Abstract: An electrical, multi-directional manual switch. The switch includes a central, pivoting arm and a plurality of sub-miniature switches positioned about the arm. The compact configuration of the sub-miniature switches allows one or more of the switches to be activated simply by pivoting the arm. Moreover, a plurality of the sub-miniature switches may be activated substantially simultaneously by a single pivoting movement of the arm. This allows the switch to continue working, even if one or more of the sub-miniature switches should fail. Alternatively, the sub-miniature switches may be arranged in a variety of different configurations about the arm so that the arm will activate different sub-miniature switches when pivoted in a variety of different directions or when depressed.

Abstract: An electrical trigger switch for controlling current through a pair of main leads. The switch includes a guard, which physically protects the trigger button from being depressed accidentally, and also an electrical safety feature. Particularly in harsh environments, the mechanical protection afforded by the guard alone may be insufficient. The trigger button may be depressed unintentionally, causing accidental injury. Accordingly, the guard of the present invention includes an electrical safety switch. The safety switch moves from a safety state to an enable state only when the guard is pivoted upward to an armed position. Unless the guard is so pivoted and the safety switch is placed in an enable state, the safety switch will stay in a safety state, disabling the trigger button, even if the trigger button is depressed.