Patents by Inventor Patrick S. Merg
Patrick S. Merg has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 12684086Abstract: A method includes receiving, at one or more processors, a content description and a matrix code. The content description includes data describing one or more computer-readable files. The matrix code is encoded with a link to the one or more files. The method includes the one or more processors determining a condition indicative of a first computing device being unable to display the file with at least a minimum quality level. The determination is based, at least in part, on the content description. The method includes the processor outputting the matrix code to a first display operatively coupled to the one or more processors. Outputting the matrix code occurs in response to determining the condition indicative of the first computing device being unable to display the one or more files with at least the minimum quality level. Furthermore, the method includes displaying, on the first display, the matrix code.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2024Date of Patent: July 14, 2026Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Roy S. Brozovich
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Patent number: 12676034Abstract: An example method includes determining identifying information for a vehicle to be serviced. The method further includes receiving at least one symptom identifier for the vehicle. The method further includes sending a request over a communication network to a remote server for a PID filter list for the vehicle, the request comprising the identifying information for the vehicle and the at least one symptom identifier for the vehicle. The method additionally includes receiving a response to the request over the communication network from the remote server, the response comprising the PID filter list for the vehicle. The method further includes determining, based on the PID filter list for the vehicle, a symptom-based subset of PIDs for the vehicle from a set of available PIDs. The method additionally includes displaying, on a display interface, the symptom-based subset of PIDs for the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2024Date of Patent: July 7, 2026Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Bradley R. Lewis, Patrick S. Merg, Roy S. Brozovich, Jacob G. Foreman, Joshua C. Covington, Brett A Kelley, Steven E. Miskovic
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Publication number: 20260187085Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing vehicles. A computing device having first and second software executables can determine vehicle identification information (VII) that identifies a vehicle. The computing device can store first and second vehicle identifiers that are based on the VII and are respectively associated with the first and second software executables, where the first vehicle identifier differs from the second vehicle identifier. The computing device can be used to repair the vehicle by at least: receiving a request to activate the first software executable, and activating the first software executable at least by providing the stored first vehicle identifier to the first software executable.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2026Publication date: July 2, 2026Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Joshua C. Covington, Roy Steven Brozovich
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Publication number: 20260187605Abstract: A method comprising outputting, for transmission to a server, a request including an identifier of a service session record (SSR) corresponding to a vehicle. The SSR includes a timeline for tracking event(s) corresponding to the SSR. The method includes receiving, in response to the request, a graphical user interface (GUI) corresponding to the SSR, and displaying the GUI in a first display mode. Displaying the GUI in the first display mode includes displaying an event summary of the timeline. The event summary corresponds to a first event of the SSR and includes a user-selectable control selectable to trigger changing a display mode of the GUI. Furthermore, the method includes displaying, in response to a selection of the user-selectable control, the GUI in a second display mode. Displaying the GUI in the second display mode includes displaying a particular detail regarding the first event not shown in the first display mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2026Publication date: July 2, 2026Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Joshua C. Covington, Joseph R. Grammatico, Brett A. Kelley
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Publication number: 20260158964Abstract: A method to test a battery pack in a vehicle comprises determining the vehicle is driven in electric vehicle and regenerative braking modes with respective output rates continuously for threshold amounts of time. The method includes determining first and second sets of battery voltage values for multiple battery pack components in the battery pack as the vehicle is driven in the electric vehicle mode and the regenerative braking mode, respectively. Each first and second set of battery voltage values includes a value for each battery pack component in the multiple battery pack components. The method includes outputting an indicator regarding a state of the battery pack based on differences in pairs of battery voltage values among the first or second sets of battery voltage values. Each pair of battery voltage values includes a maximum and minimum battery voltage value from each first or second sets of battery voltage values.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2024Publication date: June 11, 2026Inventors: Damien J. Coleman, Jacob G. Foreman, Patrick S. Merg
