Abstract: A portable shelter having a frame that is separately collapsible in a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction of the shelter to facilitate transportation and storage of the shelter. The frame includes a plurality of ribs, each rib comprising two support legs and at least three roof members forming a generally inverted U-shape when in an erect configuration. The support legs and the roof members are connected with foldable joints such that each rib may be collapsed in the transverse direction to a collapsed configuration wherein width of the rib is narrower in the collapsed configuration than when in the erect configuration. The frame also includes a wall support system connecting adjacent ribs. The wall support system is collapsible in the longitudinal direction to adjust the relative position between adjacent ribs.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for supporting a solar energy collection device (601, 602). The apparatus is substantially wedge-shaped with a base (102) for contacting a roof surface (203) and an inclined front face (103) for supporting the device (601). The apparatus is configured such that the total weight is adjustable so as to apply an appropriate loading on the roof. In a first embodiment ballast is supplied to a ballast cavity (105). In an alternative embodiment, wedge-shaped members (903) may be selectively removed from an assembly so as to provide a desired weight distribution.

Abstract: Diamond-like carbon based thermoelectric conversion devices and methods of making and using the same, which have improved conversion efficiencies and increased reliability. The device can include a cathode having a base member with a layer of diamond-like carbon material such as amorphous diamond coated over the cathode. A dielectric intermediate member can be electrically coupled between the diamond-like carbon material and an anode. Various additional layers and configurations can allow for improved performance such as multiple cathode layers and/or multiple intermediate layers. The thermoelectric conversion devices can be configured as an electrical generator and/or a cooling device and can be conveniently formed. In addition, the devices of the present invention do not require formation of a vacuum space and are typically completely solid throughout.

Abstract: The thermoelectric structure is formed by a network of wires oriented substantially in a weft direction of the structure. It comprises first and second conducting wires of different kinds, interwoven to form cold and hot junctions distributed respectively in a top plane and a bottom plane. The junctions are alternately cold and hot along any one conducting wire. The thermoelectric structure comprises at least one high dielectric wire in the top plane, and at least one low dielectric wire in the bottom plane. The dielectric wires are interwoven with the first and second conducting wires so as to keep the top and bottom planes at a distance from one another.

Abstract: An electrode for an electro-optic device has a wetting layer of electrically conductive material formed on a substrate. A second layer of electrically conductive material is formed on the wetting layer of electrically conductive material. The wetting layer has a first wetting ability with respect to a surface of the substrate and the second layer has a second wetting ability with respect to the surface of said substrate. The first wetting ability is different from the second wetting ability and the wetting layer acts to alter an optical property of the electrode due to the wetting ability of the wetting layer on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A floating support structure for a solar panel array having flotation elements and a support structure disposed above the flotation elements for adjustably and removably mounting at least one solar collector panel. Connectors joining floatation elements form a platform for gangways and catwalks providing access for installation, repair, and maintenance, even when the solar panel array is installed on a body of water.

Abstract: A system and method of arranging a solar cell and reflector to replace a typical solar cell oriented normal to the incoming sunlight inside a module (i.e. parallel to a module's transparent cover plate or opening). The present invention in a preferred embodiment uses a solar cell oriented at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight, and a reflective surface oriented perpendicular to the cell and at a 45 degree angle to the incoming sunlight. The solar cell and the mirror are the same length/size and form a V shape where the angle between the sloped sides is 90 degrees. Any light falling normally on the arrangement will hit the solar cell either directly or after reflection. In another embodiment, two adjacent reflectors can be used making angles of around 60 degrees and around 30 degrees with respect to the cover or opening. An alternate embodiment can include a second reflector added to the base of the cell and reflector pairings also at an approximate 45 degree angle with the cover or opening.

Abstract: Which, using a heat transfer fluid in any thermodynamic cycle or system for using process heat, comprises: two-dimensional solar concentrator means for heating the heat transfer fluid from a temperature T1 to a temperature T2; three-dimensional solar concentrator means for overheating the heat transfer fluid from a temperature T2 to a temperature T3; such that the advantages of working at high-temperatures of the three-dimensional solar concentrator means are taken advantage of with overall costs similar to those of two-dimensional solar concentrator means. In a specific application for generating electric power, the two-dimensional solar concentrator means consist of a parabolic trough collector (1), while the three-dimensional solar concentrator means consist of a heliostat field and central tower (2) for generating overheated steam that expands in a turbine (6) coupled to an electric generator (7).

