Abstract: A device for monitoring the effectiveness of sand compaction on a production line comprising one or more sensors. The sensor's response measures the changes in sand compaction, which is affected by the mechanics of the vibration system, changes in the sand properties, and environmental changes. A sensor comprises multiple chambers where the sand is compacted, with each of these chambers having a different difficulty in resisting sand filling and compaction. The difficulty of filling and compacting the sand in these chambers can be controlled using factors such as geometry of each of the chambers and direction of the fill and compaction of sand.

Abstract: A device with one or more sensors for monitoring the effectiveness of sand compaction on a production line. The sensor's response measures the changes in sand compaction, which is affected by the mechanics of the vibration system, changes in the sand properties, and environmental changes. A sensor comprises multiple chambers where the sand is compacted, with each of these chambers having a different difficulty in resisting sand filling and compaction. The difficulty of filling and compacting the sand in these chambers can be controlled using factors such as geometry of each of the chambers and direction of the fill and compaction of sand.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the effectiveness of sand compaction on a production line comprising one or more sensors. The sensor's response measures the changes in sand compaction, which is affected by the mechanics of the vibration system, changes in the sand properties, and environmental changes. A sensor comprises multiple chambers where the sand is compacted, with each of these chambers having a different difficulty in resisting sand filling and compaction. The difficulty of filling and compacting the sand in these chambers can be controlled using factors such as geometry of each of the chambers and direction of the fill and compaction of sand.

Abstract: A multi-featured control system which improves the manufacturing capability of the thin-film semiconductor growth process. This system improves repeatability and accuracy of the process, reduces the manpower requirements to operate MBE, and improves the MBE environment for scientific investigation. This system has three levels of feedback control. The first level improves the precision and tracking of the process variables, flux, and substrate temperature. The second level comprises an expert system that uses sensors to monitor the status of the product in order to tailor the process plan in real time so that the exact qualities desired are achieved. The third level features a continuously evolving neural network model of the process which is used to recommend the recipe and command inputs to achieve a desired goal. The third level is particularly useful during the development process for new materials.

Abstract: A disc shaped element has a central hole of diameter corresponding to the diameter of a motor shaft upon which an optical encoder assembly is to be mounted. Coaxial with the central hole is a decreased diameter portion dimensioned to be received in a mounting member component of the assembly carrying the light source for the optical encoder. Exact coaxial centering of the mounting member carrying the light source is maintained by the disc shaped element while the mounting member is rigidly secured to the motor itself. Thereafter, the disc shaped element can be removed and the remaining components of the optical encoder assembled with assurance of proper alignment between the light source and the photo cell part of the assembly.