Abstract: An observation shelter includes a plurality of generally upright walls including a first wall having a first window opening positioned therein and a second wall having a second wall positioned therein. First and second shutters are movable between respective raised and closed positions. The first and second shutters have respective shapes configured such that the shutters when in their respective raised positions meet at a joint extending from said corner to provide substantially continuous shelter from the sun for the first window opening and second window opening, and wherein with the first and second shutters in their respective closed positions, an extension portion of the first shutter is received in a pocket portion of the second shutter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining tire pressure in automotive vehicles utilices twin spaced parallel and non-transverse piezoelectric cables which are traversed by a vehicle to produce a voltage pulse having a shapes or profiles characteristic of the tire pressure. Waveform analysis on the basis of a software algorithm and/or look-up calibration data enables numerical pressure determination. The system is well adapted for remote automotive vehicle tire pressure sensing under normal conditions of vehicle use.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automotive tire condition and other article assessment is based upon radiation analysis of a rotated tire. Analysis of reflected radiation on the basis of intensity sensing provides a measure of tread depth and sidewall profile, together with tread location and other data. By positional analysis of the tread depth locations there is provided complementary information on the tread wear pattern. Sidewall profile determination enables identification of other tire condition factors. Tread depth and sidewall profile are also determined by laser or other radiation line image displacement techniques and a mounting system is provided for the apparatus enabling determinations to be made without the use of a roller bed. Proper positional alignment of the wheel to the apparatus is determined by means of a reference datum derived from reflected radiation within the apparatus.