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power from solar radiation utilizing a III-V compound multijunction semiconductor solar cell; a concentrator for focusing sunlight on the solar cell, including a concave trough-shaped reflector; and a heat spreader connected to the solar cell for cooling the cell.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for forming a photovoltaic cell from a common layer on a substrate are provided. A first pass is made with a first laser beam over an area on the common layer. The first pass forms a groove in the common layer. The first pass forms within the common layer a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is separated from the second edge by the groove. The groove provides a first level of electrical isolation between the first edge and the second edge. A second pass is made with a second laser beam over approximately the same area on the common layer. The second pass provides a second level of electrical isolation between the first edge and the second edge. The second level of electrical isolation is greater than the first level of electrical isolation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical power converter circuit including a photovoltaic cell and a power supply adapted to control a low power output of the photovoltaic cell. The power supply includes an input switch, an over-voltage detector, an under voltage detector, a rechargeable battery, a DC to DC converter circuit, an output capacitor, a delay element and an output switch. An item of luggage is adapted to support and carry the photovoltaic cell, power supply, and optional ancillary equipment.

Abstract: Methods for forming a patterned layer from common layer in a photovoltaic application are provided. The patterned layer is configured to form one or more portions of one or more solar cells on a rigid substrate. A first pass is made with a first laser beam over an area on the common layer. A second pass is made with a second laser beam over approximately the same area on the common layer. The first pass provides a first level of electrical isolation between a first portion and a second portion of the common layer. The second pass provides a second level of electrical isolation between the first portion and the second portion of the common layer. The second level of electrical isolation is greater than the first level of electrical isolation.

Abstract: A solar cell is described that comprises: (a) a semiconductor charge separation material; (b) at least one electrode connected to the charge separation material; and (c) a light-harvesting film on the charge separation material, the light-harvesting film comprising non-covalently coupled, self-assembled units of porphyrinic macrocycles. The porphyrinic macrocycles preferably comprise: (i) an intramolecularly coordinated metal; (ii) a first coordinating substituent; and (iii) a second coordinating substituent opposite the first coordinating substituent. The porphyrinic macrocycles can be assembled by repeating intermolecular coordination complexes of the metal, the first coordinating substituent and the second coordinating substituent.

Abstract: Fuel cartridges for delivering fuel to a fuel consuming device, such as a fuel cell, are provided. Valves for use on cartridges or devices may include one or more internal seals that prevent fuel flow except when a valve is connected to a properly coupled corresponding valve and a seal between the two vales is established. Cartridge housings may include venting to maintain pressure equilibrium. A flexible or deformable fuel reservoir may be used with a pressurizing system that causes fuel to flow from a cartridge to a device independent of orientation.

Abstract: A shut-off valve assembly includes a one-piece housing having an inlet and an outlet. During manufacture, the housing is formed with an inlet end plate and a fully open end opposite the end plate. A valve door assembly including a flapper door is secured in the housing, and includes a seal between the flapper door and the housing. The open end is then reformed to provide an outlet from the housing. In a fuel system, a cover assembly is releasably secured to the housing.

Abstract: Provided are a valve unit and a reaction apparatus having the valve unit. The valve unit includes a phase transition material, which melts and expands upon an application of the electromagnetic waves to the valve filler, and the valve filler is directed into the channel through the connection passage and closes the channel. The valve unit also includes heat generation particles, which are dispersed in the phase transition material and generate heat upon an application of electromagnetic wave energy.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for treating wafers using a supercritical fluid. The wafer treatment apparatus includes a plurality of chambers; a first supply supplying a first fluid in a supercritical state; a second supply supplying a mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid; a plurality of first and second valves; and a controller selecting a first chamber of the plurality of chambers for wafer treatment to control the open/closed state of each of the plurality of first valves so that the first fluid can be supplied only to the first chamber of the plurality of chambers and selecting a second chamber of the plurality of chambers to control the open/closed state of each of the plurality of second valves so that the mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid can be supplied only to the second chamber of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A vacuum breaking device includes a housing, a sealing base, a floating cup and a sealing ring. The housing has a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet and an air passageway. The sealing base is installed in the air passageway, and the floating cup is installed in an inner chamber of the sealing base. The sealing ring is fitted around an upper end of the floating cup for properly sealing the outer-air inlet in the upper portion of the sealing base and communicating with the inner chamber. The floating cup has an annular flange for increasing the buoyancy of the floating cup, so that the outer-air inlet may be quickly sealed up. The annular flange has plural air paths, so the vacuum condition may be broken immediately when a vacuum pressure is produced in the device.

