Abstract: This combined microwave and optic rotary joint has a fixed part and a rotating part in rotation about an axis .DELTA. in relation to the fixed part. It has at least one pair of microwave guide inputs, one of which is positioned in the fixed part while the other is positioned in the rotating part, these microwave guide inputs being coupled to each other by a coaxial link that is fixedly joined to the rotating part and placed in a conduit going through the fixed and rotating parts along the rotation axis .DELTA.. The core of the coaxial link is drilled with a longitudinal channel enabling the passage of an optic fiber fixedly joined to the rotating part. The end of this optic fiber goes through the fixed part and emerges in a case where it is coupled through an optic rotation plane to the end of another optic fiber fixedly joined to the fixed part.

Abstract: A multiple port electromechanical optical fiber switch provides for the exchange redirection of one common optical path with one of several other optical paths through the switch. It is particularly useful when one standby laser transmitter must be quickly substituted for any single failed transmitter among a group of several actively operating transmitters. A single prism for exchanging the optical paths of two initially parallel beams by means of four refractions at their entry and exit points and at least two internal reflections per beam within the prism is set forth in modified rhombic form with two additional parallel facets that transmit undeflected in the deactivated position one of two beams so as to minimize required shift distance to the prism activated position where it exchanges the optical paths of both parallel beams.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint provides for a comparatively large number, up to 500 or more, of optical fibers to cross a rotary-stationary interface. A large, but finite number of turns are allowed between the rotary and stationary parts of the joint structure, but communication of optical signals along the fibers may continue uninterrupted while relative rotation of the joint components is underway. The joint also provides for environmental sealing and a possible pressure differential between the rotary and stationary environments connected by optical fibers through the inventive joint. Means are provided to safeguard the joint against overwinding as would result from an excessive number of relative rotations between the components of the joint.

Abstract: A mechano-optical device comprises a support adapted to receive at least one substantially parallel incident beam, of known axis of incidence, and a reflecting dihedron, which is substantially straight and rotatable relative to the support about an axis of rotation which is substantially comprised within its plane of bisection and substantially perpendicular to its edge. The axis of incidence is a generatrix of a first surface of revolution about this axis of rotation, and the reflected beam is a generatrix of a second surface of revolution. When the device is being used as a rotary joint, the dihedron rotates at an angular speed which is half that of the incident ray, which permits the reflected beam to remain stationary on its surface of revolution.