Abstract: The current invention is directed to a switch apparatus (6) for operating a surgical evacuator (14). The switch apparatus broadly comprises a surgical device (39) having a power unit (12), a vibration generator (10) for producing vibrations in response to the operation of the surgical device, a vibration sensor (22) for generating an output as a function of vibrations sensed, a control unit (23) for producing a control signal as a function of the vibrations produced by the vibration generator and a surgical evacuator for removing a waste product generated by the use of the surgical device. The vibration generator is adaptively coupled to the power unit. In addition, the control unit is adaptively coupled to the vibration sensor. The evacuator is responsive to the control signal and is activated or deactivated based on the operation of the surgical device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic drive means for providing motion. An application is as an indicator device for registering the magnitude of an input supplied to a computer by an external sensor is described. The electromagnetic drive means includes a first stationary member that comprises electrically conductive material having a serpentine configuration that defines a plurality of alternating peaks and troughs which are selectively magnetized to provide alternating north and south magnetic fields. A second member is movable along the path of the stationary member by discrete and controlled magnetic attraction and repulsion forces set up between the members. The stationary members can be provided with a graduated scale while the movable member carries a pointer that is movable with respect to the scale to thereby indicate a magnitude of the input. A specific application of this indicator device is as a gauge in a dashboard.