Patents by Inventor Robert A. Hrabak

Robert A. Hrabak 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).

  • Patent number: 8660549
    Abstract: A method of regulating the battery usage of a wireless device includes receiving information indicating the battery charge level of a wireless device over a first wireless communication channel using a short-range wireless communication protocol; choosing a wireless communication protocol for use by the wireless device with a second wireless communication channel based on the received battery charge level information; constructing a message instructing the wireless device to use the chosen wireless communication protocol for communications via the second wireless communication channel; and sending the message from a vehicle telematics unit to the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Hrabak, James J. Piwowarski
  • Publication number: 20140031010
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a personal mobile device to a vehicle communication unit. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of a personal mobile device located at a vehicle, obtaining permission to connect the personal mobile device, and automatically connecting the personal mobile device to the vehicle communication unit. The method and apparatus can be used, for example, during an initial connection of a personal mobile device to a vehicle communication unit or each time a new mobile device is present in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Wuergler, Steven C. Tengler, Robert A. Hrabak
  • Patent number: 8626144
    Abstract: A method of enabling communications between a Bluetooth low energy master communication device in a vehicle and a slave communication device. The slave communication device is successfully paired with a Bluetooth high energy master communication device in the vehicle. An identifier of the slave communication device is stored when it is successfully paired with the Bluetooth high energy master communication device. The Bluetooth low energy master communication device identifies an advertising event broadcast by the slave communication device. The advertising event relates to a notification by the slave communication device of the availability of its services. A determination is made whether the identifier of the slave communication device matches the stored identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Talty, Robert A. Hrabak, Jonathan L. Oakes
  • Publication number: 20130288659
    Abstract: A method of regulating the battery usage of a wireless device includes receiving information indicating the battery charge level of a wireless device over a first wireless communication channel using a short-range wireless communication protocol; choosing a wireless communication protocol for use by the wireless device with a second wireless communication channel based on the received battery charge level information; constructing a message instructing the wireless device to use the chosen wireless communication protocol for communications via the second wireless communication channel; and sending the message from a vehicle telematics unit to the wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Hrabak, James J. Piwowarski
  • Publication number: 20130017816
    Abstract: A method of enabling communications between a Bluetooth low energy master communication device in a vehicle and a slave communication device. The slave communication device is successfully paired with a Bluetooth high energy master communication device in the vehicle. An identifier of the slave communication device is stored when it is successfully paired with the Bluetooth high energy master communication device. The Bluetooth low energy master communication device identifies an advertising event broadcast by the slave communication device. The advertising event relates to a notification by the slave communication device of the availability of its services. A determination is made whether the identifier of the slave communication device matches the stored identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Talty, Robert A. Hrabak, Jonathan L. Oakes