Agilent Technologies Bravo Platform User manual

Original Instructions
This guide contains the following topics:
•“About this guide” on page 2
•“Safety guidelines” on page 3
•“Hardware components and axes of motion” on page 4
•“Starting up and shutting down” on page 8
•“Running a protocol” on page 9
•“Stopping or pausing a run” on page 11
•“Using Bravo Diagnostics to control the device” on page 13
•“Changing the Bravo head” on page 17
Bravo Platform
Quick Guide

About this guide
2Bravo Platform Quick Guide
About this guide
This guide summarizes the operator instructions in the Bravo Platform User Guide.
This guide assumes the following:
•The Bravo Platform is installed correctly. For details, see the Bravo Platform Safety
and Installation Guide.
•The device profile for the specific Bravo configuration is already created and the
teachpoints are already set. For setup instructions, see the Bravo Platform User
Guide.
•You are familiar with the VWorks Automation Control software. See the VWorks
Automation Control Quick Start. For detailed instructions, see the VWorks
Automation Control User Guide.
Where to find the user documentation
To access the user guides for Agilent Automation Solutions products, do one of the
following:
•From within VWorks software, select Help > Knowledge Base or press F1.
•From the Windows desktop, select Start > Agilent Technologies >
VWorks Knowledge Base.
•Go to the online VWorks Knowledge Base at www.agilent.com/chem/askb.
Contacting Agilent Technologies
Web: https://www.agilent.com
Contact page: https://www.agilent.com/en/contact-us/page
Documentation feedback: [email protected]

3
Safety guidelines
Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Safety guidelines
WARNING
Using controls, making adjustments, or performing procedures other than those
specified in the user documentation can expose you to moving-parts hazards and
hazardous voltage. Before using the Bravo Platform, make sure you are aware of the
potential hazards and understand how to avoid being exposed to them.
Ensure that you are trained in the safe operation of the device and that you have read
the Agilent Automation Solutions Products General Safety Guide and the safety section
of the Bravo Platform Safety and Installation Guide.
Figure Safety label locations on Bravo Platform (front view)
The Bravo Platform has moving parts that are accessible at the front, sides, and rear of
the device, if not protected by the Bravo light curtain and shields. For a description of
the moving parts, see “Axes of motion” on page 6.
For the emergency-stop procedure, see “Emergency stops” on page 11.
WARNING
If you touch any of the moving parts or attempt to move labware while the Bravo
Platform is in operation, the device could pinch, pierce, or bruise you. Keep your
fingers, hair, clothing, and jewelry away from the device while it is in motion.
WARNING
The Bravo head z-axis motor is particularly powerful. It might not stop immediately in
a collision and a pipette tip could pierce your hand. Keep away from the Bravo
Platform when the Bravo head is moving or about to move, especially in the z-axis
direction.
Bravo

Hardware components and axes of motion
4Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Hardware components and axes of motion
Primary hardware components
The following figure and table describe the primary hardware components.
Figure Bravo Platform components (front view)
Bravo
2
6
7
3
1
4
5
8
Item Feature Description
1Indicator
lights
The two light panels that display color-coded status of the Bravo Platform:
•(solid blue). The Bravo Platform is turned on and in standby mode.
•(flashing green). The software is running a protocol on the Bravo Platform.
•(flashing orange). The software has initialized the Bravo Platform and Bravo
Diagnostics is open.
•(flashing red). The software has encountered an error while running a protocol
or the interlock circuit is tripped.
2Power
switch
The switch on the right side of the rear wall that turns on (I) and off (O) the Bravo
Platform.

5
Hardware components and axes of motion
Bravo Platform Quick Guide
3Emergency-
stop
pendant
The pendant that contains the red emergency-stop button. To stop in an emergency,
press the red button. All Bravo motion stops.
4Liquid-
handling
head
The platform uses interchangeable Bravo-compatible heads, including disposable-tip,
pin tool, and the Bravo 96AM Head for AssayMAP cartridges.
Figure Series III disposable-tip head
5Gripper An optional gripper that extends from the head mount to below the pipette head tips.
The gripper picks and places labware on the deck.
6Tie bar The vertical bar at the front of the device that adds structural support to the Bravo head
mount. The tie bar moves at high speed from side to side (x-axis) across the front of
the Bravo deck whenever the head moves to a deck location.
7Deck The area that is accessible by the liquid-handling head. The nine labware locations are
numbered 1–3 (back row), 4–6 (middle row), and 7–9 (front row).
Figure Nine deck locations for labware (top view)
Item Feature Description

