Abstract: An optical sensor for determining the position of a rotating shaft, comprised of a first and second light deflecting means, a light sensing means, and a means for providing a source of light. The second means for deflecting light is mounted on the shaft and rotates as the shaft turns, deflecting light from an axial path parallel to the shaft to a second radial light path. The shaft extends through and turns relative to a first light deflecting means which deflects light from a first radial path to the axial path optically coupling the first and second radial light path as the shaft turns. A source of light and light sensing means are provided in the radial light paths which are optically coupled at discrete shaft positions.

Abstract: A rotary optic switch for alternatively coupling a single light path to any one of a plurality of other light paths upon the relative rotation of a light deflecting means. A first deflecting means deflects light from a first radial path to an axial path. A rotatable second light deflecting means deflects light from the axial path parallel to the axis of rotation of the second light deflecting means to a second radial path which moves responsive to the rotation of the second deflecting means. Light is supplied to the first radial light path by a first optic element. A plurality of second optic elements are located circumaxially around the axis of rotation of the second light deflecting means and can be alternatively optically coupled to the first optic element by rotation of the second light deflecting means aligning the second radial light path with each of the second optic elements.