Genetix QP Expression User manual

QP Expression
Robot Manual
08MAN1101.A0
Effective Date: 04-Mar-10

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Contents
Robot Manual Contents.....................................................................................1
Contents .............................................................................................................2
Table of Figures.................................................................................................4
Introduction........................................................................................................5
Introduction........................................................................................................5
Genetix QP Expression........................................................................................................5
Picking..................................................................................................................................5
Technical Specifications...................................................................................6
QP Expression .....................................................................................................................6
Installation..........................................................................................................8
QP Expression Installation...................................................................................................8
Health and Safety.............................................................................................10
Note.....................................................................................................................................10
Transport and Storage.......................................................................................................10
Lifting Points ......................................................................................................................10
External Covers..................................................................................................................10
Safety Features...................................................................................................................10
Electrical Safety..................................................................................................................11
Drive Safety ........................................................................................................................11
Datuming mode..................................................................................................................12
Hot Air/Halogen Dryer........................................................................................................12
Noise Levels .......................................................................................................................12
Cleaning the machine.........................................................................................................12
Service and Maintenance...................................................................................................12
Initial Operation................................................................................................13
System Features.................................................................................................................13
Pre-Power-Up Checklist.....................................................................................................13
Power-Up Procedures........................................................................................................13
Shutdown procedure..........................................................................................................14
Opening the door during a run ..........................................................................................14
Datuming mode..................................................................................................................14
Configuration Guide ........................................................................................15
Configuring the Robot........................................................................................................15
Configuration Screen.........................................................................................................15

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Hardware ........................................................................................................................16
License............................................................................................................................18
Base Classes..................................................................................................................19
Datum Points...................................................................................................................20
Defined Objects...............................................................................................................25
Database.........................................................................................................................27
Diagnostics and Checking I/O ........................................................................28
Diagnostics Screen ............................................................................................................28
Using the I/O Diagnostics Screen......................................................................................30
General Maintenance.......................................................................................31
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

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Table of Figures
Figure 1: QP Expression Dimensions.....................................................................................8
Figure 2: QP Expression Connections....................................................................................9
Figure 3: Robot Configuration Screen..................................................................................16
Figure 4: Object Properties Dialog........................................................................................17
Figure 5: Edit Property Dialog...............................................................................................17
Figure 6: Use Object Dialog...................................................................................................18
Figure 7: Example of License Details Screen.......................................................................18
Figure 8: Robot Configuration - Base Classes.....................................................................19
Figure 9: Robot Configuration - Datum Points.....................................................................20
Figure 10: Drive Limits Dialog...............................................................................................21
Figure 11: Align Camera........................................................................................................21
Figure 12: Camera Alignment................................................................................................22
Figure 13: Set Datum Point Dialog........................................................................................23
Figure 14: Set Datum Point - Goto Datum Point...................................................................24
Figure 15: Set Datum Point - Head Position .........................................................................24
Figure 16: Store Datum Values..............................................................................................25
Figure 17: Add New Object....................................................................................................26
Figure 18: Robot Configuration – Database .........................................................................27
Figure 19: Representation of QP Expression Bed................................................................28
Figure 20: Diagnostics Menu.................................................................................................28
Figure 21: I/O Diagnostics Dialog..........................................................................................30
Figure 22: UV Light Button....................................................................................................31
Figure 23: UV Light Setup Dialog..........................................................................................32
Figure 24: I/O Diagnostics Dialog..........................................................................................38
Figure 25: Well plate Timeout Message................................................................................39

