Abstract: The invention relates to an optical branching device which may be used as an optical isolator, circulator or switch. The device comprises two polarization-sensitive beam splitters. Each beam splitter comprises a prism and a rhombohedral plate between which a liquid crystal film is interposed. An optical device for rotating the plane of polarization of linearly polarized light is arranged between the two beam splitters. The polarization rotation device may comprise a Faraday rotator with a constant or a switchable direction of magnetization and a half-wave plate. Alternatively, the polarization rotation device may comprise a liquid crystal film interposed between two electrodes.

Abstract: An ion-generator for producing an air flow includes a plurality of rectangularly shaped plate electrodes spaced from one another and respectively lying in planes parallel to the direction of the air flow, such plate electrodes extending perpendicularly to the direction of the air flow, the edge of each plate electrode facing upstream being rounded. There is a plurality of rows of needle electrodes disposed upstream of the plate electrodes and extending perpendicularly to the direction of the air flow, such rows of needle electrodes being respectively associated with and oriented towards the gaps between the plate electrodes, the tips of all the needle electrodes being disposed in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the air flow. There is an electrically conductive rod-shaped support for each row of needle electrodes, such rod-shaped supports being arranged parallel to the rounded edges of the plate electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transmitting microwaves between two bodies which are rotatable relative to each other. Two annular waveguides are arranged on a common axis. Each waveguide has a coupling slot along its circumference. A transmitting aerial projects into each coupling slot and is moveable relative to the associated waveguide. The electromagnetic waves generated by the transmitting aerials are received by receiving aerials at the ends of the waveguides, respectively. The outputs of the receiving aerials are prepared for further processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high voltage transfer device comprising two insulator bodies which are rotatable with respect to each other. In each insulator body there is embedded an electrode arrangement which horizontally encloses the axis of rotation. The two electrode arrangements together form a kind of Faraday cage, so that the field between the two electrode arrangements and in their vicinity is corrected and reduced.