Abstract: A control device includes an exterior panel comprising multiple regions, including a groove region and a surrounding region that surrounds the groove region. The control device further includes a sensor layer comprising one or more sensors to detect touch inputs performed on the groove region and the surrounding region of the exterior panel. The control device further includes a control module configured to operate a plurality of devices. The control module is configured to detect a first touch input performed by a user on the groove region and a second touch input performed on the surrounding region. Based at least in part on the location of the touch inputs the control module operates respective devices of the plurality of devices.

Abstract: A vehicle body support frame structure includes pillar portions supporting an upper decking portion of the structure and mounting associated glazing panels. The pillar portions are constructed from a light-transmissive structural material that provide the needed support to the upper decking portion and glazing panels while allowing light to be transmitted through the pillar portions so as not to obstruct the view of an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: An optical instrument for indirectly observing an object includes a first lens system for producing a first image of the object, and an adjustable second lens system for producing a second image of the object. The second lens system is continuously adjustable between a first position wherein the second image has maximum magnification and/or a minimum area of view, and a second position wherein the second image is of a minimum magnification and/or a maximum area of view. In one aspect of the invention, the second lens system is a zoom lens system having two substantially fixed conjugate planes. In another aspect of the invention, the instrument defines a folded optical path through the lens systems which includes a generally U-shaped portion so as, in use, to reduce the separation of the observer and the observed object.

Abstract: An improved laser system having a Q-switch which is a roof prism rotatable about a spinning axis transverse to the axis of the laser rod, in which the medial plane of the prism is offset from the axis of the rod to receive output radiation from the rod on one side of its medial plane and direct the radiation from the other side of its medial plane to a reflector which radiation is back reflected to the rod by prism, the laser rod being outside of the path of the radiation between the reflector mirror and the prism.