Abstract: End or tab stock and a method for its manufacture in which a low alloy content aluminum alloy is continuously cast to form a hot feedstock, the hot feedstock is rapidly annealed and quenched rapidly to prevent substantial precipitation of alloying elements and rolled. The can end and tab stock of the invention has strength and formability equal to higher alloy content aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A coordinate input device (e.g. mouse-like device or cursor-like device) includes an outer housing which is movable between a first position adapted for use by right-handed users, and a second position adapted for use by left-handed users. In such a manner, the coordinate input device is easily utilized by both right and left-handed users. In certain embodiments, a rotatable thumb or finger wheel may be provided in the coordinate input device for manipulation by the user in order to adjust a parameter of an image being written/drawn on a corresponding display screen by the coordinate input device.

Abstract: End or tab stock and a method for its manufacture in which a low alloy content aluminum alloy is continuously cast to form a hot feedstock, the hot feedstock is rapidly quenched rapidly to prevent substantial precipitation of alloying elements, annealed, quenched, and coiled. The can end and tab stock of the invention has strength and formability equal to higher alloy content aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A method for making hollow workpieces such as beverage containers with a circular die in which an aluminum alloy is strip cast whereby the alloy is solidified rapidly without substantial precipitation. Thereafter, the aluminum alloy is formed into a cup which is drawn and passed through one or more dies to iron the walls of the cup and thereby lengthen the side walls thereof using at least one circular die having a die angle of less than about 6 degrees and a chamfer angle of less than 35 degrees. It has been found that the use of such die angles prevents or minimizes galling and tearoffs.

Abstract: A two-handed game controller has a single dual analog/digital x-y directional pad mounted on the top which can perform either analog or digital functions. A mode switch on the controller allows an operator to select either analog or digital control settings. The controller also has a button grouping located within a concave recess. Each button within the recess has a downward slanting top maintained at an elevation a specified distance from the controller, thereby allowing for easy actuation by a gliding, rolling or sliding motion of a user's thumb or finger. The controller also has semicircular sides and 3-dimensionally tapered hand-grips, facilitating grip from virtually any size hand, from child to adult. Digital triggers are mounted on both the top and bottom of the controller and are configured to perform the same functions, allowing table-top use. Furthermore, the controller has a tripod-like structure with slip-resistant grips providing stability on a table-top surface.

Abstract: A method for making hollow workpieces such as beverage containers with a circular die in which an aluminum alloy is strip cast whereby the alloy is solidified rapidly without substantial precipitation. Thereafter, the aluminum alloy is formed into a cup which is drawn and passed through one or more dies to iron the walls of the cup and thereby lengthen the side walls thereof using at least one circular die having a die angle of less than about 6.degree.. It has been found that the use of such small die angles prevents or minimizes galling and tearoffs.

Abstract: Can or lid stock and a method for its manufacture in which a low alloy content aluminum alloy is strip cast to form a hot strip cast feedstock, the hot feedstock is rapidly quenched to prevent substantial precipitation and then cold rolled. The can end and tab stock of the invention has strength and formability equal to higher alloy content aluminum alloy.