I hadn’t recognized this as a pattern before you suggested it, thanks. Now when I identified it I see this pattern in use all the time: Gmail, Twitter search, Google Docs etc. But, is this a UI design pattern, or AJAX/coding pattern instead? Or, is this a pattern at all, or rather just part of other patterns? Those are few things I need to consider before turning this idea into a pattern.

One more thing: I’m going to focus now more on patterns people need when they make early sketches of the UI, and this pattern is a bit out of the scope. But, after I have finished that theme, I’ll consider this pattern again.

Edit: Just found a good screencast example of periodic refresh on Flickr from Designing Web Interfaces: http://flickr.com/photos/designingwebinterfaces/3259238059/