Electrostatic 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 plurality of individual cell means for contact with said flexible surface, said cell means each being arranged in an array for contact with said flexible surface, said cell means comprising:
• cell body means having an upper film portion means and a lower film portion means for forming the upper and lower portion of said body means, said body means further having an open central portion and said upper film portion means being in contact with said flexible surface;
• post means mounted in said open central portion and fixedly attached to said upper film portion means and said lower film portion means, said post means defining a vertical axis of movement said upper and lower film portion means having first and second electrode means mounted thereon respectively for electrostatic activation, said first and second electrode means being positioned on the face of said upper and lower film portion means and facing each other;
• central diaphragm means having third and fourth electrode means on the outer surfaces of said diaphragm means for electrostatic activation, said diaphragm means having an open central portion surrounding said post means;
• power supply means operably connected to said first, second, third and fourth electrode means for causing selective cooperative electrostatic activation between said electrode means to move said post means along said vertical axis to cause said upper film portion means to move that portion of said flexible surface in which said upper film portion means is in contact;
• whereby portions of said flexible surface move in accordance with the activation of each cell to control the shape of said flexible surface in a quasi-continuum.