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6   Preparing for a run

Performing pre-run checks

128

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Performing pre-run checks

About this topic

Before you start a protocol run, you should check the BenchCel Microplate Handler to 
ensure optimum operation. Perform the following procedure before each protocol run.

Procedure

To check that the BenchCel and integrated devices are ready for a run:

1

Ensure the labware racks are filled with the correct labware.

2

Make sure there are no stray microplates in robot-accessible locations, including 

platepads or plate stages on integrated devices.

3

Remove any obstacle in the robot’s pathways. Consider the path of the robot head 

and arms.

4

For the devices that require compressed air, make sure the air pressure meets the 

operating requirements. 
To check the BenchCel internal air pressure, see 

“Adjusting the stacker gripper 

pressure” on page 158

.

5

Make sure all devices and accessories are set up correctly and prepared for the run. 

For instructions, see the user documentation for the device or accessory.

Related information

For information about...

See...

BenchCel air source requirements

“Verifying laboratory requirements” on 
page 37

Integrated device air source 
requirements

External device user documentation

Diagnosing air pressure problems

“Maintenance and troubleshooting” on 
page 129

Summary of Contents for BenchCel

Page 1: ...BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide Original Instructions...

Page 2: ...at conflict with these terms the warranty terms in the separate agree ment shall control Technology Licenses The hardware and or software described in this documentarefurnished under a license and may...

Page 3: ...Handler 35 Installation workflow 36 Verifying laboratory requirements 37 Unpacking BenchCel Microplate Handler 42 Mounting the robot 44 About integrating devices in a BenchCel Workstation 47 Connecti...

Page 4: ...e labware racks 119 Installing and uninstalling the labware racks 123 Performing pre run checks 128 7 Maintenance and troubleshooting 129 Routine maintenance 130 Cleaning up after a protocol run 132 R...

Page 5: ...v Preface This preface contains the following topics About this guide on page vi Accessing product user information on page viii...

Page 6: ...hese topics see the relevant user guides for these products Software version This guide is applicable for the following software BenchCel Diagnostics 21 3 0 which is included in VWorks software 14 0 a...

Page 7: ...des These guides explain how to set up and use the devices that you integrate with the BenchCel Microplate Handler such as the Bravo Platform User Guide Third party device user documents if applicable...

Page 8: ...s software C Program Files x86 Agilent Technologies VWorks UserGuides and are available in the VWorks Knowledge Base Website You can search the online VWorks Knowledge Base or download the latest vers...

Page 9: ...in the VWorks window To access the context sensitive help feature 1 In the main window of the VWorks software click the help button The pointer changes to Notice that the different icons or areas are...

Page 10: ...earch Allows you to search the Knowledge Base all products or selected products using keywords 3 Topic area Displays the selected online help topic 4 Navigation buttons Enable you to navigate through...

Page 11: ...ns the following topics for the BenchCel Microplate Handler General safety information on page 2 Safety and regulatory compliance on page 3 Emergency stops on page 5 Safety equipment and features on p...

Page 12: ...of the BenchCel Microplate Handler invalidate its safety compliance and lead to personal injury or property damage Any customer who does not use the supplied safety equipment or who modifies the suppl...

Page 13: ...ologies are configured to conform to the Machinery Directive and bear the CE marking The Declaration of Conformity shipped with the BenchCel Workstation describes the specific configuration that has b...

Page 14: ...to connect the device to peripheral equipment Consult your equipment dealer Agilent Technologies or an experienced technician for assistance Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Agilent...

Page 15: ...an emergency stop to pause a run To pause and continue a run use the appropriate commands in the automation software Stopping in an emergency WARNING After pressing the emergency stop button the robo...

Page 16: ...abware before or during the emergency stop remove labware that was dropped Also remove labware at teachpoints or other locations 2 If the BenchCel robot attempted to place labware at a location that w...

Page 17: ...nd verify teachpoints Related information Selection Description Diagnostics Opens the BenchCel Diagnostics dialog box See step 4 Note This selection is available only when you are in the middle of a p...

Page 18: ...ge Any customer who does not use the supplied safety equipment or who modifies the supplied safety equipment assumes full responsibility for providing an appropriate level of safety for its operators...

Page 19: ...fety interlock circuit that is designed to protect operators from moving parts hazards The safety interlock circuit must be closed for the device to operate The pendant connects to the safety interloc...

Page 20: ...head hits an obstacle while it is in operation However be aware that the robot moves with considerable force in the vertical or z axis direction and could pierce your skin with one of its grippers Not...

