Patents by Inventor Todd Mercer
Todd Mercer 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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Publication number: 20240119753Abstract: A method includes transmitting a request for a computer-readable routing diagram, such as a wiring diagram, a pneumatic or hydraulic line diagram, or an optical cable diagram. The method also includes receiving, in response to the request, a routing diagram including a connectable component and at least a portion of a routing set. The connectable component is associated with both a connectable component identifier and the routing set. The routing set contains one or more routable components, such as electrical circuits, pneumatic or hydraulic lines, or optical cables. Further, the method includes displaying, on a display, the routing diagram and at least the portion of the routing set highlighted. Displaying at least the portion of the routing set highlighted occurs in response to an occurrence of the connectable component being selected from the routing diagram displayed on the display or in response to the request including the connectable component identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: 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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Patent number: 11947771Abstract: A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of at least one circuit in a vehicle, the at least one circuit including a first circuit configured for carrying a first signal within the vehicle, and (ii) symbol data associated with at least one symbol, the at least one symbol including a first symbol. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the at least one symbol. The CCS then receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively receives, from the vehicle, data representing value(s) of the first signal. The CCS then determines a first display-location at which to display the data representing the value(s) of the first signal. While the image and the at least one symbol are displayed, the CCS then displays, at the first display-location, the data representing the value(s) of the first signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Todd Mercer, Roy Steven Brozovich, David Costantino
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Publication number: 20230385290Abstract: An example method includes receiving a first service procedure including a plurality of procedural steps for servicing a vehicle, identifying at least one procedural step of the plurality of procedural steps to supplement with supplemental service information, receiving information about vehicles sharing one or more attributes with the vehicle, determining at least one piece of supplemental service information to supplement the at least one identified procedural step, and providing a supplemented service procedure comprising the first service procedure with the at least one piece of supplemental service information included with the at least one identified procedural step.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Todd Mercer
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Patent number: 11755593Abstract: An example method includes receiving a first service procedure including a plurality of procedural steps for servicing a vehicle, identifying at least one procedural step of the plurality of procedural steps to supplement with supplemental service information, receiving information about vehicles sharing one or more attributes with the vehicle, determining at least one piece of supplemental service information to supplement the at least one identified procedural step, and providing a supplemented service procedure comprising the first service procedure with the at least one piece of supplemental service information included with the at least one identified procedural step.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Todd Mercer
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Patent number: 11681989Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying information sets in determined orders are described. The information sets comprise vehicle service information. An order of information set identifiers associated with the information sets is based on vehicle identifying information of a subset of vehicles, and an additional search term comprising a symptom identifier and/or a vehicle component identifier of a component located on the vehicles. The information set identifiers of the group can be arranged according to a hierarchy of information set identifiers. The information sets are output to a vehicle service tool (VST) that displays the information sets. The VST can provide feedback data indicative of whether any aspect of an information set was selected while displayed. A server can aggregate feedback data received from multiple instances of displaying the information sets and determine a modified order for at least some of the information set identifiers of the previously determined group.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Todd Mercer, Joshua C. Covington, Kahlil H. Cacabelos, Thomas Southward, Roy S. Brozovich
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Publication number: 20230034993Abstract: A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii) a set of one or more selectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associated with the vehicle component. Each selectable identifier can indicate a respective portion of the supplemental information. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the first symbol without displaying the set and the supplemental information. While the image and the first symbol are displayed without the set, the CCS receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively displays the set. While the set is displayed, the CCS receives a second input corresponding to selection of a first selectable identifier from the set. The CCS then responsively displays the respective portion of the supplemental information indicated by the first selectable identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Todd Mercer, Roy Steven Brozovich, David Costantino
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Patent number: 11507254Abstract: A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii) a set of one or more selectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associated with the vehicle component. Each selectable identifier can indicate a respective portion of the supplemental information. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the first symbol without displaying the set and the supplemental information. While the image and the first symbol are displayed without the set, the CCS receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively displays the set. While the set is displayed, the CCS receives a second input corresponding to selection of a first selectable identifier from the set. The CCS then responsively displays the respective portion of the supplemental information indicated by the first selectable identifier.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Todd Mercer, Roy Steven Brozovich, David Costantino
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Publication number: 20220358471Abstract: 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: July 20, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Todd Mercer, Joshua C. Covington, Kahlil H. Cacabelos, Thomas Southward
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Patent number: 11429936Abstract: 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: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: 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: 11386401Abstract: A computing system could have access to mapping data that maps each of a plurality of procedures to respective component identifier(s) used in collision-repair estimates, each procedure including information for repair of vehicle component(s) represented by the respective component identifier(s). Given this, the computing system could instruct a display device to display a visual identifier of a particular collision-repair estimate, could receive input indicative of selection of the visual identifier, and could responsively instruct the display device to display visual indicators representative of vehicle component(s) associated with the particular collision-repair estimate. Moreover, the computing system could receive input indicative of selection of one or more of the visual indicators representative of selected vehicle component(s), and could responsively determine, according to the mapping data, particular procedure(s) based on component identifier(s) representative of the selected vehicle component(s).Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLCInventors: Lester B. Johnson, Todd Mercer, Thomas Southward
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Publication number: 20220027023Abstract: A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii) a set of one or more selectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associated with the vehicle component. Each selectable identifier can indicate a respective portion of the supplemental information. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the first symbol without displaying the set and the supplemental information. While the image and the first symbol are displayed without the set, the CCS receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively displays the set. While the set is displayed, the CCS receives a second input corresponding to selection of a first selectable identifier from the set. The CCS then responsively displays the respective portion of the supplemental information indicated by the first selectable identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Todd Mercer, Roy Steven Brozovich, David Costantino
