Keywords and CPC/IPC classification headings are usually the normal avenues in patent searching. What can be done if a disclosure or claim includes a quantity, which is usually a range?
There are a few ways to go about this, and it could be good to try all of the following methods for the same search. This can reduce the chances of missing a relevant reference.
Search Units
Search the units only without using numbers. With some databases it’s not possible to search numbers using a Boolean search. AI searches are possible, but more about that later. The following method is good if access to AI quantity searches are not available. Try searching the units in proximity to the variable being measured. There will be ways in each database to truncate accordingly. For instance, search kilometre, km, metres in proximity to metres.
(length or distance) proximity operator (kilometre or km or metre)
Search Numbers Using Words
There is a slight chance that the numbers will be written out in full. Try the above formula using the numbers written out in full.
(twenty or thirty) proximity operator (kilometre or km or metre)
If the number of results retrieved is a reasonable, the units written in full could be searched without the numbers.
(IPC/CPC classification headings) and (kilometre or km or metre)
The same also applies to symbols such as greater than, equals or less than. Symbols may be used in some instances, however sometimes they may be written in full.
(greater than or equals or less than) and (kilometre or km or metre)
Use Keywords to Describe a Concept
Instead of focusing on the quantities, try searching the concept/product. If the concept is a process, use synonyms to describe this and be sure to search the full-text. This is especially useful when searching processes that are likely to include temperature ranges. It’s a way of locating references that do include the numerical figures for a process without actually entering the numbers.
AI Quantity Searches
This is a fantastic resource for searching the full-text for quantities. Ranges can be included and conversion can take place for other equivalent units. Questel Orbit has quantity searching capabilities. Searches can also be limited to claims only.
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