[manveru]

There's an article about it at http://www.amishnews.com/amisharticles/amish_tech.htm which references some books that might describe it in more detail.

> Almost any electrical appliance can be adapted to work off of alternate power, such as compressed air. Some Amish women have been using compressed air to power blenders in the kitchen for years. In one house, compressed air powers a water pump, sewing and washing machines, and drills and saws in the shop. Some Amish businesses have as their specialty adapting such appliances so they can be powered by compressed air.