Abstract: An insertable backflow preventer is presented. The backflow preventer is provided with a cylindrical housing. The housing has a flow transition zone, a proximal orifice/ball seat, a ball with a specific weight that equals or is close to the specific weight of the surrounding fluid, and a distal retaining screen. The housing can have a flange provided on the outside of the housing at one end to facilitate securing the valve in a pipe. The valve is self-cleaning, can be placed in any orientation in a pipe and has low hydraulic head-loss. The valve's unique cost-effective design provides for easy and relative quick installation, eliminates the need to reconfigure existing plumbing, and can be performance tested remotely. Properly installed, it can dramatically improve the security of, for example, potable water sources in a building or other context, and inasmuch as when installed it is not visible, it is tamper proof.

Abstract: An inflation nozzle for inflating an inflatable structure. The inflation nozzle includes a nozzle body, a probe, and a connection portion. The nozzle body defines a nozzle channel therethrough, and the channel has a channel outlet for expelling a fluid therefrom. The probe extends from the nozzle body adjacent and beyond the channel outlet, and is configured and dimensioned to facilitate positioning an inflation aperture of the flexible structure onto the nozzle body for directing fluid into the inflation aperture. The connection portion associates with the nozzle body for fluidly connecting the channel to a fluid source for delivering fluid through the channel to inflate the flexible structure.

Abstract: A control valve includes a housing, an inlet port at the housing, a device port at the housing, a valve port at the housing, and a spool disposed at the housing, the spool initially connecting the inlet port to the device port and subsequently to a pressure event connecting the inlet port to the valve port. An actuation system includes a plurality of control valves, each valve being addressable and conditionable to communicate with one of a device and another control valve, and a plurality of devices each in operable communication with one of the plurality of control valves.

Abstract: A vacuum relief unit and method for venting air into a pool pumping system when a pressure level within the system drops below a first pressure level limit. The unit includes a closed air chamber, a device for venting chamber air from the air chamber into the pool pumping system when the pressure level in the pool pumping system drops below the first pressure level limit, a device for venting atmospheric air into the air chamber when the pressure level within the air chamber drops below a second pressure level limit that is lower than the first pressure level limit, and a device for delaying operation of the atmospheric air venting device when the pressure within the air chamber is no longer below the second pressure level limit.

Abstract: Check valve includes a housing, a bore, and a movable valve body, which is spring-loaded and rests with a sealing action on a valve seat, where the bore is designed as a stepped bore, where the bore with the smaller diameter has the valve seat, and where the bore with the larger diameter holds the movable valve element. The valve body is designed as a ball, which is guided in the bore by at least two guide ribs, and a retaining element in the terminal area of the bore captures the ball and simultaneously spring-loads it.

Abstract: An air valve device is adapted to be fitted into an opening of an inflatable article, and includes a valve seat formed with a valve body that is disposed between an inflating port and a conduit, an axially movable member having a valve disc which is disposed in the conduit to be moved between open and closed positions, and a plunger which is connected to the valve disc and which has a head end disposed in the inflating port, a biasing member disposed to bias the valve disc to the closed position, and a releasably retaining mechanism disposed between the valve seat and the plunger to arrest axial movement of the movable member against the biasing action of the biasing member when the valve disc is in the open position, thereby facilitating inflation and deflation of the inflatable article.

