*/
    public void showSearchPanel() {
        if (utilityTabbedPane != null && searchPanel != null) {
            // toggle the utility pane visibility
            toggleUtilityPaneVisibility();

            // if utility pane is shown then select the search tab and request focus
            if (isUtilityPaneVisible()) {
                if (utilityTabbedPane.getSelectedComponent() != searchPanel) {
                    // select the search panel
                    safelySelectUtilityPanel(searchPanel);
                }

                // request focus
                searchPanel.requestFocus();
            }
        }
    }