Abstract: A waveguide switch is provided in which energy such as ultrasonic optical, electromagnetic or infrared waves travel in a first waveguide having fixed length formed in a first member connected to a second member having multiple waveguides of varying lengths which may be rotatably mounted to the first waveguide in order that upon rotation of the first or second member, different waveguides may be aligned to form an overall position identifying waveguide of varying lengths in order to provide a means for controlling a component attached to the switch. A transmitter and a receiver are mounted within the waveguide and connected to a detector in order to convert the time-of-flight data of the waves to an electrical signal.

Abstract: A combination torque and position sensor is provided for measuring the torque applied to a rotatable shaft, and measuring the position of the shaft as it is rotated. The combination sensor includes a fixed disc formed of a non-conducting insulating material with a circular resistive position track and a circular resistive torque track disposed around a surface of the disc. A first input voltage supply contact and a first ground contact in fixed relation to one another and are held in rotatable contact with said torque track. A torque signal output contact also held in rotatable contact with the torque track is positioned between the first voltage supply contact and the first ground contact such that torque applied to the shaft alters the relative position between the torque output contact and the first voltage supply and first ground contacts. The torque output contact provides an output voltage signal proportional to the amount of torque applied to said shaft.

Abstract: An articulating connector assembly having a housing, a hub being carried in rotatable relation to the housing; and means for signal coupling between the housing and the hub. The signal coupling can consist of means such as optical coupling, inductive coupling, radio frequency coupling, capacitive coupling, and pressure wave coupling. In addition, the articulating connector assembly can further include power coupling which can be accomplished by siding contacts, inductively coupled coils, capacitively coupled electrodes, or optical transmitters and receivers on the hub and the housing. Furthermore, a method of efficiently transmitting and receiving signals between the housing and hub is provided. The method consists of (1) obtaining an input signal, by a signal driver, to produce a driven signal output; (2) coupling the driven signal output to produce a coupled signal; and (3) receiving the coupled signal, by a receiver, to produce an output signal.