Abstract: The present invention provides a method of deactivating working fibers in an existing optical ring network or system for a cost-effective and efficient allocation of the fiber resources available in the ring network. When a working fiber is underutilized in an existing ring network, the traffic scheduled for transmission thereon is re-routed around the network away from the fiber and lockouts are applied to prevent the fiber to be removed from being protected. The fiber and associated connecting equipment thus become unused and unnecessary for traffic carrying purposes and can then be deactivated. By eliminating the need for working fibers and associated optics equipment on spans where traffic is low or non-existent, the invention can provide fiber capacity savings of up to fifty percent on each span while retaining full protection usage.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method of deactivating protection fiber resources in an existing optical interconnected ring network or system. The invention uses 1:N protection principles to provide a single protection path on spans interconnecting nodes common to two or more optical rings. With the sharing of a protection fiber or channel on spans interconnecting common nodes, the present invention eliminates the need for multiple protection paths on these spans and provides substantial fiber capacity savings. According to the invention, the protection fibers and equipment deactivated can be removed or alternatively re-provisioned to provide a cost-effective and efficient allocation of the resources available in the network.

Abstract: A mono-ski frame adapted for skiing in the sitting position and designed to allow a rearward and downward traverse of the upper portion of the frame relative to the lower portion during loaded conditions to enhance the carvability during the turn. The mono-ski frame includes a lower frame having a forward end and a rearward end adapted to be attached to a ski. A foot rest is attached to the forward end of the lower frame. An upper frame having a seat mounted thereon is moveable relative to the lower frame via a first link arm. The first link arm is pivotally attached at a first position to the lower frame and at a second position to the upper frame, wherein the first position is located forwardly of the second position so that the seat attached to the upper frame travels in a rearward direction under loaded conditions.