Publication Dates

Search Tip 4-6:

To search a date range, we can use a colon between the dates. The dates are enclosed in parentheses.

Learn More #3: Logical Operators:

Use Logical Operators to link concepts.

1. The OR operator groups search terms inclusively into a single set, when any of the terms is acceptable. Thus, the retrieval of PROTECT OR SHIELD consists of all records containing one or both of these terms. OR increases the number of records retrieved. The OR relationship collects all of the records for synonymous or alternative terms. If more than one of the terms occurs within a given record, the retrieved set includes the record only once.
   
   
   Example:
   select protect? OR shield?
   
   
   
   
2. The AND operator retrieves records where two or more search terms or groups of search terms occur in the same record. SELECT TELECOMMUT? AND PRODUCTIVITY retrieves only those records containing these two words. AND decreases the number of records retrieved since it requires each term to be present for retrieval.
   
   
   Example:
   select toy? AND pa=oddzon?
   select au=silverglate? AND py=1998
   
   
   
   
3. The NOT operator prevents records that include unacceptable or irrelevant search terms from being retrieved. The expression TOY? NOT PA=ODDZON? retrieves records that contain the term TOY but excludes those records that also contain the patent assignee ODDZON.
   
   
   Example:
   select toy? not pa=oddzon?
   
   

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Learn More #4: Logical Operators:

Dates can be an effective way to narrow a search. We can search on publication/patent year, publication/patent date, or application date and year.

The table below illustrates the different formats.

Note that we can also search by application month (AM=) and application year (AY=). We can also use the abbreviated two-digit year designation.

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