Page 21: ...on the BenchCel device WARNING Use the rack handle to carry the labware racks Do not hold a rack by the interior edges The interior edges might have sharp surfaces that could cause cuts if handled imp...

Page 22: ...ount passwords Lifting hazard WARNING The BenchCel device without labware racks weighs 28 51 kg 61 7 112 4 lb depending on the configuration Attempting to lift or move the BenchCel device without assi...

Page 23: ...ter contains the following topics BenchCel Microplate Handler description on page 14 Hardware overview on page 15 Integration options for workstations on page 25 Labware considerations on page 27 Soft...

Page 24: ...as the Bravo Platform PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer or Microplate Labeler for processing Figure BenchCel Microplate Handler with safety shield and two labware racks Configurations The BenchCel Mi...

Page 25: ...onents and functions are the same for the BenchCel 4R four stackers and BenchCel 6R six stackers WARNING Do not operate the BenchCel Microplate Handler without the safety shield Doing so increases the...

Page 26: ...or and four plate orientation sensors A microplate is lowered into the stacker grippers to begin a run See Stacker head on page 20 for the location and detailed descriptions of the sensors 3 Air press...

Page 27: ...te of the stacker head Green The labware rack is installed correctly on the BenchCel device and the microplates are unloaded The stack of microplates are ready for processing or you can unlock and rem...

Page 28: ...view 9 Robot grippers The structures inside the robot arms that close and open to hold and release a microplate Using the provided software you can adjust the distance between the grippers to hold a m...

Page 29: ...o the BenchCel device to allow communication between the computer and the device Use this port as an alternative to the serial connection 5 Serial port Connects the serial cable from the controlling c...

Page 30: ...er Guide Stacker head At the top of the BenchCel device are stacker heads that contain infrared sensors and mechanical components that load and unload microplates during operation The following table...

Page 31: ...te presence sensor Detects the presence of a microplate in the stack One plate presence sensor is on the back wall of each stacker head Rack presence sensors Detect the presence of labware racks Two r...

Page 32: ...d open the grippers at the bottom of the labware rack to hold and release microplates during loading unloading downstacking and upstacking processes Two clamps are inside each stacker head Compressed...

Page 33: ...r Guide Shelves Provide leveling surfaces for the microplates thus ensuring accurate robot gripping during the downstacking process Two shelves four leveling surfaces are inside each stacker head Comp...

Page 34: ...tem Name Description 1 Carrying handle The top load and front load racks have fold down carrying handles 2 Tabs A pair of vertical tabs are located at the bottom on the rack sides The tabs insert into...

Page 35: ...Agilent devices with the BenchCel Microplate Handler to create a BenchCel Workstation The BenchCel robot can move labware to and from these devices as specified by the protocol you create This topic l...

Page 36: ...evice Description 1 Bravo Platform Dispenses liquids 2 Labware MiniHub Stores labware 3 Microplate Labeler Prints barcodes and applies the barcode labels to microplates 4 Microplate Centrifuge with Au...

Page 37: ...tes halfway between the top of the microplate and the top of the microplate skirt 5 to 10 mm above the bottom of the microplate In the following figure notice the gripper microplate contact point Figu...

Page 38: ...oplates can affect optimal operation Microplate design Some microplates have special features specifically designed for particular instruments but are not optimized for the BenchCel device Thermal cyc...

Page 39: ...Define labware liquid classes and pipetting techniques Manage labware inventory Create protocols and forms and run the protocols VWorks 13 1 x uses the Windows Registry to store records such as labwar...

Page 40: ...rvices uses a different storage type for each VWorks edition VWorks Plus Uses Content Management to store VWorks files records of interest and audit trails The files are stored in a predefined VWorks...

Page 41: ...es the BenchCel device to interact with a third party lab automation system BenchCel Diagnostics software Accessed through the VWorks software or the BenchCel ActiveX control Diagnostics enables you t...

Page 42: ...a table that displays variables that were modified since the last was last saved The VWorks software records these events and stores the information in the Main log For details on the logs see the VW...

Page 43: ...ul for diagnosing and troubleshooting problems Figure BenchCel Diagnostics Jog Teach tab While testing new or troubleshooting labware definitions you can change parameters to refine the labware defini...

Page 44: ...ure BenchCel Diagnostics General Settings tab Related information For more information about See Creating and running protocols in VWorks VWorks Automation Control User Guide VWorks setup instructions...

Page 45: ...ler on page 42 Mounting the robot on page 44 About integrating devices in a BenchCel Workstation on page 47 Connecting the power source on page 50 Connecting the pendant directly to the BenchCel devic...

