Using Patent Family Manager
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:
- Extract the first member from each patent family
- Remove twin multiple basic patents from CA/CAplus answer sets (Version 8.5 only)
- Create a customized display of patent family results
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.
* Remove twin multiple basics feature may contain up to 5,000 answers wtih the Chemical Indexing Equivalent tag
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. 
To remove twin multiple basic patents from your CA/CAplus answer set:
Select the second option in the wizard window. Check which type of patents you want to retain. Click Remove.
STN Express creates an L-number that retains your selection for each patent family, displays the answers in your online session and displays a confirmation. Click Finish.
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. 