Abstract: A flow control arrangement 10 for controlling the flow of lubricant discharged from a bearing 12 includes a flow control member 24 locatable, in use, adjacent to the bearing 12. The flow control member 24 defines a generally circumferential outer edge 26a and is rotatable to direct lubricant discharged onto the flow control member 24 radially outwardly towards the outer edge 26a for ejection therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid distribution apparatus and method. The various embodiments of the fluid distribution apparatus comprise a core and a housing by which at least two input fluid streams may be selectively directed through two or more input ports to two or more output ports such that external attachments to the apparatus may remain substantially fixed and whereby substantially no input port or output port is left unused.

Abstract: High-density microfluidic chips contain plumbing networks with thousands of micromechanical valves and hundreds of individually addressable chambers. These fluidic devices are analogous to electronic integrated circuits fabricated using large scale integration (LSI). A component of these networks is the fluidic multiplexor, which is a combinatorial array of binary valve patterns that exponentially increases the processing power of a network by allowing complex fluid manipulations with a minimal number of inputs. These integrated microfluidic networks can be used to construct a variety of highly complex microfluidic devices, for example the microfluidic analog of a comparator array, and a microfluidic memory storage device resembling electronic random access memories.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-in-one valve comprising an inlet shutoff valve for shutting off flow to an inlet of the valve, an outlet shutoff valve for shutting off flow into an outlet of the valve and a control valve for opening and closing the valve. During operation, the control valve can be opened and closed while the inlet shut off valve and outlet shut off valve are in an open position. The inlet shutoff valve and outlet shutoff can be closed for preventing flow into the control valve, thereby allowing the control valve to be serviced without draining of an attached fluid system, such as a radiator. In one embodiment, the three-in-one valve can be used to provide individual zone control for an individual radiator in a multi-radiator and boiler recirculating system.

Abstract: A control device includes a valve body, a seat ring, and an actuator. The valve body defines a flow-path for a fluid. The seat ring is disposed within the flow-path. The actuator is coupled to the valve body and includes a control member. The control member is adapted for displacement relative to the seat ring for regulating a flow of the fluid through the flow-path. The control member includes a scaling disk adapted to sealingly engage the seat ring and close the flow-path. The seat ring includes an orifice disposed within the flow-path such that the seat ring prevents at least a portion of the flow of the fluid from substantially perpendicularly impacting the sealing disk.

Abstract: A fluid device that provides one or more features selected from being substantially tamper-resistant, substantially fluid-tight, and/or capable of providing stress relief to the various components used to form the fluid device. The fluid device accomplishes one or more of these features through the use of an injection material that is capable of substantially filling connection spaces in the fluid device using a low-pressure injection system. By using this injection material and a low-pressure injection system, the injection material may be injected into the connection spaces in the fluid device. Then, after the injection material has hardened, the injection material provides a mechanical barrier that provides the one or more benefits described.

Abstract: Disclosed in a novel apparatus and associated methods for controlling the flow around a reshapable flow restrictor. The flow restrictor reshapes as a function of the pressure differential within the flow restrictor. Small changes in the pressure differential allow for larger changes in the flow rate over conventional flow restrictor systems and provides for real time, fine-tuned adjustments to the flow rate.

Abstract: A fluid control system with easy installation in a semiconductor production system etc. and pipe and wiring connections, with reduced pressure loss due to pipe connections, with easy change of arrangement of modules, free from corrosion even using a corrosive fluid for the fluid, and enabling control of the flow rate even with pulsation of the inflowing fluid is provided. The fluid control system of the present invention is characterized by having a flowmeter sensor part having an ultrasonic oscillator generating an ultrasonic wave in a fluid and an ultrasonic oscillator receiving the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic oscillator and outputting a signal to a flowmeter amplifier and a control valve controlling the state of flow of fluid to a predetermined state by a working pressure, wherein the flowmeter sensor part and the control valve are arranged inside a casing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet.

Abstract: A fluid calming member (18, 118, 218) for use in a fluid carrying arrangement (10) is disclosed. The fluid calming member is formed of a material that includes a porous metallic material.

Abstract: A hydraulic or other type of high-pressure hose fitting can be temporarily sealed using a special type of plug. The plug is made of a rubber like material and can be used both as a male plug or a female plug. The plug contains a plug body with a tapered end portion that can be pushed into and seal against the tapered seat of a female hydraulic fitting. The plug also contains an internal open ended bore that can be pushed over a male fitting with the threads of the male fitting tightly pressing into the rubber material to form a seal and minimize the plug being blown off the fitting.