Page 46: ...ct the monitor power mouse and keyboard Manufacturer s instructions 3 Install the VWorks software VWorks Automation Control Installation Guide VWorks 14 0 and later Software release notes VWorks 13 1...

Page 47: ...any operator to comfortably operate the BenchCel Microplate Handler The table must be level in the direction of the width and the depth of the platform Using a traditional bubble level the table shou...

Page 48: ...m of the rack height sits down inside the BenchCel stacker head The overall height of a BenchCel device on risers with racks installed is as follows 82 8 cm 250 mm rack 126 0 cm 660 mm rack 1438 cm 86...

Page 49: ...ent information Electrical requirements The BenchCel Microplate Handler has the following power requirements For power requirements of other devices in an integrated workstation see the applicable dev...

Page 50: ...g ducts Direct sunlight Computer requirements The requirements of the controlling computer depend on the lab automation software you are using VWorks 14 0 or later see the installation guide for the s...

Page 51: ...roplate Handler to a company or general network can potentially cause injury Remote computer operators might accidentally initiate an operation that causes the robot to move unexpectedly possibly inju...

Page 52: ...rd Serial and Ethernet cables and Ethernet switch Tubing for air line Software CD ROM 2 Site specifications Ensure the installation site meets the requirements See Verifying laboratory requirements on...

Page 53: ...ipping container 2 Lift the contents out of the container and set each item carefully on the lab bench or final location where you want to install the device 3 Remove the packing foam from the device...

Page 54: ...d Dropping or bumping the robot can damage the electronics Handle the robot carefully Figure Correct and incorrect lift points on the robot head To mount the robot on the BenchCel device 1 Remove the...

Page 55: ...owel pins on the x axis carriage 5 Gently slide the robot downwards When the robot is in position push down on it to ensure the electronics are fully connected 6 Gently rotate the robot arms to one si...

Page 56: ...rop potentially pinching your fingers Ensure that you support the weight of the robot head while it is in the up position 8 Gently lower the robot head onto the base 9 To secure the front panel to the...

Page 57: ...e BenchCel device on risers or integrate a new device Make sure you have the following The external devices you want to integrate Two integration plates for the BenchCel device Integration plate for e...

Page 58: ...or right clamp screw using the 3 mm hex wrench See the following figure As you loosen the screw the left or right clamp opens Figure Clamp screw left side on BenchCel device 2 Mount the external devi...

Page 59: ...e stage accurately If the devices are not properly aligned slide the devices along the y axis until they appear to be correctly aligned Note You will verify and refine the alignment when you set up th...

Page 60: ...r cords can cause injury Use of incorrect power cords can cause damage to the device Connecting the power source To connect the BenchCel device to a grounded power source 1 Plug one end of the power c...

Page 61: ...re Emergency stop pendant The pendant must be connected to close the safety interlock circuit The circuit must be closed for the device to operate IMPORTANT If the BenchCel Microplate Handler is integ...

Page 62: ...e pendant directly to the BenchCel device Connect the pendant cable to the pendant port on the back of the BenchCel device Related information For more information about See Stopping in an emergency E...

Page 63: ...Disable Hub 3 Port Robot Disable Hub overview The Robot Disable Hub can connect the interlock circuits of up to three devices and a light curtain Pressing the red button on a pendant connected through...

Page 64: ...IMPORTANT Any unused Pendants connectors require E stop jumpers to close the interlock circuit Example of connections using Robot Disable Hub The following figure and table provide an example of conne...

Page 65: ...Support with questions about setting up the air line Connecting the air source To connect the BenchCel device to the air source 1 Turn off the air at the source house cylinder or pump 2 Connect one e...

Page 66: ...nnections and then turn on the air again If the problem persists contact your facilities department or Agilent Technical Support Disconnecting the air source Before moving or shipping the BenchCel Mic...

Page 67: ...d for Ethernet connections only Connecting the controlling computer You can connect the computer to the BenchCel Microplate Handler in one of the following ways Serial connection You can use the suppl...

Page 68: ...the BenchCel device 1 Turn off the computer 2 Serial connection only Do the following a Connect the female end of the serial cable to a COM port on the controlling computer Note the number of the COM...

Page 69: ...0 1 Subnet mask 255 255 255 0 WARNING Connecting the BenchCel Microplate Handler to a company or general network can potentially cause injury Remote computer operators might accidentally initiate an o...

Page 70: ...g laboratory requirements on page 37 The Ethernet switch The Ethernet switch user documentation IP addresses The Microsoft Windows user documentation Installing the BenchCel Microplate Handler Install...

