Abstract: A graphical user interface with visual categories having a logical relationship for defining search queries for internet search engines or other search applications and devices. Users can input search words, phrases, or other data that apply to the interface categories. A visual metaphor for categories of logical operators, search operators, and search parameters assists users and facilitates generating syntactically optimized search queries. There is also the capability for users to use the interface to specify the relative importance and proximity of words, phrases, or other data. Searches can be filtered, focused, iterative, and persistent.

Abstract: A graphical user interface with visual categories having a logical relationship for defining search queries for internet search engines or other search applications and devices. Users can input search words, phrases, or other data that apply to the interface categories. A visual metaphor for categories of logical operators, search operators, and search parameters assists users and facilitates generating syntactically optimized search queries. There is also the capability for users to use the interface to specify the relative importance and proximity of words, phrases, or other data. Searches can be filtered, focused, iterative, and persistent.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing the display and selection of document windows for word processing and desktop publishing in a multiple document interface. Pairs of document windows can be displayed side by side (or above and below) each other according to user preferences and without regard to the number or type of documents that have been opened. The system enables users to work with the same or different views of different documents or with different views of the same document in a highly intuitive and convenient manner.

Abstract: An optical particle analyzer in which the size of a particle in a particle stream is determined from the intensity or the duration of light scattered from it. A laser beam is directed transversely onto the stream and scattering occurs at the beam focus. To ensure that only particles which traverse the center of the beam are considered, a smaller, validating beam concentric with the main beam also produces scattered light. A pulse from the narrow beam coincident with one from the broad beam confirms that the associated particle has passed through the center of the broad beam and warrants consideration and assessment.A further narrow beam spaced from the first provides a time delay, dependent on particle velocity, between interception of the two narrow beams by a particle. Particle velocity is thus measured.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for cooking which enjoys the duality of not only accommodating conventional cooking, but also provides a specific apparatus for the efficient cooking and preparation of various kinds of conventional and exotic pop corn recipes. When used in conventional cooking, the apparatus without the translucent lid according to the present invention corresponds to conventional cookware, but for the cooking of pop corn, the apparatus provides a translucent cover portion, insulating means between this cover and the lower pan portion, and an air gap disposed therebetween. The stirring attachment is suitably formed to not only stir the pop corn while it is being cooked, but also features a removable handle in which a forked extremity of a portion of the stirring attachment serves to provide a nesting area to remove the hot stirrer from the lid.