Hardware components and axes of motion
6Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Axes of motion
The following figures and table show the Bravo moving parts. The Bravo light curtain
and shields prevent operator access to moving-parts hazards.
Figure Bravo Platform primary axes of motion
8Light
curtain and
front and
side shields
The safety equipment that prevents operator access to Bravo moving parts hazards:
•Light curtain. Enables operator access to the Bravo deck while protecting operators
from moving-parts hazards. If an object disrupts the light curtain, the motion of the
Bravo head stops.
•Shields. Clear plastic shields prevent operator access to sections of the Bravo not
covered by the light curtain.
For more details on the Bravo safety equipment components, see the Bravo Platform
Safety and Installation Guide.
Item Feature Description
Item Part Axis of
motion
Description
1Tie bar X The tie bar is attached to the arm and moves side
to side across the front of the deck.
2Arm X The arm carries the head mount side to side across
the deck.
00232
Bravo
Pinch Hazard
00232
X
Y
X
Z
1
2
3

7
Hardware components and axes of motion
Bravo Platform Quick Guide
If the Bravo Platform is fitted with a gripper, the gripper moves with the Bravo head. In
addition, the gripper has the following axes of motion:
•G-axis. The opening and closing distance of the gripper fingers, which enable the
gripper to grip and release labware.
•Zg-axis. The vertical distance the gripper arm moves, which enables the gripper to
extend beyond the pipette head.
Figure Bravo gripper assembly axes of motion
3Head
mount
Y and Z The liquid-handling head attaches to the head
mount, which moves back and forth on the arm
between the back and front of the deck.
The head mount raises and lowers the liquid-
handling head.
Item Part Axis of
motion
Description
Bravo
Zg
G

Starting up and shutting down
8Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Starting up and shutting down
The following procedures describe how to start up and shut down the Bravo Platform
when you are operating it as a standalone device. For instructions on how to turn on
and turn off the Bravo Platform when it is integrated into a workstation or system, see
the workstation or system user documentation.
Starting up the Bravo Platform
To start up the Bravo Platform:
1Turn on any accessories, such as a Pump Module, and ensure that any tubing is
connected. For a description of the Pump Module and autofilling reservoirs, see the
Pump Module User Guide.
2Turn on the computer and the monitor. The Microsoft Windows operating system
starts automatically.
3On the side of the Bravo Platform, press the power switch to the on (I) position.
The green light on the power switch is illuminated when the Bravo Platform is on.
4Start the VWorks software.
Shutting down the Bravo Platform
Shut down the Bravo Platform before you remove or change the pipette head, clean the
Bravo Platform, or perform any routine maintenance.
To shut down the Bravo Platform:
1Make sure that the post-run cleanup procedure was followed after the last run. For
details, see “Cleaning up after the run” on page 10.
2Shut down the computer.
3Turn off any accessories, such as the Pump Module.
4If using an autofilling reservoir, disconnect the bottles to prevent siphoning.
5On the side of the Bravo Platform, press the power switch to the off (o) position.
Bravo
Bravo