Page 71: ...uration Typically the BenchCel Microplate Handler and workstation safety equipment will be installed for you WARNING Changing the configuration or components of the installed workstation might invalid...

Page 72: ...te Handler with two stackers top view 3 Tighten the screws using the M3 hex wrench 4 Repeat steps 1 to 3 for each pair of stackers on the BenchCel Microplate Handler Related information Top view back...

Page 73: ...This chapter contains the following topics Setup workflow on page 64 Starting up and shutting down on page 66 Creating BenchCel device in the VWorks software on page 68 Opening BenchCel Diagnostics o...

Page 74: ...labware in the VWorks software see the VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide Before setting teachpoints step 7 in the setup workflow you should also adjust the BenchCel sensor thresholds for each type...

Page 75: ...oints on page 84 8 VWorks Automation Control User Guide Set and edit teachpoints for external devices Write protocols Create a profile for each external device Create a profile Create a device file an...

Page 76: ...hCel Microplate Handler press the power switch to the on I position Figure Power switch on the BenchCel Microplate Handler back Every time you turn on the BenchCel Microplate Handler the robot homes t...

Page 77: ...long period of time Service the device Move it to another location To shut down the BenchCel Microplate Handler 1 Follow the post run clean up procedure after the last protocol run See Cleaning up aft...

Page 78: ...computer You must add a device in the VWorks software for the BenchCel Microplate Handler You must also add devices in the software for any devices that are physically integrated with the workstation...

Page 79: ...ialog box type a file name dev select the storage location and click Save 4 VWorks Plus only If an audit trail is being logged for records in the development state the Audit Comment dialog box opens S...

Page 80: ...ist select a profile for the device If the Profile list is empty open BenchCel Diagnostics and create a profile Then return to the Profile list under BenchCel Properties and select the new profile IMP...

Page 81: ...ecify a name and location for your device file dev Alternatively you can select File Save All to save the device file and the current protocol file at the same time 8 VWorks Plus only If an audit trai...

Page 82: ...n in the device that the BenchCel robot will access For example if the device file contains the BenchCel and Bravo devices click the Bravo deck location that the BenchCel robot will access 3 In the Lo...

Page 83: ...he VWorks window This topic describes what happens during initialization Procedure To open Diagnostics 1 In the VWorks window ensure that the correct device file is open To open a device file choose F...

Page 84: ...nchCel Diagnostics 74 BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide The device s diagnostics dialog box opens Figure BenchCel Diagnostics window with Profiles page displayed Note For VWorks 14 0 and later ve...

Page 85: ...d information For information about See VWorks software VWorks Automation Control User Guide Setting up BenchCel Microplate Handler Setup workflow on page 64 Profiles Creating profiles on page 76 Teac...

Page 86: ...he software stores each profile in a device profile file xml Note VWorks software version 13 1 x and earlier versions use the Windows Registry to store the device profile A BenchCel profile does the f...

Page 87: ...opens Select or type the audit comment and then click OK 4 In the Settings area select one of the following Ethernet connection Select This BenchCel is connected via ethernet and proceed to step 5 Ser...

Page 88: ...the one connected to the controlling computer set the Number of stacks value IMPORTANT During initialization the software automatically detects the actual number of stacks on the BenchCel Microplate...

Page 89: ...location VWorks Plus only If an audit trail is being logged for records in the development state the Audit Comment dialog box opens Select or type the audit comment and then click OK 9 In the Teachpoi...

Page 90: ...ler for the first time return to Creating BenchCel device in the VWorks software on page 68 and select the profile name step 5 About the profile logs VWorks 14 0 and later versions only The Profiles p...

Page 91: ...icroplate Handler User Guide Figure Log area in Profiles tab Related information For information about See Adding a device in VWorks software Creating BenchCel device in the VWorks software on page 68...

Page 92: ...e Handler from the VWorks window for example to run a protocol initialize the device in the VWorks window Before you start Ensure that you have added the BenchCel device to a VWorks device file and th...

Page 93: ...ializing the device in the VWorks software To initialize the device from the VWorks window 1 In the VWorks window open the device file To open a device file choose File Open Device In the Open File di...

Page 94: ...display area in the BenchCel Diagnostics dialog box Note The graphical display area also shows teachpoints at the stacks These teachpoints are preset at the factory and should not be changed Figure E...

Page 95: ...e becomes lost or damaged you can use the backup copy instead of resetting all the teachpoints and creating a new file Verify that the labware you want to use has a corresponding labware entry in the...

Page 96: ...nt location 1 Place two or three spare microplates in a labware rack and then install the rack on the BenchCel Microplate Handler For instructions see Filling and emptying the labware racks on page 11...

