Abstract: Method and apparatus for covering an area is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of bases located near a first side of the area and positioned substantially normal to ground, a plurality of flexible rods connected to the bases, and covering material secured to the flexible rods. The covering material crumples into a compact form when not spread out. A stabilizer may be used to provide stability and strength to the bases. The flexible rods are bent toward a second side of the area and attached to attachment mechanisms at the second side. The covering material is spread over the area along the now bent the flexible rods, thereby covering the area. The covering material may be fastened to one of the bases, to one of the attachment mechanisms, or other structures. Guy lines may connect the flexible rods to stable articles to provide additional stability.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) determines a tire condition and location on a vehicle (12) including a tire-based sensing unit (14) including, a first tire rotation sensor (66) for providing a first tire rotation signal (80) each time the tire passes one of at least two predetermined rotational positions and an unique tire identification indicator, a transmitter (86) and a controller for controlling the transmitter so that the transmission occurs when the first tire rotation signal indicates the tire has reached one of the at least two predetermined rotational positions. The apparatus further includes a second tire rotation sensor (22) mounted external of the tire for sensing tire rotation and for providing a second tire rotation signal indicative of incremental angular position of the tire relative to a reference. A vehicle-based receiver (44) correlates reception with a particular tire location on the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) determines a tire condition and location on a vehicle (12) including a tire-based sensing unit (14), a plurality of tires (54) on the vehicle having an associated tire-based sensing unit, each tire-based sensing unit (14) including, a first tire rotation sensor (66) mounted for rotation with the tire (54) and for providing a first tire rotation signal (80) each time the tire passes one of at least two predetermined rotational positions during tire rotation, a tire condition sensor (82) for sensing a tire condition and for providing a tire condition signal indicative thereof and an unique tire identification indicator, a transmitter (86) for transmitting the tire condition signal and the unique tire identification indicator, and a controller for controlling the transmitter so that the transmission of the tire condition signal and the unique tire identification indicator occurs when the first tire rotation signal indicates the tire has reached one of the at least two predetermined rotational p