Abstract: A lateral pipe lining material comprises a tubular resin-absorbing material impregnated with a curable resin and a brim attached at one end thereof. The lining material is positioned so that the brim faces a peripheral edge of a lateral pipe opening of the main pipe. A ring-shaped gasket composed of an elastic material is attached to an upper surface of the brim, and a bonding resin is applied thereto. The gasket seals a gap between an inner peripheral surface of the main pipe and the brim. The lateral pipe lining material is evertedly inserted into the lateral pipe in a state in which the bonding resin applied to the brim is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the main pipe. In such a configuration, ground water can be prevented from seeping into the bonding resin applied to the brim even if the ground water flows into the main pipe from a break of the lateral pipe.

Abstract: A hose assembly includes a tubular inner core, a high-temperature thermal insulator disposed about the inner core and in substantially continuous contact therewith, a sealing layer substantially surrounding the thermal insulator, and an outer reinforcing layer. The insulator may be a refractory paper tape braided or helically wrapped about the inner core, and may be multiple layers thick. The sealing layer, which may be a polymeric fluorocarbon tape, substantially surrounds the thermal insulator and protects the thermal insulator from chemical degradation. The outer reinforcing and sealing layer may be integrated. Alternatively, the outer reinforcing layer may be applied about the sealing layer, for example via braiding. A coupling may be attached at one end of the hose assembly to connect the hose assembly to a fluid system.

Abstract: A fabric for three-dimensional design preparation which can afford sharp and extremely fine line-like concaves of 1 mm or less in width or smooth curvilinear concaves is provided by a three-dimensional design preparing process using ink jet printing for example. The fabric is a pile fabric comprising a pile portion and a ground weave portion, wherein a single fiber size of pile yarn which constitutes the pile portion is 0.05 to 3.5 dtex, the pile is distributed uniformly at a proportion of 2% to 20% per unit area on the pile surface side, and in a vertical section of the pile fabric, the ratio of the area of the pile yarn relative to the sectional area of a 50% portion of an average entire pile height from the pile surface side is 40% to 60%.

Abstract: A chamber dropper bottle is disclosed that is sized to contain medicine. The dropper bottle includes a central recess in a bottom wall of the bottle. The recess is sized to accommodate a single dose of medicine. A central tapered cylindrical dropper chamber extends into the recess, while an annular medicine chamber is positioned about the central tapered cylindrical dropper chamber. The central tapered cylindrical dropper chamber includes one or more apertures sized to allow fluid to flow between the annular medicine chamber, the central tapered cylindrical dropper chamber and the recess.

Abstract: “A kit for inflating and repairing inflatable articles, in particular, tyres; the kit having a compressor assembly, a container of sealing liquid, and connecting means for connecting the container to the compressor assembly and to an inflatable article for repair or inflation; the compressor assembly being housed in an outer casing defining a seat for the container of sealing liquid; and the container being housed removably in the seat and functionally connected to the compressor assembly, so as to form a compact unit ready for use.

Abstract: A vibration and noise reducing workbench structure is disclosed. The workbench is a multiplayer structure comprising a metal board, a cushioning layer and a wooden layer stacked upon each other. The metal board is disposed at the top, and the cushioning layer is sandwiched between the metal board and the wooden layer. The presence of a cushioning layer can effectively absorb the vibration and accompanying noise transmitted from the top-layer metal board. As such, lightweight and thinner metal board can be used to lower the production cost and the weight of the entire workbench structure, and the handling of workbench is made easier with the use of less manpower, thereby reducing industrial accidents and costs.

Abstract: A method for forming a timber from a palm has acts of gathering a timber piece from a palm trunk, processing the timber piece into a rectangular cross section, first pressure treatment to the timber piece to reduce a moisture content of the timber piece, drying the timber piece, applying glue into the timber piece in a vacuum condition, second pressure treatment to the timber piece to remove redundant glue from the timber piece, drying the timber piece in a mold under a pressed condition and removing the timber piece from the mold.