9
Running a protocol
Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Running a protocol
Preparing for the run
Before you start a run, make sure you review the protocol and ensure the following:
•The correct liquid-handling head is installed. If you need to install or change the
head, see “Changing the Bravo head” on page 17.
•The emergency-stop pendant is connected properly.
•The indicator lights on the front of the Bravo Platform are blue.
•The accessories and labware required for the protocol are where they should be
positioned.
•The reservoirs or wash stations are filled.
•The waste bins or bottles are empty.
If the Bravo Platform is equipped with a Pump Module, the pumps should be primed
before the first run of the day to ensure that the tubing from the source bottle is filled.
Priming is typically part of the Startup Protocol. For information about the Pump
Module, tubing connections, and setup of source and waste bottles, see the Pump
Module User Guide.
Starting a run
WARNING
When you initialize the Bravo Platform, the head and tie bar will move. To prevent
potential injury, keep clear of the device while it is in motion.
You must initialize the Bravo Platform to establish communication between the device
and the computer and to move the components to their home positions. When you
open a protocol in the VWorks software, an initialization message appears
automatically for any devices in the protocol that are not yet initialized.
To start a run:
1In the VWorks software, ensure that simulation is off, and then open the protocol.
2When the Would you like to initialize the devices now? message appears, click Yes.
3If the Verify that it is safe to home the W-axis (the aspirate/dispense axis) message
appears, and the tips do not contain fluid, click Retry to continue homing the w-axis.
If the tips contain fluid, click Ignore and continue. When the W-axis is not homed
message appears, click Diagnostics to open the Bravo Diagnostics software and
use the diagnostics tools to home the w-axis over a waste position. For the homing
procedure, see the Bravo Platform User Guide.
4If the A microplate-in-gripper error message appears, and the gripper is not holding
labware, click Ignore and Continue to continue the homing process.
If the gripper is holding labware, click Abort to cancel the initialization, and then
remove the labware from the gripper. To use Bravo Diagnostics to open the
gripper, see the Bravo Platform User Guide. To restart initialization, open the device
file (.dev), and then click Initialize All Devices in the VWorks window.
5Click Start to start the run.

Running a protocol
10 Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Cleaning up after the run
CAUTION
Use only the recommended cleaning materials. Using other cleaning solutions and
materials can cause damage to the device. Do not use abrasive, corrosive cleaning
agents. Do not use metal brushes.
Use standard laboratory wipes and a mild detergent or ethanol alcohol to clean the
exterior painted white surfaces and the metal surfaces of dust, grime, chemical
deposits, and other debris.
To clean up the Bravo Platform after a run:
1Check the run log file for errors. For details on the VWorks run log, see the VWorks
Automation Control User Guide.
2Ensure that the tips are ready for the next run:
•Disposable-tip pipette head. You can use the Tips Off task in Bravo Diagnostics
to remove any tips that remain on the barrels of the pipette head. For details,
see “Using Bravo Diagnostics to control the device” on page 13.
•Fixed-tip pipette head. You can use the Wash Tips task in Bravo Diagnostics to
wash the pipette tips.
3Ensure all pipette head movement has stopped, and then remove any manually
placed or unused labware, and clean up any spills or debris.
4Wash the liquid reservoirs and wash stations.
5If equipped with a Pump Module:
aOptional. Wash the tubing and reinstall the reservoirs or wash stations. Ensure
that the tubing is connected to the correct pumps.
bFill the fluid reservoir bottle, replace the cap, and attach the fluid line that
pumps towards the Bravo Platform to the cap connector.
cEmpty the waste container, replace the cap, and attach the fluid line that
pumps away from the Bravo Platform to the cap connector.
For connection details, see the Pump Module User Guide.
6If equipped with a Weigh Station, recalibrate it if you are changing the tubing
connected to the reservoir, changing the liquid type used in the reservoir, or if more
than two weeks have elapsed since the last Weigh Station calibration. For details,
see the Bravo Platform User Guide.

11
Stopping or pausing a run
Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Stopping or pausing a run
Emergency stops
An emergency stop might be necessary to prevent a collision of the Bravo head with
another object, such as misaligned labware. If you want to temporarily pause and then
continue a run, see “Pausing and continuing a run” on page 12.
To stop in an emergency:
Press the red button on the emergency-stop pendant. The Bravo head stops moving.
Note: Interrupting the light curtain also stops the motion of the Bravo head.
Figure Emergency-stop pendant
A Bravo Error dialog box opens and displays a robot disable is active error message.
To restore the Bravo device after an emergency stop:
1At the emergency-stop pendant, turn the red button clockwise. The spring-loaded
button pops up.
2Ensure that no object is interrupting the Light Curtain.
3In the Bravo Error dialog box, click Retry. The Bravo Platform will attempt to resume
the run where it left off.
To abort the run after an emergency stop:
1In the Bravo Error dialog box, click Abort.
2In the Scheduler Paused dialog box, click Abort process.