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Publication number: 20260162467Abstract: A method for performing test set. After determining the test set and a vehicle identifier, a processor of a computing system determines: (1) a component test (CT) and a functional test command (FTC), (2) the CT and a first set of parameter identifiers (PIDs), or (3) the FTC and a second set of PIDs. The CT corresponds to a particular vehicle component. The FTC is for requesting control of a controllable vehicle component. If the CT is determined, a test device is configured to be in a mode to perform the CT. If the FTC is determined, a GUI including a user-selectable control corresponding to the FTC is displayed. If the first or second set of PIDs is determined, a set of parameter values corresponding to the determined set of PIDs is received and displayed in response to vehicle data messages transmitted by the computing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2025Publication date: June 11, 2026Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Roy S. Brozovich, Jacob G. Foreman, Joshua C. Covington, Brett A. Kelley, Joseph R. Grammatico, Bradley R. Lewis, Thomas J. Ward, Damien J. Coleman
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Publication number: 20260140604Abstract: A method and system for receiving non-parameter-identifier (non-PID) data from a test device. A vehicle operating condition (VOC) of a vehicle is determined based on whether any of the non-PID data breaches a threshold corresponding to the non-PID data. The non-PID data, a VOC status indicator, and a time stamp are written into a memory based on an order in which the non-PID data are received. The VOC status indicator indicates a breach of the threshold corresponding to the non-PID data by the non-PID data. The time stamp indicates a time of the breach. A graphical user interface (GUI) comprising a graph-axis control, a VOC indicator, and at least a portion of the non-PID data is displayed. The VOC indicator is positioned at or adjacent to the graph-axis control. The graph-axis control includes a cursor movable within the graph-axis control to cause display of different portions of the non-PID data.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2026Publication date: May 21, 2026Inventors: Joseph R. Grammatico, Joshua C. Covington, Roy S. Brozovich, Patrick S. Merg
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Patent number: 12632831Abstract: A method and system for generating a displayable page with a display card is described. A computer server receives data indicating a vehicle symptom and searches a computer-readable database to determine a most-likely cause of the vehicle symptom, a most-probable component associated with the most-likely cause, a component-type identifier associated with the most-probable component, a subset of information categories from among a set of information categories associated with at least one component-type identifier, and data to populate the display card. The server generates the displayable page including the display card and the data to populate in the display card. The server transmits the displayable page to a display device for displaying the displayable page on a display screen. The server receives data indicating selection of an action trigger in the display card occurred and responsively provides the display device with data to update the display card or another displayable page.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2022Date of Patent: May 19, 2026Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Todd Mercer, Joshua C. Covington, Kahlil H. Cacabelos, Thomas Southward
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Patent number: 12626546Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a vehicle scan tool, a request for automated vehicle scan tool initialization, the request comprising a function identifier for a vehicle scan tool function and a vehicle identifier for a vehicle, where the vehicle scan tool is configured to display at least one navigable menu. The method additionally includes determining a current operating state of the vehicle scan tool. Based on the current operating state of the vehicle scan tool, the method further includes making a determination to initialize the vehicle scan tool according to the request for automated vehicle scan tool initialization. In response to making the determination, the method also includes using the function identifier and the vehicle identifier to initialize the vehicle scan tool to perform the vehicle scan tool function on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2024Date of Patent: May 12, 2026Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Roy S. Brozovich, Jacob G. Foreman, Brett A. Kelley
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Publication number: 20260127054Abstract: A computing system, memory, and method use a diagnostic device and measurement tool to diagnose a vehicle problem. The device is coupled to the measurement tool. A diagnostic flowchart corresponding to the vehicle problem includes elements (e.g., diagnostic steps) in a particular order that form a diagnostic process. A portion of the flowchart including a diagnostic step of the diagnostic process is displayed by the device. The diagnostic step is performed by instructing the measurement tool to perform a measurement and receiving measurement data indicative of the measurement. Feedback data is determined based on performing the diagnostic step and comprises the measurement data. During the performance, the device transmits the feedback data to a server for generating a modified flowchart comprising a different set or order of elements. The device receives the modified flowchart and displays a portion of the modified flowchart including a decision element that completes the diagnosis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2025Publication date: May 7, 2026Inventor: Patrick S. Merg
