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QPix
Robot Manual
08MAN1058.A0
Effective Date: 29-Sep-09

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Summary of Contents for Genetix QPix

  • Page 1 QPix Robot Manual 08MAN1058.A0 Effective Date: 29-Sep-09...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Contents Table of Figures ....................4 Introduction ......................5 Genetix QPix.........................5 Picking ..........................5 Technical Specifications ...................6 QPix............................6 Dimensions: ........................6 Compressed Air Supply: ....................6 Operating Environment:.....................6 Electrical Supply:.......................7 Installation ......................8 QPix Installation ........................8 Health and Safety....................9 Note............................9...
  • Page 3 Changing the Head......................32 Cleaning the Robot......................32 Regular Maintenance......................34 Daily..........................34 Weekly ..........................34 Annually ..........................34 As Required ........................34 General Precautions......................34 Troubleshooting....................35 Common Problems......................35 Recommended Spare Parts ................36 Spare Parts List for QPix....................36 Glossary of Terms ...................37 Index .........................42 Contact Details....................44 3 of 44...
  • Page 4: Table Of Figures

    Figure 17: Plate Object Properties ..................26 Figure 18: Add new object.....................26 Figure 19: Robot Configuration – Database .................27 Figure 20: Representation of QPix bed .................29 Figure 21: Shortcut menu ......................29 Figure 22: I/O Diagnostics dialog ..................31 Figure 23: UV Light button ....................32 Figure 24: UV Light Setup dialog ..................33...
  • Page 5: Introduction

    384 well format - and has continued with QReps (replicators) and QTrays. Picking The QPix is capable of automatically picking in excess of 3,500 colonies per hour. This is made possible using an integrated vision, detection and analysis system combined with novel software and a (patented) 96 pin picking head assembly, both custom designed by Genetix.
  • Page 6: Technical Specifications

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Technical Specifications QPix Manufactured by Genetix Ltd (UK) Dimensions: Total assembled: Size: 1430 mm (width) x 730 mm (depth) x 1620 mm (height on table) Weight: 200Kg Compressed Air Supply: Minimum Pressure: 6 bar...
  • Page 7: Electrical Supply

    Halogen 900KVA Inrush current 20A 100mS Max. Due to the large inrush current the QPix should be supplied by a “motor” rated (class C) circuit breaker to avoid nuisance tripping. RCCD’s and ELCB’s are not recommended. Air compressor Note that the optional external air compressor is not included in this assessment...
  • Page 8: Installation

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Installation QPix Installation Figure 1: Robot dimensions 8 of 44...
  • Page 9: Health And Safety

    Lifting Points The machine should not be moved after installation. However, in the unlikely event of it needing to be moved then standard lifting gear is adequate, but only in the presence of a Genetix approved engineer. The robot should be moved into position using appropriate handling equipment such as forklift trucks or dolly trucks.
  • Page 10: Door(S)

    Do not remove any of the fixed covers, as there are no user serviceable parts inside. All internal work should be referred to Genetix approved service personnel. In the event of a liquid spillage into the base cavity of the robot, the power supply should be disconnected at the mains before any attempt is made to clean up the spillage.
  • Page 11: Datuming Mode

    When the instrument is in datuming mode the door switch override key is inserted into the door switch to enable the QPix to run with the door open. When the QPix is in datuming mode, a secondary door switch will cause a sounder to operate, warning the user of enabled drives.
  • Page 12: Operation

    Turn on the power supply to the compressor.  Turn main isolator switch (situated on the right hand side of the QPix) to the on position (1). This isolator switch is lockable and clearly labeled. The red ‘Power On’ indicator (on the front panel of the QPix) illuminates.
  • Page 13: Shutdown Procedure

    To enter the Datuming mode for the QPix , the door switch override key has to be inserted into the door switch. The QPix can now run with the door is open but a secondary door switch will cause a sounder to operate, warning the user of enabled drives.
  • Page 14: Configuration Guide

    The procedure for configuring the robot is as follows: Configuration Screen This facility is designed to allow qualified, Genetix approved personnel to configure the robot Datum Points and Defined Objects very precisely - each position can be fine-tuned to ensure optimum performance.
  • Page 15: Hardware Configuration Tab

