Patent US5978799A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5978799A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Search engine including query database, user profile database, information templates and email facility
Assignee: Tumbleweed Holdings LLC
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Filing: 1998-01-29
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Granted: 1999-11-02
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Expires: 2018-01-29
Abstract
Abstract A supra-search engine tool includes a distributed computer system and automatically structures and organizes information requests, then independently searches, requests and organizes the data from information providers, including a variety of search engines and websites to match the tailored requests of the information consumers. The retrieved and processed information is then accessible via website, browser, fax, email, voicemail, mail, software and other communication means.
Inventors
- 👤 G. Scott Hirsch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 01:44
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/90; G06F16/95; G06F16/953; G06F16/9532; G06F16/951; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99933; Y10S707/99934
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A system for conducting supra-searching from a number of information sources, comprising: a user interface; a database of standard or general queries; a database of standard or general topics; a database for maintaining additional queries; a database for maintaining user profile information; an user-interface allowing a user to select topics and queries from said databases and/or to add additional queries; a supra-search-interface for presenting a user directed set of queries and user profile to a supra-search engine; a supra-search engine, with access to: a text-based search engine; an emailer; a set of standard templates for interfacing directly with databases provided by information providers; and a database of retrieved information; and a presenter for presenting retreived information to a user.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
119 words
A system for conducting supra-searching from a number of information sources, comprising: a user interface; a database of standard or general queries; a database of standard or general topics; a database for maintaining additional queries; a database for maintaining user profile information; an user-interface allowing a user to select topics and queries from said databases and/or to add additional queries; a supra-search-interface for presenting a user directed set of queries and user profile to a supra-search engine; a supra-search engine, with access to: a text-based search engine; an emailer; a set of standard templates for interfacing directly with databases provided by information providers; and a database of retrieved information; and a presenter for presenting retreived information to a user.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for formatting queries for conducting supra-searching from a number of information sources, comprising: providing a user with a choice of selecting from a set of standard topics or an unlisted topic; for a chosen standard topic: providing a list of categories with specific questions allowing a user to highlight questions to be answered; providing a means for a user to ask additional questions; accessing a database of previously asked and answered questions; for a chosen unlisted topic: providing a list of categories with general questions allowing a user to highlight questions to be answered; providing a means for a user to ask additional questions; accessing a database of previously asked and answered questions; generating a query to a supra-search engine.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for formatting queries for conducting supra-searching from a number of information sources, comprising: providing a user with a choice of selecting from a set of standard topics or an unlisted topic; for a chosen standard topic: providing a list of categories with specific questions allowing a user to highlight questions to be answered; providing a means for a user to ask additional questions; accessing a database of previously asked and answered questions; for a chosen unlisted topic: providing a list of categories with general questions allowing a user to highlight questions to be answered; providing a means for a user to ask additional questions; accessing a database of previously asked and answered questions; generating a query to a supra-search engine.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-11-01 | 2003-05-03 | 2003-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-11-01 | 2007-05-03 | 2007-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-11-01 | 2011-05-03 | 2011-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |