Abstract: The present invention relates to method for interpreting data obtained by measuring a length of optical fiber using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), and comparing that measurement to a reference measurement. The technique uses statistical inference to determine a likely cause for a length measurement to be shorter than a reference length. One technique uses a chi-squared best fit of an array reflectance spike occurrences along the fiber to a historical reference array. In that way, it can be determined whether the missing portion of the tested fiber is at an end or between the ends, providing evidence that the short length measurement results from a fiber break or from the intentional removal of a reserve loop.

Abstract: A method of operating a beauty salon-spa, includes a salon-spa program, wherein a member of the salon-spa program signs a service agreement, pays a monthly fee for an effective period of the service agreement, and receives a service package, comprising a plurality of salon-spa-related services, every month for the effective period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for interpreting data obtained by measuring a length of optical fiber using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), and comparing that measurement to a reference measurement. The technique uses statistical inference to determine a likely cause for a length measurement to be shorter than a reference length. One technique uses a chi-squared best fit of an array reflectance spike occurrences along the fiber to a historical reference array. In that way, it can be determined whether the missing portion of the tested fiber is at an end or between the ends, providing evidence that the short length measurement results from a fiber break or from the intentional removal of a reserve loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle mounted sweeping apparatus to be mounted on a variety of vehicles for sweeping the inside surfaces of vessels such as a barge, generally comprising a rectangular steel base plate positioned horizontally with two perpendicular rectangular side plates attached to each end of the base plate. All three plates are attached to a rectangular steel frame which further comprises a mounting plate for attachment to a vehicle. The horizontal base plate and vertical side plates comprise multiple sweeping elements arranged in parallel rows perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel and removeably attached to the outside surfaces of the plates, for replacement when worn.

Abstract: A substantially anhydrous underarm cream composition suitable for topical application to the human skin, comprising an antiperspirant and/or deodorant agent, a carrier, a silica structurant and an alkyl methicone wax having the general formula:(CH.sub.3).sub.3 Si--?O--Si(R)(CH.sub.3)!.sub.x --O--Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3wherein R is a branched or unbranched alkyl group containing from 12 to 26 carbon atoms, the ratio of branched to unbranched alkyl groups is approximately from 1:5 to 1:2 and x ranges from 30 to 150.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating the permeability of membrane articles, particularly condoms and gloves, is designed to quantify physiologic conditions which exist during use of the articles. Permeability is determined by monitoring fluorescent microspheres of approximately the size of HIV which pass through the membrane articles.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for simultaneously welding all the leads of a semiconductor chip to an outer lead frame is disclosed. The electrode assembly includes a gross electrode opposed to a plurality of spot electrodes, and a plurality of parallelogram support members for the spot electrodes, and a housing. Each of the plurality of parallelogram support members includes a first leg fixedly attached to the housing and a second leg supporting one of the spot electrodes. Each of the second legs is resiliently deformable into a stressed position when the electrode supported thereby is biased against the work piece whereby each spot electrode is independently responsive to structural changes in the work piece and contact is maintained between the work piece and the spot electrodes during the entire welding operation.