Page 97: ...nchCel device moves the stack down and holds the stack in the stacker grippers or supports the stack on the stacker shelf as specified in the labware definition 6 In the graphical display area click t...

Page 98: ...still in the robot grippers from step 6 9 In the Motors Enabled area clear the check boxes for X and Theta to disable the x axis and theta axis motors The z axis motor is still enabled the Z box is s...

Page 99: ...a BenchCel Workstation on page 47 To move the robot head up or down in small precise increments open BenchCel Diagnostics On the Controls page Jog Teach tab select the jog increment from the correspo...

Page 100: ...sure you verify the teachpoint coordinates after locking the device position Before you record the teachpoint lock the devices in their positions To lock the devices in their positions 1 Tighten the...

Page 101: ...clockwise from the home position The range of movement is from 115 to 115 X The horizontal distance mm from the home position A positive value moves the robot head to the right of the home position A...

Page 102: ...ight clearance mm the robot must maintain above the teachpoint as it moves towards or away from the teachpoint location The valid range is from 0 mm to 40 mm Use this setting to prevent the robot from...

Page 103: ...ity depth at 9 mm The robot grippers will grip the microplate 9 mm above the 5 mm offset at 14 mm Gripper open limit Type the maximum distance mm the robot grippers are allowed to open as they prepare...

Page 104: ...ion the robot will move only along the theta axis as long as all of its parts head arms grippers and labware are within the safe zone when approaching or moving away from the teachpoint Clear the chec...

Page 105: ...are enabled the robot head moves to the center of the BenchCel device and the robot arms are perpendicular to the x axis The robot grippers are still holding the spare microplate you used to set the...

Page 106: ...d circles 4 In the Speed list select Slow Note You can set the Slow speed as a percentage of the factory set maximum speed To do this see Changing the robot speed on page 149 5 In the graphical displa...

Page 107: ...verify that the correct teachpoint file is loaded 2 Click the Controls tab In the graphical display area double click the plus sign of the teachpoint you want to edit Figure Example of teachpoints for...

Page 108: ...delete 3 In the Teachpoint Details dialog box click Delete The current teachpoint file will automatically be updated when you delete a teachpoint 4 Save the device file 5 VWorks Plus only If an audit...

Page 109: ...re you are using This chapter contains the following topics Overview for setting sensor thresholds on page 100 Calculating the Plate presence threshold on page 102 Determining the optimum Orientation...

Page 110: ...nsmits light and a receiver that reads the amount of light reflected by the surface of the microplate If the light beam bounces off of a wall that is perpendicular to its path most of the light will r...

Page 111: ...the microplate can affect sensor reading Ambient light Brighter rooms might require lower light intensity Workflow for setting sensor thresholds Before you start Make sure you have three spare microp...

Page 112: ...head and place three microplates in each labware rack The microplates should rest on top of the stacker grippers See Filling and emptying the labware racks on page 119 IMPORTANT Do not click Load All...

Page 113: ...number of the stack that has the highest Plate presence reading 4 On the Labware tab adjust the Intensity value so that the highest Plate presence reading Jog Teach tab is less than or equal to 175 C...

Page 114: ...nce threshold when no microplate is loaded The value will be used to calculate the Plate presence threshold In the following example the highest Plate presence reading is 51 stack 2 Determining the Pl...

Page 115: ...ed The value will be used to calculate the Plate presence threshold In the following example the lowest Plate presence reading is 131 stack 1 Calculating the threshold To calculate the Plate presence...

Page 116: ...See Workflow for setting sensor thresholds Overview for setting sensor thresholds on page 100 Next steps in this workflow Determining the optimum Orientation sensor offset on page 107 Calculating the...

Page 117: ...offset 1 On the Controls page at Stacker 1 click Downstack from Stacker 2 On the Labware tab verify that the Orientation sensor offset box contains the initial offset value you want to use for the sel...

Page 118: ...t moves the first microplate into the line of notch sensors 4 On the Jog Teach tab make sure the Notch Sensors readings are appropriate The notches should have much lower readings than the corners In...

Page 119: ...usted In the following example the jog distance is 5 00 mm 7 Calculate the adjusted Orientation sensor offset using the following formula Adjusted Orientation sensor offset Initial Orientation sensor...

Page 120: ...information For information about See Workflow for setting sensor thresholds Overview for setting sensor thresholds on page 100 Worksheet for sensor thresholds Worksheet for setting sensor thresholds...

Page 121: ...Stacker 1 and then click Move to sensors b On the Jog Teach tab in the Stacker Sensors area select stack 1 from the list c In the Notch Sensors area find the highest reading for the notch and lowest...

