Surgical tool system including plural powered handpieces and a console to which the handpieces are simultaneously attached, the console able to energize each handpiece based on data stored in a memory integral with each handpiece

Abstract

A surgical tool system () with a powered surgical handpiece (). A removable handswitch () is attached to the handpiece. The handswitch includes a slip ring () that removably holds the handswitch to the handpiece. A lever arm () is pivotally attached to the slip ring. A magnet () is fitted in the lever arm. The angle of the lever arm is set by the surgeon to indicate the on/off state and operating speed of the handpiece. Internal to the handpiece is a sensor () that generates a signal based on the relative proximity of the magnet. The sensor signal is thus employed as the control signal for regulating the operation of the handpiece. Thus a surgeon can selectively use the handpiece with or without the mounted control switch.