What is published?
The initial publication is usually the application as filed. That means that amendments, even those filed with the application or very close to the filing date, are not be included in the published application. This is true even when the application is a continuation of a previous application – the publication will be the original application. It is possible to request additional publication of an application after amendments, upon payment of another publication fee (see below), and sometimes this may be of value. You should consult with a patent professional (preferably one at Brown & Michaels) if you have any questions about publication.