Page 122: ...holds for the specific type of labware you can use the labware in a protocol Related information Highest notch reading among all stacks 35 Lowest corner reading among all stacks 235 Orientation thresh...

Page 123: ...te presence reading for each stack Adjust the Intensity value so that the highest Plate presence reading is less than or equal to 175 and then record the Plate presence readings for each stack Highest...

Page 124: ...raphical display area on the Controls page click Stacker and then choose Move to Sensor On the Jog Teach tab find the highest notch reading in the Notch Sensors area Repeat this step for each stack No...

Page 125: ...ter can be performed by someone with operator privileges This chapter contains the following topics Workflow for operating the BenchCel Microplate Handler on page 116 Handling the labware racks on pag...

Page 126: ...9 Workflow Related information Step For this task See 1 Place the labware into the rack and mount the rack on the device Handling the labware racks on page 117 Filling and emptying the labware racks o...

Page 127: ...cks safely Carrying the labware racks WARNING Do not hold a rack by the interior edges The interior edges might have sharp surfaces that could cause cuts if handled improperly CAUTION A rack that is f...

Page 128: ...ion about See Filling and emptying the labware racks Filling and emptying the labware racks on page 119 Mounting the labware racks onto the device and removing the racks from the device Installing and...

Page 129: ...will not prevent the stack of labware from dropping To close the clamps open BenchCel Diagnostics On the Controls page click Stacker at the top of the rack that you want to remove and then choose Clos...

Page 130: ...top load rack 1 Place the rack on a flat level surface 2 Using both hands carefully slide a small stack of labware down through the top of the rack You can use one hand to support underneath the labw...

Page 131: ...k The doors on the front load rack provide easy access for placing labware into the front of a rack that is mounted on a device Figure Door mechanism on the front load rack To place labware into a fro...

Page 132: ...e click Stacker and then choose Unload Plates Alternatively you can click Unload All to unload all the stacks 2 To open the rack doors slide the black Door release buttons forward on each side of the...

Page 133: ...el Microplate Handler front with two front load labware racks Before you start IMPORTANT Make sure the BenchCel power and compressed air are turned on before you install or uninstall a labware rack Wh...

Page 134: ...ischarge static electricity you can touch the white painted or metal surface of the BenchCel device before touching the rack release button Installing labware racks on the BenchCel Microplate Handler...

Page 135: ...r head Make sure the prongs at the bottom of the rack tabs insert into the slots in the extended clamps The rack is automatically locked into position Figure Installing a labware rack on the stacker h...

Page 136: ...On the Controls page in the graphical display area click Stacker at the top of the rack that you want to remove and then choose Unload Plates 2 Unlock the rack by doing one of the following Press the...

Page 137: ...ct 3 Carefully lift the labware rack from the stacker head Related information For information about See Turning on the power and air Starting up and shutting down on page 66 Automation ready labware...

Page 138: ...n integrated devices 3 Remove any obstacle in the robot s pathways Consider the path of the robot head and arms 4 For the devices that require compressed air make sure the air pressure meets the opera...

Page 139: ...nformation This chapter contains the following topics Routine maintenance on page 130 Cleaning up after a protocol run on page 132 Replacing the fuse on page 134 Hardware problems on page 137 Software...

Page 140: ...spills on any part of the device immediately after a protocol run Clean the BenchCel device weekly or as needed Use standard laboratory wipes and a mild detergent or isopropyl alcohol to clean the ext...

Page 141: ...pport Air supply tubing Verify that the tubing is in good shape and there are no leaks Replace the broken tubing if necessary Stacker gripper pressure Make sure the pressure is set correctly On the Co...

Page 142: ...the labware racks from the BenchCel Microplate Handler See Installing and uninstalling the labware racks on page 123 IMPORTANT Make sure the power and compressed air are turned on when removing the ra...

Page 143: ...leges and you have modified the protocol save the protocol 10 Log out of the operating software See the VWorks Automation Control User Guide for instructions Related information x axis tracks For info...

Page 144: ...TION Using an incorrect fuse can damage the BenchCel Microplate Handler Use only the specified fuse type 5 A 250 V 5 mm x 20 mm fast acting You can order fuses from Agilent Technologies On the BenchCe...

Page 145: ...the way out of the enclosure Figure Opened fuse enclosure 4 Inspect the fuses on each side of the cartridge and then replace the suspect fuse or fuses for the type of system you are using 120 V or 230...

