Thank you very much for those links Rodelu! I do have a few questions, but first, let me try to get a grasp on this (using my primitive knowledge of wave mechanics). The VOR emits two signals, one constant phase signal, and one variable phase signal. A special circular antenna allows the variable phase signal to "revolve" around the station (30 times per second?). The variable phase signal is out of phase with the constant phase signal by a different number of degrees depending on the direction it is emitting to. This is similair to what Cavok describes.
So on North, the signals might be in phase, at East the signals are 45 degrees out of phase, at south 90 degrees out of phase, etc? I guess the exact phase difference for each bearing is irrelevant, but I'm just curious.
Localizer works by using two different frequencies for each side of the course. Does the needle on the ILS indicator swing to the proper amount deflection because one signal becomes progressively more dominant as you go further off centerline, or is it some kind of phase interaction like the Vor's?
Also, how is the to/from flag controlled? Can the reciever pick up on Doppler effect (increasing frequency as you approach the station=to flag, decreasing frequency as you depart=from flag?)