System Timing

The New and Save signals are in turn used by another microcontroller, dedicated to timing the operation of the sorting switch.  For any given flow rate through the system, there is a predictable time for the embryo to travel from its detection point to the outlet.  Additionally, more than one embryo may occupy this space, requiring the switch to predict is operation. There are four operator-defined parameters input to the controller used in making this prediction.

a) Delay to open.  This delays the switch from opening at the detection of a New & Save condition, allowing any potential unwanted embryos time to exit the switch.
b) Open duration.  This specifies how long the switch should stay open for a New & Save condition, allowing time for the embryo to pass through the switch into a collection conduit.  This time begins at the end of the delay to open time.
c) Delay to close.  This delays the switch from closing at the detection of a New & Save-not condition, allowing any potential wanted embryos to pass through the switch.
d) Close duration.  This specifies the minimum time the switch must stay closed at the detection of a New & Save-not condition, and begins at the end of the delay to close time.

A delay to open or delay to close timer is initiated for every embryo detected.  The switch position requests for each embryo are then polled, giving priority to non-save requests.  At the conclusion of any Save condition the switch defaults back to the close (non-save) position.