Stopping or pausing a run
12 Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Pausing and continuing a run
You can pause a run to introduce a labware that was forgotten during the setup, add
reagents to a labware that is at risk of depleting, and so forth.
IMPORTANT
Attempting to pause a running protocol to change a setting can be detrimental to the
protocol.
To pause and then continue a run:
1In the VWorks window, click Pause all.
The task currently in progress finishes before the protocol pauses. The Scheduler
Paused dialog box opens.
2While the Bravo device is idle, make the necessary changes to your run, for
example, adjusting a labware position or volume.
3To resume the run, click Continue in the Scheduler Paused dialog box.
To abort a run:
1In the VWorks window, click Pause all.
2In the Scheduler Paused dialog box, click Abort process.

13
Using Bravo Diagnostics to control the device
Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Using Bravo Diagnostics to control the device
To control the Bravo Platform when you are not running a protocol, you use Bravo
Diagnostics. For example, you can use Bravo Diagnostics to run a single task, such as
to eject tips, to open and close the gripper, and to change the pipette head.
IMPORTANT
Some of the Bravo Diagnostics features are available only if you have VWorks
administrator- or technician-level privileges. For details, see your lab administrator.
Opening Bravo Diagnostics
To open Bravo Diagnostics:
1In the VWorks window, ensure that simulation is off and the correct device file
(*.dev) is open.
2In the Devices area, highlight the device name, and then click Device diagnostics.
The Bravo Diagnostics dialog box opens for the selected device type.
Initializing the device in Bravo Diagnostics
Before you can use Bravo Diagnostics to control the Bravo Platform, you must initialize
an appropriate profile in Bravo Diagnostics.
WARNING
When you initialize the Bravo Platform, the head and tie bar will move. To prevent
potential injury, keep clear of the device while it is in motion.

Using Bravo Diagnostics to control the device
14 Bravo Platform Quick Guide
CAUTION
To prevent potential equipment damage, ensure that the deck is clear of any
obstacles before using the Bravo Platform.
CAUTION
Using an incorrect profile can damage the Bravo Platform. Ensure that the profile is
correct for the head type and deck configuration.
To initialize a profile in Bravo Diagnostics:
1In the Profiles tab, ensure that the correct profile for the installed head and Bravo
deck configuration is selected in the Profile name list.
2Verify that the selected Head type matches the installed head.
For example, if a Series III pipette head is installed, the Bravo Platform requires a
profile for the Series III head type.
3Click the Configuration tab, and make sure the Location Configuration matches the
physical layout on the Bravo deck.
IMPORTANT
If the Location Configuration differs from the physical deck layout, ensure that you
select the correct profile in the Profiles tab.
4In the Profiles tab, click Initialize this profile to start initializing the selected profile.

15
Using Bravo Diagnostics to control the device
Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Running a task using Bravo Diagnostics
Before you start:
•Place the labware for the task at the Bravo deck location or locations.
•Ensure that the correct profile is initialized in Bravo Diagnostics. See “Initializing the
device in Bravo Diagnostics” on page 13.
•Ensure that the emergency-stop pendant is connected properly.
Refer to the following figure for this procedure.
Figure Task workflow in Agilent Bravo Diagnostics dialog box
To use Bravo Diagnostics to run a task:
1In the Agilent Bravo Diagnostics dialog box, click the Processes tab.
2Under Location, do the following:
aIn the Location list, select the deck location of the labware that you placed on
the deck.
Alternatively, click the location in the graphical display.
bIn the Labware at selected location list, select the type of labware.
cIf the task involves two locations, repeat this step for the second location.

Using Bravo Diagnostics to control the device
16 Bravo Platform Quick Guide
3If you are using a subset of the barrels in the head, select the barrels as follows:
aClick Set head mode.
bIn the Head Mode Selector dialog box, select the barrels, and then click OK.
Figure Head Mode Selector dialog box
Note: If you select a single row on a disposable-tip head, make sure you retract
the head stripper pins. For details, see the Bravo Platform User Guide.
4If the head has fewer tips than the plate has wells or you are using the head in serial
mode, select the quadrant or quadrants in the Well Selection and Head Mode area.
Click a representative well in the plate graphic to select the corresponding quadrant
of wells. The selection appears below the plate graphic.