Page 146: ...d position 7 Plug in the power cable at the rear panel connector and then start up the BenchCel Microplate Handler Related information For information about See Hardware components Hardware overview o...

Page 147: ...contact Agilent Technical Support A hissing sound can be heard A leak is present in the air connection or inside the device Check the air connections at the back of the device and at the source house...

Page 148: ...ng teachpoints on page 97 If you suspect that one of the other factors is responsible for improper microplate placement contact Agilent Technical Support A high pitched sound can be heard when the rob...

Page 149: ...ge 146 Adjusting the plate orientation sensors Setting sensor thresholds on page 99 Checking and adjusting the stacker gripper pressure internal air pressure Adjusting the stacker gripper pressure on...

Page 150: ...t the device 1 Turn off the BenchCel Microplate Handler and exit the VWorks software 2 Ensure the BenchCel Microplate Handler is connected to the controlling computer See Connecting the computer on pa...

Page 151: ...on page 99 for detailed instructions The sensor intensity and threshold require adjustment See Setting sensor thresholds on page 99 for detailed instructions No plate in stack The plate presence sens...

Page 152: ...lick Retry If clicking Retry does not resolve the problem home the robot and retry the intended command If the problem persists contact Agilent Technical Support Position error on the Theta axis The r...

Page 153: ...t extended The BenchCel Microplate Handler expected the shelves to be extended but they are not In BenchCel Diagnostics click the Controls tab In the graphical display area click Extend Shelf at the d...

Page 154: ...ot move quit the operating software and restart the BenchCel Microplate Handler If the problem persists contact Agilent Technical Support Timeout on x axis The motor s controller did not respond as ex...

Page 155: ...ents See Setting sensor thresholds on page 99 X position out of bounds The robot is commanded to move out of its range in the x axis Check the teachpoint x axis value to make sure it is not beyond the...

Page 156: ...ending and retracting shelves on page 153 Changing labware parameters on page 154 Changing the general settings on page 156 See Quick reference on page 165 for the complete list of available commands...

Page 157: ...the robot by hand making it easier to set and edit teachpoints To disable or enable the robot motors 1 On the BenchCel Diagnostics Controls page click the Jog Teach tab 2 In the Motors Enabled area se...

Page 158: ...eads and plate stages 4 Click the directional button Command Description Jogs the robot arm counterclockwise from the current position by the specified theta axis increment Jogs the robot arm clockwis...

Page 159: ...t the Slow speed when you are creating new teachpoints creating and testing protocols or diagnosing problems with the system You can adjust the speed setting for the x axis z axis and theta axis for e...

Page 160: ...eral Settings tab click Speed settings 2 In the Speed Settings dialog box type the percentage of the factory set maximum speed for the axis speed setting Note The factory speed settings for all three...

Page 161: ...e following The teachpoint you want to move to Two teachpoints between which you want to move a plate The selected teachpoints should be highlighted in red circles 4 Rest the pointer on a selected tea...

Page 162: ...mps stacker grippers might cause the microplate or stack of microplates to drop Transfer to teachpoint Moves a microplate from the currently selected teachpoint to the other selected teachpoint To tra...

Page 163: ...are used to hold the stack of labware temporarily during the downstacking and upstacking processes Resting the microplates on the shelves levels the microplates allowing the robot grippers to accurat...

Page 164: ...xtend or retract Changing labware parameters When testing new or troubleshooting existing labware definitions you can use BenchCel Diagnostics to make changes to some of the labware parameters without...

Page 165: ...ocation 4 If you plan to process lidded microplates a Under Lidded Plate Parameters mm select the Can have lid check box b Under the graphical display area on the Controls page select the Plates have...

Page 166: ...Select Home robot after protocol run finishes if you want the robot to return to its home position after the protocol run is finished IMPORTANT Home robot after protocol run finishes applies to all B...

Page 167: ...mment and then click OK Related information For more information about See How to open BenchCel Diagnostics Opening BenchCel Diagnostics on page 73 How to report a problem Reporting problems on page 1...

Page 168: ...ure You might want to adjust the pressure when troubleshooting Load Plate problems or when you want to load different labware on the same BenchCel Microplate Handler In general you can set the interna...

Page 169: ...o gain access to the air pressure regulator Figure Accessing the BenchCel air pressure regulator 2 Turn the lock nut counterclockwise to unlock the air pressure regulator knob Figure Unlocking the air...

Page 170: ...isplays only when the stacker grippers are closed Figure Jog Teach tab 5 At the front of the BenchCel Microplate Handler turn the lock nut clockwise to lock the air pressure regulator knob This preven...

