Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a link to a video program; obtaining metadata that relates to the program and that defines, for a specified time point in the program, annotations to be invoked at the specified time point; wherein the annotations comprise: a graphic image; one or more filters, each of the filters comprising a key and one or more matching values; and optionally a reference to a video segment, an electronic document, program code statements, or a programmatic call; during playing the video, detecting that the video program is playing at the specified time point; in response to the detecting: for each particular annotation for the specified time point, retrieving a current value for the key, and causing to display the graphic image associated with that particular annotation only when the current value of the key matches one of the matching values of one of the filters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining metadata that relates to a video program and that defines, for one or more specified time points in the video program, one or more web services to be invoked at those time points; generating and displaying, on a computer, a video window that is configured to play the video program; during playing the video program on a computer, detecting that the video program is playing at one of the time points and determining an identifier of a particular web service associated with that one of the time points; in response to the detecting, causing the computer to invoke the particular web service.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining metadata that relates to a video program and that defines, for one or more specified time points in the video program, one or more web services to be invoked at those time points; generating and displaying, on a computer, a video window that is configured to play the video program; during playing the video program on a computer, detecting that the video program is playing at one of the time points and determining an identifier of a particular web service associated with that one of the time points; in response to the detecting, causing the computer to invoke the particular web service.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a link to a video program; obtaining metadata that relates to the program and that defines, for a specified time point in the program, annotations to be invoked at the specified time point; wherein the annotations comprise: a graphic image; one or more filters, each of the filters comprising a key and one or more matching values; and optionally a reference to a video segment, an electronic document, program code statements, or a programmatic call; during playing the video, detecting that the video program is playing at the specified time point; in response to the detecting: for each particular annotation for the specified time point, retrieving a current value for the key, and causing to display the graphic image associated with that particular annotation only when the current value of the key matches one of the matching values of one of the filters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining metadata that relates to a video program and that defines, for one or more specified time points in the video program, one or more web services to be invoked at those time points; generating and displaying, on a computer, a video window that is configured to play the video program; during playing the video program on a computer, detecting that the video program is playing at one of the time points and determining an identifier of a particular web service associated with that one of the time points; in response to the detecting, causing the computer to invoke the particular web service.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a link to a video program; obtaining metadata that relates to the program and that defines, for a specified time point in the program, annotations to be invoked at the specified time point; wherein the annotations comprise: a graphic image; one or more filters, each of the filters comprising a key and one or more matching values; and optionally a reference to a video segment, an electronic document, program code statements, or a programmatic call; during playing the video, detecting that the video program is playing at the specified time point; in response to the detecting: for each particular annotation for the specified time point, retrieving a current value for the key, and causing to display the graphic image associated with that particular annotation only when the current value of the key matches one of the matching values of one of the filters.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises determining, at a companion device separate from a television, a current time point of a video program playing at the television, wherein the current time point of the video program is a time point currently being displayed at the television; identifying, based on said determination of the current time point of the video program and based on metadata defining a cue point associated with the determined current time point and an operation associated with the cue point, an operation to be performed; performing, at the companion device, the identified operation; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a link to a video program; obtaining metadata that relates to the program and that defines, for a specified time point in the program, annotations to be invoked at the specified time point; wherein the annotations comprise: a graphic image; one or more filters, each of the filters comprising a key and one or more matching values; and optionally a reference to a video segment, an electronic document, program code statements, or a programmatic call; during playing the video, detecting that the video program is playing at the specified time point; in response to the detecting: for each particular annotation for the specified time point, retrieving a current value for the key, and causing to display the graphic image associated with that particular annotation only when the current value of the key matches one of the matching values of one of the filters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a link to a video program; obtaining metadata that relates to the program and that defines, for a specified time point in the program, annotations to be invoked at the specified time point; wherein the annotations comprise: a graphic image; one or more filters, each of the filters comprising a key and one or more matching values; and optionally a reference to a video segment, an electronic document, program code statements, or a programmatic call; during playing the video, detecting that the video program is playing at the specified time point; in response to the detecting: for each particular annotation for the specified time point, retrieving a current value for the key, and causing to display the graphic image associated with that particular annotation only when the current value of the key matches one of the matching values of one of the filters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining metadata that relates to a video program and that defines, for one or more specified time points in the video program, one or more web services to be invoked at those time points; generating and displaying, on a computer, a video window that is configured to play the video program; during playing the video program on a computer, detecting that the video program is playing at one of the time points and determining an identifier of a particular web service associated with that one of the time points; in response to the detecting, causing the computer to invoke the particular web service.

Abstract: A clip used to attach vertical and horizontal members of a fencing assembly is provided. The clip includes three resilient legs and enables fencing assemblies to be constructed on site without the use of screws or welding. Configurations for vertical and horizontal members of a fencing assembly that can be used in conjunction with the clip. Methods of assembly are provided as well.

Abstract: A clip used to attach vertical and horizontal members of a fencing assembly is provided. Clips according to the claimed invention comprise three resilient legs and enable fencing assemblies to be constructed on site without the use of screws or welding. Configurations for vertical and horizontal members of a fencing assembly that can be used in conjunction with the claimed clip, and means of assembly are provided as well.

Abstract: A directable laser transmission module incorporating a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array (28) and a refractive optical element (ROE) array (36) is provided. Each VCSEL (30) generates a laser beam (32) having an axis (44) substantially perpendicular to a substrate (42). The ROE array (36) is positioned proximate the VCSEL array (28) substantially parallel to the substrate (42) so that each laser beam (32) is intersected by only one ROE (34). Each of a plurality of communication signals is carried by at least one laser beam (32). An laser beam (32) carrying a one-beam signal is intersected, collimated, and directed by a single ROE (34) to its predetermined reception location (24). A plurality of laser beams (32) carrying a single multiple-beam signal is intersected, collimated, and directed by multiple ROEs (34) to a common predetermined reception location (24).

Abstract: A videoendoscopic support stand includes a cabinet pivotally mounted on a vertical support column and rotatable between first and second positions. A television monitor is disposed on a tray supported on an arm pivotally mounted atop the support column. The television support arm is rotatable between first and second positions which are on the opposite side of the support column from the first and second cabinet positions such that the center of gravity of the entire stand and equipment always lies within the support area of the base.

Abstract: And arthroscopy support stand is disclosed which contains, in a single movable unit, all of the apparatus needed to perform arthroscopic surgery. The stand comprises a wheel-mounted steel cabinet with brakes at the back of the cabinet for immobilizing it. The cabinet has shelves, open at the front, for supporting various arthroscopic surgery appliances. Mounted at the back of the cabinet are two upright, vertically telescoping fluid bag standards which can be lowered separately to change fluid supplies without interrupting the flow of fluid under pressure to the surgical site. A vertical support column is mounted at the front of the cabinet on a pair of vertically-spaced parallel horizontal arms. The arms are pivotally mounted at the middle of the cabinet so that the support column can be shifted back and forth across the front of the cabinet.