Available with STN Express, Version 8.4 and higher
Working with patent families is easier with the Patent Family Manager. The Patent Family Manager takes two complex, multistep processes used in working with patent families and makes each available in one click.

You can use the Patent Family Manager to:

• Create a customized display of patent family results
• Extract the first member from each patent family

It can be used with L-number answer sets:

• From one or more databases
• Containing up to 5,000 answers
• Containing patent documents as well as nonpatent literature

Note: Standard fees for search and display apply.

The Patent Family Manager can be opened from the Select Discover! Wizard window (Results tab), from the menu, or by clicking an L number within your answer set.

To create a customized display of patent family results:
Select the second option in the wizard window. Enter a display format for the first member of each patent family. Enter a display format for additional members of each patent family. Check the box if you would like a page break between each patent family. Click Display.

Requested answers display in your online session as well as in a separate window.

See also the complete STN Express Transcript of this USGENE search example.

To extract the first member from each patent family in your answer set:

Select the first option in the wizard window. Check the box if you want to include nonpatent answers as well. Click Extract.
STN Express creates a new L-number that contains only the first member from each patent family, displays the answers in your online session, and displays a confirmation.