Abstract: An optical space-division switching assembly comprises a distribution assembly consisting of a stack of P distribution plates each with N guides which on the one hand, for each plate, are coupled in common to the end face of an optical element assigned to the plate and belonging to a group of P elements and, on the other hand, for the P plates, communicate with the same side of the stack in N rows of end faces, and an optical selection assembly consisting of a stack of N flat rigid opto-mechanical switches each movable between an optical element assigned to the switch and belonging to another group of N elements and the corresponding row of end faces of the guides of the plates and incorporating P guides having first ends assigned to the individual links between these guides and the corresponding optical element and second ends individually assigned to the P end faces of the guides of the plates of the corresponding row. This assembly provides for the broadcasting of P programs to N subscribers.

Abstract: The device comprises, for coupling the accesses of N first elements (fa) with the accesses of N second elements (fp) an distributer assembly (10) constituted by a stack of P flat and rigid distribution plates (11) having N waveguides (h) each coupled to the access of one of the second elements (fp) and a concentrator-selector assembly (20) constituted by a stack of N flat and rigid concentration and selection plates (21) having P waveguides and including an integrated strip (31) of P photodiodes which are coupled to the ends of the P waveguides, said assemblies being assembled to each other to couple the individual waveguides together. It is particularly applicable to optically broadcasting P programs to N subscribers.

Abstract: The key component of the switch is a transparent frusto conical block (2) having a small base (12) perpendicular to its axis and facing the end of a common light guide (14) and having an elliptical large base (22) inclined relative to the axis (4). The outer surface of the transparent cone is clad (18) with a transparent material of lower refractive index (18). The conical part serves to collimate light from the common guide into a substantially parallel beam of larger diameter than the light guide. The inclined large base (22) acts as a prism to deflect the collimated beam at an angle to the axis (4). The entire component is rotatable about the axis (4), thereby enabling the collimated beam (24) to be directed towards a selected "particular" component, e.g. one out of 24 light guides (26). Extra facets (32, 38) may be provided to divert a small portion of the light to a common control sensor (40) and to position sensors (36).

Abstract: Shunt means supply a diode bridge with an alternating current proportional to the AC to be measured. The bridge has at least two electroluminescent diodes which emit two alternating streams of half-wave light pulses which are supplied to two fibre optic systems. These convey the light signals to a safe distance from the high tension line where two light receptors receive the respective streams of half-wave light pulses and apply electrical signals proportional thereto to opposite inputs of a differential amplifier. The output of the amplifier is a readily measurable AC. Balancing means may be provided to compensate for any difference in the overall transmission paths for the two half-wave pulse streams. A resistive load may be provided adjacent the line to sink the current flowing through the diode bridge.