Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a touchscreen in an electronic system and adjusting a value using a control element. A method is provided for controlling a touchscreen adapted to sense object presence in a sensing region. The method comprises displaying a control element having a reference point on the touchscreen, and adjusting the value of a system property in response to detecting an object overlapping at least part of the control element. The value of the system property is adjusted at a rate based on the distance between the object and the reference point.

Abstract: A universal block made of concrete designed to be used with different size posts and beams. The pier block is a conical, six-sided structure and includes two concentrically aligned, post-receiving voids designed to receive the ends of a (4×4) or (6×6) inch post. The (6×6) inch void is positioned above the (4×4) inch void. Formed horizontally on the top surface of the pier block are two transversely aligned beam-receiving slots. Each beam-receiving slot includes a narrow and a wide slot longitudinally aligned. The wide slot is positioned above the narrow slot. A vertically aligned drain hole is formed through the pier block from the bottom surface of the (4×4) inch void to the bottom of the pier block, which allows water to drain from the post-receiving voids.