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Publication number: 20260120504Abstract: A computer and process provide for locating and displaying a routing diagram such as a wiring diagram, a pneumatic or hydraulic line diagram, or an optical cable diagram. The routing diagram is retrieved based on a search involving a vehicle and a specific component within the vehicle and is presented on a display along with a user-selectable control corresponding to the component. The routing diagram includes routable components, such as electrical circuits, pneumatic or hydraulic lines, or optical cables, as well as a representation of the selected vehicle component. A user can highlight routable components connected to the component by selecting the component from the displayed routing diagram, aiding in the interpretation of the routing diagram.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2025Publication date: April 30, 2026Inventors: Michel B. Alberry, Lester B. Johnson, Michael S. Knize, John P. McGraw, Robert Pilz, Thomas W. Tipps, Eric J. Wade, Patrick S. Merg, Roy Steven Brozovich, Todd Mercer, Thomas A. Southward
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Publication number: 20260112208Abstract: An example method includes receiving, at a computing system, a first user input from a user interface during operation of a vehicle and responsive to receiving the first user input, determining a time of reception for the first user input. The method further includes receiving a first set of parameters from the vehicle that correspond to a first parameter identifier (PID). The method also includes determining a time of reception for each parameter, and based on the time of reception for the first user input and the time of reception for each parameter of the first set of parameters, determining a first temporal position for an indicator configured to represent the first user input on a graph of the parameters corresponding to the first PID. The method further includes displaying, on a display interface, the graph of the parameters corresponding to the first PID with the indicator in the first temporal position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2025Publication date: April 23, 2026Inventors: Joshua C. Covington, Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman
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Publication number: 20260094130Abstract: A method and system for generating a displayable page with a display card is described. A computer server receives data indicating a vehicle symptom and searches a computer-readable database to determine a most-likely cause of the vehicle symptom, a most-probable component associated with the most-likely cause, a component-type identifier associated with the most-probable component, a subset of information categories from among a set of information categories associated with at least one component-type identifier, and data to populate the display card. The server generates the displayable page including the display card and the data to populate in the display card. The server transmits the displayable page to a display device for displaying the displayable page on a display screen. The server receives data indicating selection of an action trigger in the display card occurred and responsively provides the display device with data to update the display card or another displayable page.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2025Publication date: April 2, 2026Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Todd Mercer, Joshua C. Covington, Kahlil H. Cacabelos, Thomas Southward
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Patent number: 12591859Abstract: A method comprising outputting, for transmission to a server, a request including an identifier of a service session record (SSR) corresponding to a vehicle. The SSR includes a timeline for tracking event(s) corresponding to the SSR. The method includes receiving, in response to the request, a graphical user interface (GUI) corresponding to the SSR, and displaying the GUI in a first display mode. Displaying the GUI in the first display mode includes displaying an event summary of the timeline. The event summary corresponds to a first event of the SSR and includes a user-selectable control selectable to trigger changing a display mode of the GUI. Furthermore, the method includes displaying, in response to a selection of the user-selectable control, the GUI in a second display mode. Displaying the GUI in the second display mode includes displaying a particular detail regarding the first event not shown in the first display mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2023Date of Patent: March 31, 2026Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Joshua C. Covington, Joseph R. Grammatico, Brett A. Kelley
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Patent number: 12585664Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing vehicles. A computing device having first and second software executables can determine vehicle identification information (VII) that identifies a vehicle. The computing device can store first and second vehicle identifiers that are based on the VII and are respectively associated with the first and second software executables, where the first vehicle identifier differs from the second vehicle identifier. The computing device can be used to repair the vehicle by at least: receiving a request to activate the first software executable, and activating the first software executable at least by providing the stored first vehicle identifier to the first software executable.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2023Date of Patent: March 24, 2026Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Joshua C. Covington, Roy Steven Brozovich