Abstract: A saw is disclosed having a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a saw blade, and a brake adapted to stop the saw blade in response to detection of the dangerous condition. The saw further includes a brake positioning system that allows the brake to be positioned in at least two different operable positions to accommodate at least two different blade diameters. The saw may include a system to detect brake-to-blade spacing.

Abstract: An activating flux for welding stainless steel includes: from 25 to 40 weight percent of titanium dioxide (TiO2); from 25 to 30 weight percent of chromium oxide (Cr2O3); from 10 to 30 weight percent of silicon dioxide (SiO2); from 10 to 15 weight percent of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2); and from 5 to 15 weight percent of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) which are of active additive materials. A welding rod or wire includes a welding material and an activating flux. The activating flux layer is provided on or in the welding rod or wire, and is formed as an outer layer or a core portion of the welding rod or wire.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to homogeneous alloys comprising titanium and 9% to less than 20% by weight of tungsten, wherein the alloy has a yield strength of at least 120,000 psi and ductility of least 20% elongation; and with further alloying an ultimate tensile strength of at least 200,000 psi and useful ductility of at least 2% elongation; and with the addition of ceramic particulate reinforcements can exhibit an ultimate tensile strength of at least 180,000 psi. Products and metal matrix composites comprising such homogeneous alloys are also disclosed. The metal matrix composites further comprise a discontinuous reinforcement chosen from TiC, TiB2, or TiB, particles or combinations of such particles. Method of making such alloys and composites as well as products made from such alloys and composites are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a 2000 series aluminum alloy having enhanced damage tolerance, the alloy consisting essentially of about 3.0-4.0 wt % copper; about 0.4-1.1 wt % magnesium; up to about 0.8 wt % silver; up to about 1.0 wt % Zn; up to about 0.25 wt % Zr; up to about 0.9 wt % Mn; up to about 0.5 wt % Fe; and up to about 0.5 wt % Si, the balance substantially aluminum, incidental impurities and elements, said copper and magnesium present in a ratio of about 3.6-5 parts copper to about 1 part magnesium. The alloy is suitable for use in wrought or cast products including those used in aerospace applications, particularly sheet or plate structural members, extrusions and forgings, and provides an improved combination of strength and damage tolerance.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy includes manganese of about 1.1% to about 7.0% by weight, magnesium of about 0.1% to about 6.0% by weight, scandium of about 0.01% to about 1.5% by weight and the balance is essentially aluminum. Alloying elements of scandium, manganese and magnesium are added to form a columnar grain structure with a nano-complex phase in the aluminum alloy. Accordingly, the aluminum alloy has a high degree of physical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: Presented is methods to make high quality anode zinc pellets without adding lead by continuous or non-continuous casting and rolling method in high productivity. Disclosed is full details of material and process engineering as regards alloy compound, process machinery or equipment, and test and evaluation method addressing metallographic aspect in addition to chemical factors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stabilizing the two snap temperatures of snap elements made of thermostatic bimetal. According to the method, the mechanical steps are not interrupted by the required thermal treatment such that the embossed snap elements are pressed flat times at a great aging temperature. The snap elements remain in the automatic production device during the process and can then be further processed in the automatic device.

Abstract: A cooling device including an air source, preferably a fan, that provides air flow and a shroud for directing air flow from the air source at an object, particularly a coil of material, preferably a metal or metal alloy having a temperature greater than the ambient room temperature. The cooling device provides cooling efficiency by directing the air from the air source at an increased velocity to a desirable area or areas on an end surface of the object, thereby increasing heat transfer from the object. The cooling device shroud includes an air directing surface that influences the direction of air flow across the object in a desired pattern. Methods for preparing cooling devices and for cooling objects are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire distortion detecting method, a distortion detector, and a tire which can reduce the occurrence of a deterioration and can be used for a control system such as a stability control system. That is, series of conductors composed of a plurality of conductor pieces are provided in two different layers. The conductor pieces are embedded in lines at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of a tire. A pulsed electromagnetic wave is radiated to the surfaces of metal foils in the layers from a monitoring device provided in a tire house of a vehicle. The monitoring device receives a pulsed electromagnetic wave reflected from the metal foils in the layers or a member other than the metal foils.