Abstract: A device for measuring the brightness of a surface includes a light source to send an incident beam onto the surface and a polarizer and two analyzers one for analyzing the reflected light and the other for analyzing the diffuse reflection from the surface at a selected point of incidence; light-sensitive photodetector means are provided to receive light from the analyzers; the incident light impinges on the surface under examination at an angle of between 0.degree. and 90.degree. with the incident beam polarization being perpendicular to the plane of incidence; the analyzers are located to differentiate between parallel and perpendicular polarization to provide differences in the assessment of specular and diffuse brightness.

Abstract: An appliance for manual use for massaging a cutaneous covering, comprising, on the one hand, a reservoir (1) containing the product to be applied, and integral with a gripping element (2), the reservoir comprising a movable wall (4), so as to adapt its internal volume (9) to the quantity of product contained and, on the other hand, an applicator element (3) constituted by a sole (6) cooperating with the reservoir (1) and comprising at least one ball (7) held in a housing (8), which communicates with the internal volume of the reservoir (1) through at least one opening. The appliance also comprises a direct current source (12), which is situated in the said gripping element (2) and whose poles are each connected to one electrode, the first electrode (13) being a conductive covering which covers the wall of the gripping element (2) and the second electrode (14) being constituted by a conductive film which is in permanent contact with the product situated in the reservoir (1).

Abstract: The method for measuring the elasticity of a superficial layer (2), in particular of the skin, comprises defining a zone (7) of this layer; creating a negative pressure in this zone to cause a deformation of the zone; and measuring the negative pressure necessary to cause a deformation of predetermined amplitude. The measuring device includes a sensor (3) provided with a cavity (5) defined by a rim (6) arranged to be pressed against the layer (2) to be studied, and a pump (17) for creating a negative pressure in the cavity (5). A suction opening (20) is provided in the cavity at a predetermined distance (d) from the superficial layer, in such a manner as to be obturated by the layer when the deformation attains the predetermined amplitude. A pick-up device is provided for measuring the negative pressure that has produced the deformation of predetermined amplitude.