17
Changing the Bravo head
Bravo Platform Quick Guide
5In the Command Parameters area:
aSelect the task from the Command to execute list.
bSet the parameter values for the command. For details on setting the
parameter values, see the Bravo Platform User Guide or the VWorks
Automation Control User Guide.
6To start the task, click Execute command.
Changing the Bravo head
Use the following procedure to remove the currently installed head, install a different
head, and adjust the corresponding settings in the VWorks software.
Before you start
WARNING
AssayMAP Bravo Platform only. To prevent potential injury from exposure to
chemical spills, ensure that the syringes in the Bravo 96AM Head are empty before
uninstalling the head. For instructions on how to change the 96AM Head, see the
AssayMAP Bravo Platform Getting Started Guide.
CAUTION
Always turn off the Bravo Platform before removing a head. Failure to turn off the
Bravo Platform before changing the head can damage the head electronics.
CAUTION
Do not rest the bottom of a liquid-handling head on any surface. Doing so can
damage the barrels, pins, or probes.
CAUTION
To prevent potential contamination, do not touch the liquid-handling head barrels,
tips, or probes with your hands.
IMPORTANT
If a head is being used for the first time, make sure you have an appropriate profile and
device file for the new head. If necessary, contact your lab administrator to create a
new profile and device file before starting the following procedure.
Ensure that the currently installed head does not have tips on the barrels. If necessary,
use the Tips Off command in Bravo Diagnostics to remove the tips before removing the
head. For details, see “Running a task using Bravo Diagnostics” on page 15.

Changing the Bravo head
18 Bravo Platform Quick Guide
Changing the mounted head
To uninstall the mounted Bravo head:
1On the side of the Bravo Platform, press the power switch to the off (O)position.
2Make sure that the head mount is at its home position above deck location 5, as the
preceding figure shows.
If necessary, manually move the head to the center of the deck.
3To unlock the mounted head, refer to the following figure:
aPull out and twist the (1) two head-retainer pins one-quarter turn (90°) so that
they remain retracted.
Note: The straight edge of the retainer pins should be horizontal.
bTurn the (2) head lock counterclockwise until it clicks into position.
Figure Installed Bravo head: (1) retainer pin and (2) head lock
4Reaching from the left side of the Bravo tie bar, grasp the head firmly as the
following figure shows:
aWith your left hand firmly grip the left side of the head.
Bravo
Bravo
2
1

19
Changing the Bravo head
Bravo Platform Quick Guide
bPlace your right hand under the flat area just to the left of the barrel or syringe
array to support the weight of the head.
5While supporting the head with your hands, slide the head to the left and out of the
Bravo head mount.
CAUTION
Support the head securely without touching the barrels, probes, or pins. Dropping the
head or bumping the barrels, probes, or pins will damage the head.
6Carefully place the head into the storage stand, as follows:
•Disposable-tip heads. Rest the bottom of the stand on a clean, dry surface.
Slide the head into the stand, with the barrels facing down, as the following
figure shows.
Figure Series III disposable-tip head and storage stand
•Pin Tools. Rest the top of the head on a clean, dry surface with the pins facing
up. Slide the stand onto the head.
Store the head top-side up and resting in the head stand.
96lt

Changing the Bravo head
20 Bravo Platform Quick Guide
To install a Bravo liquid-handling head:
1Make sure that the Bravo Platform is turned off and that the Bravo head mount is in
its home position, which is centered above deck location 5.
2While the head remains seated in the head stand, pull out and twist the two head-
retainer pins one-quarter turn so that they remain retracted.
3Remove the head from the stand as follows:
•Disposable-tip heads. Rest the bottom of the stand on a clean, dry surface.
Slide the head out of the stand as the following figure shows, so that the
barrels are facing down.
•Pin Tools. Ensure that the top of the head is resting on a clean, stable surface
so that the pins are facing up. Slide the stand off of the head.
4With your left hand, firmly grip the left side of the head. Place your right hand under
the flat area just to the left of the array to support the weight of the head.
5While supporting the head with your hands, slide the head onto the Bravo head
mount. Press the head firmly into place to ensure the head is plugged into the
connector receptacle on the head mount. You should hear the click when the
retaining pins snap into place.
96 LT
1
2