An actuating device intended for a sewing device or sewing machine includes a material pressing device for holding down the material to be sewn during stitch formation and transport, and at least one linear motor which serves as regulating element for the material pressing device. The novel method uses a statistical approach to enable the design of a portable co-oximeter. The SIP areas are generated statically or dynamically. Placed on top of the lower portion is a work station which includes a networked computer and a printer for processing insurance and repayment forms. The programmable current supplies correspond, respectively, to the differential signal legs.