    This tab displays the Software model that closely resembles the physical layout of the robot. You should not normally modify any details on this tab unless explicitly advised to by Genetix. The view displays the robot as the parent Object with 4 sections: ...
  • Page 16: Figure 3: Object Properties Dialog

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Figure 3: Object properties dialog Object Details - Displays the base details of the given object, short name and Datum Point if applicable. Properties – Lists the properties that comprise the Object. A description of each property can be viewed at the foot of the dialog as you scroll though the list.
  • Page 17: Figure 5: Use Object Dialog

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Use – Displays available objects to be used in the current configuration. Do not use unless advised by Genetix. Figure 5: Use object dialog Remove – Removes the highlighted object from the current configuration. Do not use unless advised by Genetix.
  • Page 18: Base Classes Tab

    Figure 7: Robot Configuration - Base Classes tab This tab displays the Base Classes that comprise the blueprint for each individual Object defined in the Configuration. Do not modify data on this tab unless advised by Genetix. 18 of 44...
  • Page 19: Datum Points

    When the instrument is in datuming mode the door switch override key is inserted into the door switch to enable the QPix to run with the door open. When the QPix is in datuming mode, a secondary door switch will cause a sounder to operate, warning the user of enabled drives.
  • Page 20: Figure 9: Drive Limits Dialog

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Drive Limits In order to prevent any damage to the drives, it is necessary to set, in software, the minimum and maximum travel positions for the X and Y drives. This is done by clicking on the Drive Limits (Min) and Drive Limits (Max) buttons and following the instructions on the respective Dialog boxes.
  • Page 21: Figure 10: Align Camera To Pin

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Figure 10: Align camera to pin Select the region to align the camera in then click on continue. The following screen will appear (see Figure 11 below) Figure 11: Camera alignment By firing a pin into the agar and then positioning the camera over the resulting "pin-hole" fine adjustments can be made.
  • Page 22: Figure 12: Set Datum Point Dialog

    The Datum Point Properties dialog is used to accurately define/set certain points on the robot bed, which in turn are used to determine where objects are i.e. bath, dryer, well plates etc. The robot will have been correctly Datumed when commissioned by Genetix but may from time-to- time require validating and/or correcting.
  • Page 23: Figure 13: Set Datum Point - Goto Datum Point

    If unsure about setting Datum Points, set them high initially and test before setting accurately (and/or test without a Head installed). Description – description of the Datum Point – leave as defined by Genetix Base Class – Base class of the object from which the Datum Point is derived - leave as defined by Genetix.
  • Page 24: Index Of Datum Points

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE – Sets the Datum Point using the current X, Y and Z positions. Cancel – Abandons any changes made and leaves Datum Point setting as it was previously. It is very important to check that the head is in the correct position before clicking OK. The software will prompt you to do this.
  • Page 25: Defined Objects

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Defined Objects Clicking on the Defined Objects tab lists all objects currently defined. i.e. bath, dyer, drives, well plates etc. Figure 16: Robot Configuration - Defined Objects Import Allows you to load an object (and all of its properties) that has been exported from another database.
  • Page 26: Figure 17: Plate Object Properties

    If any object properties are changed, Refresh updates the configuration data to display all currently defined objects. Allows you to add new objects to the robot configuration. If you select this option you will be presented with the following screen. Only use this option under supervision from Genetix personnel. Figure 18:...
  • Page 27: Database

    QPIX USER GUIDE Delete Will delete the highlighted object and all its associated properties from the collection. Warning: Only use this option under supervision from Genetix personnel as deleting certain objects may render the robot inoperative. Database Click the Database to display the screen shown below. This facility provides a set of utilities for managing/maintaining the QSoft database.
  • Page 28 21 days old. Export I/Os - Updates the configuration file for QSoft IO Manager based on current IO values. This may be used by Genetix service engineers as a diagnostics tool. 28 of 44...
  • Page 29: Diagnostics And Checking I/O

