Patent Bar Exam Search Engines

http://patentlaw.typepad.com/patent/2006/02/noonans_corner_.html
http://books.google.com/

What's an SIR?

SIR
a published statutory invention registration contains the specification and drawings of a regularly filed nonprovisional application for a patent without examination if the applicant - (1) meets the requirements of section 112 of this title
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/appxl_35_U_S_C_112.htm#usc35s112; (2) has complied with the requirements for printing, as set forth in regulations of the Commissioner; (3) waives the right to receive a patent on the invention within such period as may be prescribed by the Commissioner; and (4) pays application, publication, and other processing fees established by the Commissioner. A request for a statutory invention registration (SIR) may be filed at the time of filing a nonprovisional application for patent, or may be filed later during pendency of the nonprovisional application.
-- see MPEP 1100 for more
Summary
1. complete application
2. printable
3. waiver w/in set amount of time
4. at time of filing or later while pending

Abandonment

Mark, that's a good point. It looks there is abandonment of the application vs. abandonment of the invention, but what does that mean? We obviously need to find out.