Abstract: A multi-dimensional astral position finding device for facilitating viewing selected sky areas such as constellations in the zodiacal band and elsewhere. A device which in combination with a pre-selected field of view facilitates positioning of the eye of the observer with respect to the north/south axis of the earth, the latitude of the observer's position, and time. The position finding device is pivotally mounted on a sky viewing frame or system, the position of the device being directly affected by gravitational forces, its location precisely determined with respect to the north/south axis of the earth by a compass carried by the device and serving as weight means for enhancing the gravitational effect to actuate positioning of the device, said device including indicia on a surface thereof arranged on radii extending from the axis of the pivotal mounting to facilitate desired inclination of the viewing frame relative to the horizon.

Abstract: A video blink comparator incorporates an optical system for presenting and superimposing a data pattern image and reference pattern image, a video system for generating a video signal for final comparison of the reference image and data image, and a control system for blinking the respective data image and reference image on and off at the same frequency and out of phase so that a video picture formed by the video signal remains constant when the data image and reference image patterns are substantially identical and so that variant elements of the respective patterns blink on and off in the video picture. A lens system is provided spaced from a video camera to provide variable magnification or enlargement of the superimposed pattern images. Universal mounting of components permits sequential scanning of the superimposed image in fractional portions or blocks permitting non-linear distortion introduced during pattern formation.

Abstract: An adjustable connecting means for structural members of a suspended ceiling construction which is supported at least at its periphery and at its center and is capable of self-adjustment for ceilings of concave, convex, and horizontal configuration. A connecting means in which the edge portion of a central support member is provided with a plurality of open ended slots, the edge portion and slots being cooperable with a plurality of longitudinal structural members each having a vertically disposed web provided with flanges on opposite sides thereof, one end of the web having a sector shaped opening for reception of the edge portion and entry of a web portion inwardy of the sector shaped opening into a slot.