    Below is an example of the Diagnostics Screen. Figure 20: Representation of QPix bed When the robot head is in motion, a small checkered black and white rectangle indicates, in real time, the position of the head with respect to all of these locations.
  • Page 30: Other Robot Controls

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE want to read. Home Drives – homes all three drives. Other Robot Controls: Slow Motion - This checkbox places the robot into a slow speed mode, enabling the operator to check out critical movements during the execution of a routine.
  • Page 31: Figure 22: I/O Diagnostics Dialog

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Figure 22: I/O Diagnostics dialog This screen represents the state, at any given time, of the Digital Outputs and Inputs of the robot. These are shown to be functioning when there is a  in the box, and off when the box is clear.
  • Page 32: General Maintenance

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE General Maintenance Changing the Head The Z ball-screw drive carries a unique actuator system that accommodates the head. This system allows for easy exchange and set-up of the head. Remove the head as follows: ...
  • Page 33: Figure 24: Uv Light Setup Dialog

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Figure 24: UV Light Setup dialog The sterilizing process is preset to run for 20 minutes but you can adjust the time if required. Ensure that the bed is clear of all objects and that the doors are closed.
  • Page 34: Regular Maintenance

    Check silicon tubing for signs of wear. If tubing splits or perishes, this could cause damage to the pump. Replace tubing as necessary. Annually  Maintenance by manufacturer – (only to be carried out by Genetix approved personnel). As Required  Replace UV tube (approximately every 3 months).
  • Page 35: Troubleshooting

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Troubleshooting Common Problems Problem Possible Solutions Machine won’t turn on Check that main power switch is turned on Computer won’t start Check the power switch on the PC One or more of the axes won’t move Check that the main power switch is turned on Overhead or table light won’t turn on...
  • Page 36: Recommended Spare Parts

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Recommended Spare Parts Spare Parts List for QPix Code Description X4200 96 Pin Gravity Gridding Head - 0.4mm X4260 384 Pin Gravity Gridding Head - 0.4mm X4261 384 Pin Gravity Gridding Head - 0.25mm X4270 Gridding Pins - 0.4mm...
  • Page 37: Glossary Of Terms

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Glossary of Terms Array Nylon filter or slide on which the clones are immobilized or array of DNA/protein spots on a glass slide. Arrayed Distribution of colonies or samples into known positions from 96 or 384 well plates.
  • Page 38 An array is divided into fields. The field is the area covered by the head. Filter Block Solid blocks onto which gridding membranes are placed (15 per QBot, 2 per QPix). Gel Holder Cassette that supports gels during the Imaging and Excision processes.
  • Page 39 Plate Hotels Holders for microplates located at the front of the QBot available in 2 formats. The standard Genetix hotels hold 36 plates each, and non-Genetix hold 24 plates each. Probe A labeled DNA or RNA used to hybridize to an array.
  • Page 40 GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE QSoft Library Manager This is the predecessor of QSoft Data Tracking. QSoft.DLL ActiveX software component housing all the functionality of robot software. Rearraying Redistribution of selected colonies into new plates performed with picking head.
  • Page 41 GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Y Drive Axis running from left to right across the QBot and QArray Mini bed or back to front on a bench- top robot. Yeast 2-Hybrid. Screening of ‘prey’ proteins encoded by cDNA libraries for interaction with a particular ‘bait’...
  • Page 42: Index

    GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QPIX USER GUIDE Index Accuracy..........14, 19, 21 Filter Block ..........24, 38 Actuator ..........15, 22, 29 Agar............21, 35 Air supply............12 Genetix5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 22, 23, 26, 27, Airborne noise..........11...
  • Page 43 Properties ......15, 16, 22, 25, 26, 27, 37 Technical Specifications ........6 Threshold............35 Travel............12, 20 QPix ....1, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 19, 29, 36, 38 Troubleshooting..........35 QReps ...............5 QSoft .......5, 14, 17, 27, 28, 39, 40 QSoft Log ............28 UV light ...........10, 32, 33, 35...
  • Page 44: Contact Details

    Information furnished by Genetix Ltd is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, no responsibility is assumed by Genetix Ltd, for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent rights of Genetix Ltd.

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