The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 09, 2010
Filed:
Sep. 19, 2003
Gregory Scott Clark, Hillsborough, CA (US);
Gregory Scott Clark, Hillsborough, CA (US);
E2open, Inc., Foster City, CA (US);
Abstract
The invention provides a technique to prevent confusion between part numbers used by different suppliers and manufacturers. The invention includes a database that (1) creates an association between part numbers that are directed to comparable parts, (2) generates a universal number for comparable parts, and (3) creates an association between the part numbers and the universal part. This set of associations is used to generate documents that include part numbers that the recipient of the document is familiar with. Limitations are placed on what authorities may provide information about a set of associations. Generally, only the supplier of a part or the supplier of a comparable part may create associations between their parts. This limitation helps maintain the integrity of information in the database. This database is coupled to a shared service network such as a hub for design collaboration or supply chain control.