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Patent number: 11221738Abstract: A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii) a set of one or more selectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associated with the vehicle component. Each selectable identifier can indicate a respective portion of the supplemental information. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the first symbol without displaying the set and the supplemental information. While the image and the first symbol are displayed without the set, the CCS receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively displays the set. While the set is displayed, the CCS receives a second input corresponding to selection of a first selectable identifier from the set. The CCS then responsively displays the respective portion of the supplemental information indicated by the first selectable identifier.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Todd Mercer, Roy Steven Brozovich, David Costantino
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Publication number: 20210255757Abstract: A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of at least one circuit in a vehicle, the at least one circuit including a first circuit configured for carrying a first signal within the vehicle, and (ii) symbol data associated with at least one symbol, the at least one symbol including a first symbol. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the at least one symbol. The CCS then receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively receives, from the vehicle, data representing value(s) of the first signal. The CCS then determines a first display-location at which to display the data representing the value(s) of the first signal. While the image and the at least one symbol are displayed, the CCS then displays, at the first display-location, the data representing the value(s) of the first signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Todd Mercer, Roy Steven Brozovich, David Costantino
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Publication number: 20210209117Abstract: An example method includes receiving a first service procedure including a plurality of procedural steps for servicing a vehicle, identifying at least one procedural step of the plurality of procedural steps to supplement with supplemental service information, receiving information about vehicles sharing one or more attributes with the vehicle, determining at least one piece of supplemental service information to supplement the at least one identified procedural step, and providing a supplemented service procedure comprising the first service procedure with the at least one piece of supplemental service information included with the at least one identified procedural step.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Todd Mercer
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Patent number: 11029813Abstract: A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of at least one circuit in a vehicle, the at least one circuit including a first circuit configured for carrying a first signal within the vehicle, and (ii) symbol data associated with at least one symbol, the at least one symbol including a first symbol. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the at least one symbol. The CCS then receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively receives, from the vehicle, data representing value(s) of the first signal. The CCS then determines a first display-location at which to display the data representing the value(s) of the first signal. While the image and the at least one symbol are displayed, the CCS then displays, at the first display-location, the data representing the value(s) of the first signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Todd Mercer, Roy Steven Brozovich, David Costantino
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Patent number: 10984004Abstract: An example method includes receiving a first service procedure including a plurality of procedural steps for servicing a vehicle, identifying at least one procedural step of the plurality of procedural steps to supplement with supplemental service information, receiving information about vehicles sharing one or more attributes with the vehicle, determining at least one piece of supplemental service information to supplement the at least one identified procedural step, and providing a supplemented service procedure comprising the first service procedure with the at least one piece of supplemental service information included with the at least one identified procedural step.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Todd Mercer
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Publication number: 20210004585Abstract: A method includes transmitting a request for a computer-readable routing diagram, such as a wiring diagram, a pneumatic or hydraulic line diagram, or an optical cable diagram. The method also includes receiving, in response to the request, a routing diagram including a connectable component and at least a portion of a routing set. The connectable component is associated with both a connectable component identifier and the routing set. The routing set contains one or more routable components, such as electrical circuits, pneumatic or hydraulic lines, or optical cables. Further, the method includes displaying, on a display, the routing diagram and at least the portion of the routing set highlighted. Displaying at least the portion of the routing set highlighted occurs in response to an occurrence of the connectable component being selected from the routing diagram displayed on the display or in response to the request including the connectable component identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2019Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Michel B. Alberry, Lester B. Johnson, Michael S. Knize, John P. McGraw, Robert Pilz, Thomas A. Southward, Thomas W. Tipps, Eric J. Wade, Patrick S. Merg, Roy Steven Brozovich, Todd Mercer
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Publication number: 20200371650Abstract: A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii) a set of one or more selectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associated with the vehicle component. Each selectable identifier can indicate a respective portion of the supplemental information. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the first symbol without displaying the set and the supplemental information. While the image and the first symbol are displayed without the set, the CCS receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively displays the set. While the set is displayed, the CCS receives a second input corresponding to selection of a first selectable identifier from the set. The CCS then responsively displays the respective portion of the supplemental information indicated by the first selectable identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Todd Mercer, Roy Steven Brozovich, David Costantino
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Patent number: 10845961Abstract: A client computing system (CCS) receives a download including (i) an image representative of a vehicle component, (ii) symbol data associated with a first symbol, (iii) a set of one or more selectable identifiers, and (iv) supplemental information associated with the vehicle component. Each selectable identifier can indicate a respective portion of the supplemental information. After receiving the download, the CCS displays the image and the first symbol without displaying the set and the supplemental information. While the image and the first symbol are displayed without the set, the CCS receives a first input corresponding to selection of the first symbol. The CCS then responsively displays the set. While the set is displayed, the CCS receives a second input corresponding to selection of a first selectable identifier from the set. The CCS then responsively displays the respective portion of the supplemental information indicated by the first selectable identifier.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Patrick S. Merg, Todd Mercer, Roy Steven Brozovich, David Costantino
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Publication number: 20200342389Abstract: An example method includes receiving a plurality of vehicle service jobs to be performed in a given time window. The method further includes receiving technician performance data for a plurality of technicians, wherein the technician performance data for a given technician is indicative of past performances by the given technician of one or more of the vehicle service jobs. The method additionally includes determining, based on the technician performance data, a plurality of scoring metrics corresponding to the plurality of vehicle service jobs for each of the plurality of technicians. The method also includes determining, based on the scoring metrics, suggested technician assignments of individual technicians of the plurality of technicians to each vehicle service job of the plurality of vehicle service jobs. The method further includes providing, for presentation on a display, a technician assignment interface that shows the suggested technician assignments.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Patrick S. Merg, Jacob G. Foreman, Todd Mercer, Roy Steven Brozovich