Abstract: A method for controlling retractable exterior mirrors of a vehicle including an on-vehicle spatial monitoring system includes retracting one of the exterior mirrors when the on-vehicle spatial monitoring system indicates a likelihood of collision between the one of the retractable exterior mirrors and a remote object and extending the retracted exterior mirror when the on-vehicle spatial monitoring system indicates no likelihood of collision. One of the exterior mirrors retracts in response to opening an extra-vehicle door and extends in response to closing said extra-vehicle door.

Abstract: A segmented tube formed of a magnesium-based alloy and wrapped or jacketed with a reinforcement to apply a restraining force on the external surface of the tube for resisting fragmentation of the tube by the compressive force applied to the end of the tube serves as a structural member for receiving a compressive stress applied to an end of the tube and acting along the axis of the tube toward the opposing end of the tube. The magnesium alloy tube is comparatively light, and the segmented and wrapped or jacketed tube has an increased capacity to absorb compressive forces. The tubes are useful as components of automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A segmented tube formed of a magnesium-based alloy and wrapped or jacketed with a reinforcement to apply a restraining force on the external surface of the tube for resisting fragmentation of the tube by the compressive force applied to the end of the tube serves as a structural member for receiving a compressive stress applied to an end of the tube and acting along the axis of the tube toward the opposing end of the tube. The magnesium alloy tube is comparatively light, and the segmented and wrapped or jacketed tube has an increased capacity to absorb compressive forces. The tubes are useful as components of automotive vehicles.

Abstract: Magnesium alloy tube members have the potential to reduce weight in automotive vehicle body structures and other applications but they tend to fragment and fail under compressive stress loads applied end-to-end along the longitudinal axis of the tube. It is found that, when the outside surface of the tube is tightly wrapped with fibers (for example, glass fibers or other suitable fibers) and, optionally, resin bonded to the tube surface, the capacity of the magnesium alloy tube to withstand and absorb compressive loads is greatly increased.

Abstract: An integrated anti-lock braking (ABS)/traction control (TC) braking system for a vehicle is provided including in a preferred embodiment a controller cognizant of the rotational condition of a vehicle wheel for signalling the system to an ABS or TC mode. A master cylinder delivers pressurized fluid to the wheel brake. An actuator frame with a bore is fluidly connected with the master cylinder and the wheel brake generally along a first end. A first fluid network connects the master cylinder with the wheel brake. A reservoir fluidly connected with the bore and the brake for selective receipt of fluid from the bore. A second fluid network connects the reservoir and the ends of the bore with one another and fluidly connects the reservoir with the wheel brake. A check valve preventing flow from the master cylinder to the brake via the first fluid network. A valve responsive to the controller isolates the reservoir from the second fluid network when the integration is in the normal operation or the TC mode.

Abstract: An integrated anti-lock braking system (ABS)/traction control (TC) braking system for a vehicle having a fluid activated brake for a wheel is provided the system in one embodiment includes a system controller for signaling the system to an ABS or TC mode, a master cylinder for delivering pressurized fluid to the wheel brake, an actuator with a longitudinal bore having a first stop. A hollow primary piston is slidably mounted within the longitudinal bore biased towards the first stop. The interior of the primary piston is fluidly connected with its exterior. A secondary piston is slidably mounted within the primary piston and movable in one direction to pressurize the wheel brake and movable in an opposite direction to relieve said wheel brake in response to the controller.