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Changing the Head......................31 Cleaning the Robot......................31 Regular Maintenance......................32 General Precautions......................33 Troubleshooting....................34 Common Problems......................34 Recommended Spare Parts ................35 Spare Parts List for QP Expression...................35 Glossary of Terms ...................36 Appendix A .......................38 Stacker Recovery Operation ....................38 Well Plate Stacker ......................39 Index .........................40 Contact Details....................42...
Picking The QP Expression is capable of automatically picking in excess of 4,000 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.
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Technical Specifications QP Expression Manufactured by Genetix Ltd (UK) Dimensions: Size: 2850mm (width including stacker and PC table) 730 mm (depth) 2050 mm (height on table from floor to top of stacker cassette) Weight: Robot (including well plate stacker and 6 empty cassettes) –...
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Halogen900KVA. Inrush current: 20A 100mS Max. “motor” Due to the large inrush current the QP Expression should be supplied by a rated (class C) circuit breaker to avoid nuisance tripping. RCCD’s and ELCB’s are not recommended. Air compressor:...
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Installation QP Expression Installation Installation is to be undertaken only by Genetix approved personnel. Figure 1: QP Expression Dimensions 8 of 42...
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.
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. Caution: Risk of Electric Shock - More than one disconnect switch may be required to de- energize the equipment before servicing.
When the instrument is in datuming mode the door switch override key is inserted into the door switch to enable the QP Expression to run with the door open. When the QP Expression is in datuming mode, a secondary door switch will cause a sounder to operate, warning the user of enabled drives.
QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Initial Operation System Features The QP Expression is constructed within a welded steel framework. The well plate stacker is attached to this framework on the left hand side. The outer measurements are given in the Technical Specifications section.
When the "Robot working" light is illuminated, the QP Expression motion system is enabled and ready to move. Opening the door whilst the robot is working will cause the QP Expression to go into emergency stop mode, essentially the same as striking the emergency stop button.
Configuration entails entering all required objects and then datuming all the co-ordinates for the various objects on the workbed. This procedure needs to be carried out: On first receipt of the machine (to be carried out by Genetix Personnel) ...
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: Actuator –...
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Consumables – Displays the Objects that are used when Datuming. This section DOES NOT display all consumable objects, ONLY those to be used when Datuming. There should be a Bioassay Tray, Destination Plate Holder, Head and well plate visible in this section.
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Refresh – Configuration Data is loaded when the application starts. However if any object properties are changed, click the Refresh button to reload the configuration data with the changed properties. Use – Displays available objects to be used in the current configuration. Do not use unless advised by Genetix.
Base Classes Figure 8: Robot Configuration - Base Classes 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. 19 of 42...
When the instrument is in datuming mode the door switch override key is inserted into the door switch to enable the QP Expression to run with the door open. When the QP Expression is in datuming mode, a secondary door switch will cause a sounder to operate, warning the user of enabled drives.
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL 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 Dialogue Boxes.
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Select the region to align the camera in then click on continue. The following screen will appear (see Figure 12 below) Figure 12: Camera Alignment By firing a pin into the agar and then positioning the camera over the resulting "pin-hole" fine adjustments can be made.
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.
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.
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL OK – 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 display a prompt to do this.
Allows new objects to be added to the robot configuration. If this option is selected the following screen will be presented. Only use this option under supervision from Genetix personnel. Figure 17: Add New Object Choose from the drop down lists for Base Type, Base Class and Object Type and either type in a name or select a default name from the list.
21 days old to be purged. 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. 27 of 42...
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Diagnostics and Checking I/O Diagnostics Screen The diagnostic button opens the Diagnostics Screen, which is used to test the various robot movements depending on the application. The Robot Bed Representation shows a plan view of the robot workbed indicating the positions of all fixed position robot accessories that have been chosen for the routine.
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GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Cancel Menu– Closes the window. Move Actuator to – Moves drives to the desired point clicked on the screen. Wash Head – Washes the head in the selected bath. Dry Head – Dries the head.
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Using the I/O Diagnostics Screen This facility will allow various inputs and outputs to be switched between manually therefore it is only available to privileged users. To enter the I/O Diagnostics screen click on the I/O’s button on the toolbar.
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL 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: ...
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL The following dialog box will open Figure 23: 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.
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Annually Maintenance by manufacturer – (only to be carried out by Genetix approved personnel). As Required Replace UV tube (approximately every 3 months). If the robot is used in particularly dusty conditions, the air filter should be checked and may need to be replaced more frequently than recommended.
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Troubleshooting Common Problems Problem Possible Solutions Machine won’t turn on Check that main power switch is turned on, the start button is pressed and the emergency stop is pulled out Computer won’t start Check the power switch on the PC One or more of the axes won’t move...
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Recommended Spare Parts Spare Parts List for QP Expression Code Description Picking Head, Re-Arraying Head, Streaking Head and Gridding Head please contact Genetix Sale Department. X4370 Picking Pin - 0.55mm tip (E. coli / Phagemid) X4375 Picking Pin –...
Converting 1 x 384 well plate into 4 x 96 well plates etc. Filter Block Solid blocks onto which gridding membranes are placed (6 per QP Expression). Gridding head Head used for gridding and replicating. Available in 96 pin or 384 pin formats, either sprung or gravity.
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GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Inputs / Outputs. Process (Data Tracking) A routine performed on the data or an import from a file in QSoft Library Manager format. QSoft Library Manager This is the predecessor of QSoft Data Tracking.
QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Appendix A Stacker Recovery Operation In the event that plates, trays, Petri dishes or lids get jammed Genetix has implemented recovery procedures that will isolate the stacker(s) and allow the problem to be solved without interrupting the software routine.
GENETIX > COLONY PICKERS QP EXPRESSION ROBOT MANUAL Well Plate Stacker If an error occurs feeding a plate on to the bed, collecting a lid or returning a plate to the stacker, two things will happen. After approx 20 seconds, the software will time out.
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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