi-continuum in a plurality of locations, comprising the steps of:

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