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Patent number: 12586422Abstract: Systems and methods for augmenting measurements with automotive repair information are described herein. A method may include a server storing a plurality of service scenarios defined for at least one display device. Each stored service scenario includes at least one setup instruction, and each setup instruction is based on at least one capability of at least one CVST. The method may further include the server receiving data indicating an operating condition of a vehicle from a first display device of the at least one display device. Based on the stored plurality of service scenarios and the received data, the server may determine that a first stored service scenario of the plurality of service scenarios matches the operating condition. The server may then determine a first CVST having a first capability that is associated with the first display device, and transmitting the first stored service scenario to the first display device.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2023Date of Patent: March 24, 2026Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Roy S. Brozovich, Joshua C. Covington, Kahlil H. Cacabelos
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Patent number: 12578841Abstract: A method includes writing vehicle data parameters (VDPs) into a memory in order of a vehicle outputting the VDPs. The method also includes displaying a first view of a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display. The GUI includes one or more VDP graphs, a graph-axis control, and a first vehicle operating condition (VOC) indicator at the graph-axis control. The method also includes displaying a second view of the GUI on the display in response to a selection of the first VOC indicator. The first and second views include first and second sets of VDP graphs, respectively. The second set of VDP graphs includes VDPs not represented in the first set of VDP graphs. Graph-axis control segments within the graph-axis control in the first and second views cover different portions of the graph-axis control. The graph-axis control segments correspond to different portions of the VDPs written into the memory.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2024Date of Patent: March 17, 2026Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Joseph R. Grammatico, Joshua C. Covington, Roy S. Brozovich, Patrick S. Merg
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Publication number: 20260065235Abstract: A method and system for generating a displayable page with a display card is described. A computer server receives data indicating a vehicle symptom and searches a computer-readable database to determine a most-likely cause of the vehicle symptom, a most-probable component associated with the most-likely cause, a component-type identifier associated with the most-probable component, a subset of information categories from among a set of information categories associated with at least one component-type identifier, and data to populate the display card. The server generates the displayable page including the display card and the data to populate in the display card. The server transmits the displayable page to a display device for displaying the displayable page on a display screen. The server receives data indicating selection of an action trigger in the display card occurred and responsively provides the display device with data to update the display card or another displayable page.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2025Publication date: March 5, 2026Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Todd Mercer, Joshua C. Covington, Kahlil H. Cacabelos, Thomas Southward
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Patent number: 12547484Abstract: Methods and system pertaining to modifying a diagnostic flowchart are described. A method can include (i) receiving, from a diagnostic computing device, a request indicative of a vehicle problem, (ii) selecting a first diagnostic flowchart associated with the vehicle problem from a plurality of diagnostic flowcharts. Each diagnostic flowchart includes one or more ordered and performable path elements, where each path element leads to one or more ordered decision elements, where each path element comprises one or more diagnostic steps. The method also includes (iii) sending the first diagnostic flowchart for performance at a diagnostic computing device, (iv) determining first feedback data associated with a performance of the first diagnostic flowchart at the diagnostic computing device, and (v) modifying the first diagnostic flowchart based at least on the first feedback data.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 10, 2026Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventor: Patrick S. Merg
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Publication number: 20260038314Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes receiving, from a computing device, (i) a user identifier, (ii) a vehicle identifier for a vehicle, and (iii) contextual information related to vehicle service content currently displayed on the computing device. Based on the contextual information, the method includes determining a vehicle scan tool function to perform on the vehicle. The method further includes identifying a vehicle scan tool associated with the user identifier. The method also includes causing a selectable vehicle scan tool initialization option to be displayed on the computing device. The method further includes receiving, from the computing device, a selection of the selectable vehicle scan tool initialization option. In response to receiving the selection, the method additionally providing instructions to initialize the vehicle scan tool to perform the vehicle scan tool function on the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2025Publication date: February 5, 2026Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Roy S. Brozovich, Jacob G. Foreman, Brett A. Kelley