A control pin for controlling the flow of liquid metal in a casting process includes an elongate body member, the body member being made at least partially of a composite ceramic material that includes a fibrous reinforcing material embedded within a ceramic matrix, and a failsafe element embedded within the composite ceramic material. The apparatus is based on an equivalent circuit Right-Hand series induction and shunt capacitor, and Left-Hand series capacitor and induction, in which effective permittivity and permeability of the structure are manipulated by the choice of CR, LR, CL, and LL. A determination may be made that the network performance information parameter crosses the respective threshold value. A second connecting mechanism attaches the handle mechanism to the push plate. The device may be a portable mat, and its position may be adjustable to orient the mat for different shot types. A friction hinge is disposed on each of the sun vision visor and the night vision visor allowing multi-directionally pivotablility of each visor toward each of the front side and the back side for desired positioning when in an extended position.