Abstract: A WDM optical cross-connect has input and output channels for through traffic. A first group of matrices connects the input channels to the output channels. Each input channel is connected to an input of a matrix of the first group and each output channel is connected to an output of the matrix. Input/output channels are provided for adding/dropping traffic. Each add/drop channel is connected to an input/output of a second group of matrices. The outputs/inputs of the second group of matrices are connected to inputs of a third group of matrices or outputs of a fourth group of matrices and the outputs/inputs of the third/fourth group of matrices are connected to inputs/outputs of the first group of matrices such that the matrices of the second, third and first groups of the first, fourth and second groups each form a Clos network.

Abstract: A node for an optical communication network comprises at least one switching unit (2), a plurality of optical interfaces (1) for connecting to a WDM transmission line (3), which comprise a demultiplexer (4) for disassembling a multiplex signal arriving from a WDM transmission line (3) into a plurality of input channels (8), each of which is supplied to an input port of the switching unit (2), and a multiplexer (5) for assembling a plurality of output channels (11), each originating from an out-put port of the switching unit (2), into an outgoing multiplex signal, and at least one transponder (6) for adding an information signal to and dropping it from the communication network, respectively.

Abstract: An optical switching station comprises a first plurality of input channels for through data traffic, a second plurality of output channels for through data traffic, at least one first optical switching matrix comprising a first group of input connectors connected to the input channels on the switching station and a first group of output connectors connected to the output channels on the switching station, for connecting the input channels and the output channels to each other, and a group of one or more signal shaping units, each of a second group of output connectors being connected with an input of a signal shaping unit belonging to the group and each of a second group of input connectors being connected with an output from one of the signal shaping units.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplex (WDM) optical cross-connect (OXC) has a plurality (N×M) of input and output channels (iI to iM; o1 to oM) for through traffic. A first group of optical switching matrices (SI-I to SI-N) is provided for connecting the through traffic input channels (iI to iM) to the output channels (o1 to oM), wherein each through traffic input channel (iI to iM) is connected to an input of a switching matrix (SI-I to SI-N) of the first group and each through traffic (o1 to oM) is connected to an output of the switching matrix (S1-1 to S1 -N). Additionally a plurality (P) of input channels (a1 to aP) and/or output channels (o1 to oP) is provided for adding/dropping traffic. Each add/drop input/output channel (a1 to aP, o1 to oP) is connected to an input/output of a second group of switching matrices (S2?-1 to S2?-AD).

Abstract: A rotary milking parlor comprises an annular milking platform (12) and a central milker pit, as well as: a radially directed accessway (16) at the outer periphery of milking platform (12) to allow cows to enter their milking stalls (32) head first from the outside; an external, radially directed exitway from milking platform (12) and adjacent accessway (16) to allow the cows to exit their milking stalls (32) head first; radially inner rear barriers (20) on milking platform (12), and a front barrier (22) associated with each milking position and adapted to be moved to a forward cow access position. The milking stalls (32) for the cow access position. The milking stalls (32) for the cows are provided in a herringbone pattern on milking platforms (12) and each front barrier (22) is pivotable about a horizontal bottom axle (24) transverse to the longitudinal axis (33) of each milking stall (32).