Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for trading financial instruments with an improved ergonomic graphical user interface (GUI) with non-overlapping screen components that include a display of offers to buy and sell, which can include a graphical display of bid, ask, and spread information, a user's current positions, and one or more areas to enter trades. The systems, methods, and devices involve receiving and updating trade information in real time.

Abstract: The system and method of the preferred embodiment supports trading of securities over the Internet both on national exchanges and outside the national exchanges. The preferred embodiment supports an improved human interface and a continuous display of real-time stock quotes on the user's computer screen. The ergonomic graphical user interface (GUI) of the preferred embodiment includes several functional benefits in comparison with existing on-line consumer trading systems. In the preferred embodiment, the users are subscribers to a securities trading service offered over the Internet. Preferably, each subscriber to this service is simultaneously connected from his own computer to a first system which provides user-to-user trading capabilities and to a second system which is a broker/dealer system of his/her choice. The system providing the user-to-user trading services preferably includes a root server and a hierarchical network of replicated servers supporting replicated databases.

Abstract: A multiple pattern sewing machine is provided with a first group of switches which are always visible and functional for selecting a pattern from a first group of stitch patterns which the sewing machine is capable of sewing. A second group of switches is concealed beneath a cover member. Also concealed by the cover member is a plurality of information bearing pivotally mounted plates. The machine contains circuitry for sensing which of the plates is exposed and dependent thereupon, the second group of switches may be actuated by an operator for selecting a pattern from a second group of patterns which the machine is capable of sewing.

Abstract: A novel, prefillable, hermetically sealed container adapted for use with a humidifier or nebulizer head. The container includes a gas conduit for directing a gas flow to the bottom of the container and means for establishing connection between the gas conduit and the humidifier or nebulizer head.