Searching Application Numbers (continued)

When searching application numbers, again it is a good idea to use the EXPAND command. We can see the application numbers and the dates of application and then choose the correct invention based on the appropriate application date.

To use EXPAND, I will enter the EXPAND command followed by the prefix AN= for application number, the two-digit country code, and the application number:

e an=us 400997

Tip 5-4

E3 shows the application number 400997 with no application dates. That is the reason I got zero applications when I used the command: s an=us 400997.

Ref   Items  Index-term 
E1        1  AN=US 400996-1999 
E2        1  AN=US 400996-2003 
E3        0 *AN=US 400997 <— the one i want
E4        1  AN=US 400997-1973 
E5        1  AN=US 400997-1982 
E6        1  AN=US 400997-1989 
E7        1  AN=US 400997-1999 
E8        1  AN=US 400997-2003 
E9        1  AN=US 400998-1973 
E10       1  AN=US 400998-1989 
E11       1  AN=US 400998-1995 
E12       1  AN=US 400998-2003 
 
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5-4

Search Tip 5-4:

We can look at the examples listed in the Additional Indexes of the Bluesheet to determine the proper entry format for the application number.

For example, some databases include years of application with the numbers.

Example:

s an=US 400997-1989