Page 171: ...tion For information about See Air pressure requirements Compressed air requirements on page 39 How to open BenchCel Diagnostics Opening BenchCel Diagnostics on page 73 How to report a problem Reporti...

Page 172: ...re software and user guide problems Contacting technical support If you find a problem with the BenchCel Microplate Handler contact Agilent Technical Support For contact information go to https www ag...

Page 173: ...ng Short description of the problem Software version number Error message text or screen capture of the error message dialog box Screen capture of the About VWorks software dialog box Relevant softwar...

Page 174: ...late map files Barcode files Error library Log files Form file VWForm Reporting user guide problems If you find a problem with this user guide or have suggestions for improvement send your comments us...

Page 175: ...ator light on page 166 BenchCel Diagnostics Controls tab on page 167 BenchCel Diagnostics Jog Teach tab on page 170 BenchCel Diagnostics Labware tab on page 173 BenchCel Diagnostics General Settings t...

Page 176: ...the corresponding status description Color of indicator light Meaning Green The labware rack is installed correctly on the BenchCel Microplate Handler and the stack of microplates are unloaded The st...

Page 177: ...stack is unloaded and you can press the rack release button to unlock and uninstall the labware rack 2 Labware present A green bar indicates that the stacker head plate presence sensor detects labwar...

Page 178: ...wnstack process or protocol run Stacker n Unload plates Moves the microplate back on the stacker grippers so that you can remove the labware rack Stacker n Unlock rack Retracts the locking pin to allo...

Page 179: ...int to the other selected teachpoint To transfer a plate from a stack you must first click Load Stacker During the transfer the robot downstacks the plate places it at the other selected teachpoint an...

Page 180: ...left most stacker select 1 Plate presence The plate presence sensor reading Air psi The internal air pressure measurement in psi Notch Sensors A1 The plate orientation sensor reading for the A1 corner...

Page 181: ...y the specified x axis increment Up Jogs the robot head up from the current position by the specified z axis increment Right Jogs the robot head right from the current position by the specified x axis...

Page 182: ...fined for the selected labware Selection or command Description Select teachpoint Allows you to select from the list of available teachpoint files New teachpoint Opens the Teachpoint Details dialog bo...

Page 183: ...area Command Description Apply Save Labware Saves the updated settings in the Labware tab Parameters Description Thickness The distance mm from the bottom surface of the plate to the top surface of th...

Page 184: ...Any value equal to or greater than the threshold means a microplate is present A lesser value means there is no microplate Note The setting is also available in the Jog Teach tab Intensity all sensors...

Page 185: ...ue opens the grippers wider Gripper holding plate position The distance mm that the grippers move inward from their home position when holding a microplate that is not in a stack A larger value moves...

Page 186: ...er has a notch Clear the check box if the lower right corner does not have a notch Parameters Description Can have lid The option to include a microplate lid If you select this option and plan to proc...

Page 187: ...ance mm the grippers move inward from home position when holding a microplate lid Increasing the value moves the grippers closer together and holds the lid tighter Decreasing the value opens the gripp...

Page 188: ...30 psi Note If this value is too low the device could drop microplates without generating a low air pressure warning Home robot after protocol run finishes The option to return the robot to its home...

Page 189: ...wing figure shows the main areas of in the Profiles tab CAUTION Each profile can be used by multiple protocols Deleting renaming or changing the parameters for a profile based on one protocol can inva...

Page 190: ...ves changes to the selected profile Initialize this profile or Reinitialize this profile Initiates communication with the BenchCel Microplate Handler using the selected profile Selections and commands...

Page 191: ...the Number of stacks value with the actual number of stacks Selections and commands Description Commands Description Allows you to select an existing teachpoint file for the profile New Allows you to...

Page 192: ...y area of the Controls page double click the plus sign for the teachpoint of interest Parameter or command Description Name A name for the teachpoint For example if the teachpoint is on an integrated...

Page 193: ...ftware will issue a z position out of bounds error if a plate with a smaller robot gripper offset is used Use current positions The command that reads the robot s current coordinates and writes them i...

Page 194: ...the Cavity depth at 9 mm The robot grippers will grip the microplate 9 mm above the 5 mm offset at 14 mm Gripper open limit The maximum distance mm the robot grippers are allowed to open as they prep...

Page 195: ...approaching or moving away from the teachpoint Clear the check box to allow the robot to use the workspace The robot s theta axis movements are not limited when approaching and moving away from the te...

Page 196: ...es Inc 2020 November 2020 G5580 90000 G5580 90000 Revision B In this guide This guide describes the BenchCel Microplate Handler R Series models This guide covers Safety Installation Setup and operatio...

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