Abstract: A device for evaluating the creasing of the skin in vivo. A zone of the skin to be examined is creased. The zone of the creased skin is scanned with an incident luminous beam which is emitted by a light source. The light reflected by the creased skin is detected. The detected light is converted into an electrical signal. At least one parameter representing the profile of the creased skin is extracted from the electrical signal. This device makes it possible to evaluate the mechanical properties of the dermis, such as its elasticity and firmness and the aging of the skin, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of products intended to counteract such aging.

Abstract: A confocal microscope equipped with a light source, a rotary disk having holes, a highly sensitive image receiver or camera, an immersion lens, and a contact endpiece for contacting the skin and in which is engaged at least a lower part of the lens. The endpiece includes a central opening and abuts the skin about the central opening. The microscope allows for relative axial displacement of the contact endpiece relative to the lens.

Abstract: A bayonet drive coupling comprises a barrel and end fitting to be connected by a first bayonet coupling and a spindle and sleeve to be connected by a second bayonet coupling. The second bayonet coupling comprises a slot having a straight entry portion and an oblique second slot portion to receive a pin of the spindle, whereby axial movement of the sleeve is actuated as the pin moves along the second slot portion.