Abstract: A surveillance unit which includes a video camera (24) which provides images in the form of electrical signals, control circuitry (36) which determines when to store images captured by the camera (24) and a slot (30) for operationally receiving a memory card (28) on which the images are stored as determined by the control circuitry (36).

Abstract: A hand held data entry controller includes a chassis having a handle portion which is shaped to fit in the user's hand, and a cursor controller, such as a track ball, attached to the chassis for providing a signal representative of a desired cursor position on a display screen. In another embodiment, the data entry device further includes at least one command button for providing a command signal representative of a desired command. The data entry device may also include a microphone attached to the chassis for providing an acoustic speech signal representative of a user's speech. In this embodiment, the device may also include a voice command button, attached to the chassis, for providing, in response to a user's input, a command signal indicating whether the acoustic speech signal represents a spoken command.

Abstract: Hard magnetic recording disks include a rigid substrate, typically aluminum, ceramic, or glass, having an underlayer thereover, typically being nickel-phosphorus. A ferromagnetic film is formed over the underlayer, and a protective coating layer formed over the ferromagnetic layer. The protective coating layer is a metal oxide formed by applying a liquid metal oxide precursor material over the ferromagnetic layer, and curing the liquid precursor material to leave a metal oxide layer in place. Optionally, a lubricating or carbon layer may be formed over the protective layer.