Item Importer (Project Red)

The Item Importer is a machine added by Project Red which works like a diode for the Pressure tube and the Pressure Resistance tube. When activated by redstone, this machine blocks items from passing through, redirecting them instead to an alternate route. If none is found, it will route back to its source until either a new route is created or the machine is deactivated. It can also be used to pull items out of an inventory and put them into a pressure tube network if both a redstone pulse is applied, and the wooden part is facing a valid inventory.

If the mod MineChem is installed, then you can decompose the Item Importer with the Chemical Decomposer into different chemical compounds of MineChem.

Usage
The Item Importer allows items to pass in the tube system of Project Red, but only in one direction. The sides can not be used. The machine pumps automatically from the wooden side to the cobblestone side. When provided with a redstone signal, this machine will not allow items to pass, nor will the path be considered valid by the routing logic. This gives it functionality similar to a relay, allowing you to control when an inventory is connected to the pipe network. This is especially useful if you want to count the contents of a chest designed for automation without its inventory constantly changing.

It is also possible to use a comparator to ensure that chest is only filled up to a certain point with a product, before moving on to the next.