Claims
- 1. 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.
- 2. The method of claim 1, which further includes the step of controlling pressure in said cavity by closing said cavity and connecting said cavity to a pressure control to provide a sealed cavity for movement of said fluid during said cooperative electrostatic actuation.
- 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one first electrostatic electrode comprises a plurality of electrostatic electrodes arranged in a pattern selected from bands, patches and regions, to cause a predetermined change in said active surface.
RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA
Division of application Ser. No. 09/223,083, filed on Dec. 29, 1998.
US Referenced Citations (6)