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Introduction
Genetix QP Expression
The QP Expression provides the optimum in colony picking technology. Designed around a
highly accurate linear system (x, y-axis) and ball-screw system (z-axis), the QP Expression
combines speed, precision, versatility and durability to offer an invaluable tool for any laboratory
engaged in high-throughput pharmaceutical, genomic or bioresearch colony picking.
The QP Expression is a high-speed, automated picking system comprising a microplate stacker
and the extended QPix2 picking system.
The microplate stacker (Well plate stacker) has 2 cassettes and each cassette can hold up to 70
well plates.
The new patented picking actuator has greatly increased the speed of the picking routine. Once
located using a CCD camera, colonies or plaques are picked from QTrays by a 96-pin Picking
Head and then inoculated into pre-filled 96 or 384 well plates.
Custom written Windows®based software, QSoft, allows you to easily configure routines and
offers easy switching between software programs.
A number of additional applications are also available with the QP Expression.
The 96 and 384 pin Gridding Heads allow samples of DNA or bacteria to be gridded at high
density onto large (22.2cm x 22.2cm) nylon membranes from 96 or 384 well plates.
Replication of colonies can be carried out from 96 to 96 well plates and from 384 to 384 well
plates using the 96 or 384 pin Gridding Head. Compression and expansion of DNA libraries is
also possible.
The 96 pin picking head will ReArray selected clones of interest from a library into new well
plates.
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.
Picking thresholds relating to the intensity (color), roundness and proximity of clones are
specified. The QTray is then imaged in 35 frames, via a CCD camera, and the information
obtained analyzed according to the user-defined parameters. A correction factor within the
software ensures that any colonies which appear in more than one frame are only chosen once,
and therefore double picking of colonies does not occur.
The QP Expression can also pick from standard Petri dishes or OmniTrays™ using the
appropriate optional holders.
Colonies are picked using a unique patented picking head assembly with a 96 pin picking head.
Once all 96 pins have picked colonies they are inoculated into pre-filled 96 or 384 well plates.
The picking head is then automatically sent to the wash station where it is cleaned and sterilized
ready for the next cycle.
Notes: The robot is strictly for research use only and is not intended or recommended for
the diagnosis of disease in humans or animals. If the robot is used in a manner not
specified in this manual the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

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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) – 246.5 kg
Table (including computer unit) – 165 kg
Total Assembled – 411.5 kg
Compressed Air Supply:
Minimum Pressure: 6 bar
Minimum volume: 80L/min
Operating Environment:
Indoor use only
Temperature: 10°C to 40°C
Humidity: 20 to 80% non-condensing
Altitude: Up to 2000M
Mains supply: +/- 10% Rated Voltage
Transient overvoltage: Installation Category (Overvoltage category) II
Rated pollution: Pollution degree 2
Electrical Supply:
Voltage is factory set
European:
Voltage: 210 - 250V AC 45-66 Hz single phase
Power: 300VA
Current: 3A Max
Connections: IEC Input - Robot Mains
IEC Output - PC
IEC Output - Monitor
Fuses: Input - F1 – T10A - Robot
Output - F2 - T5A - Computer and Monitor

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USA/Japan:
Voltage: 100 – 125V AC 45-66 Hz single phase
Power: 300VA
Current: 3A Max
Connections: IEC Input - Robot Mains
IEC Output - PC
IEC Output - Monitor
Fuses: Input - F1 – T10A - Robot
Output - F2 - T5A - Computer and Monitor
General:
Halogen drier: When the Robot is operating, additional Power will be consumed by the
Halogen Drier.
Maximum duty cycle 50%, actual duty cycle is determined by operator
selected parameters.
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: Note that the optional external air compressor is not included in this
assessment
Supply: It is recommended that the QP Expression is powered from a dedicated
ring main or spur as appropriate to local regulations.

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Installation
QP Expression Installation
Installation is to be undertaken only by Genetix approved personnel.
Figure 1: QP Expression Dimensions

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View of QP Expression connector panel
Figure 2: QP Expression Connections
Mains
input
PC
Supply
Monitor
Supply
Barcode
connector
Stacker
connector
Control
connector
Heater
connector
Camera
Connector
F1 F2

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Health and Safety
Note
Before using the robot, it is very important that you have read this manual and have
understood all the safety instructions.
Prior to using the robot, please make sure that you have been through the robot Pre-
Power-Up checklist. This checklist ensures that all moving parts on the robot are
correctly situated in their datum positions.
Then follow the procedures as set out in the Power-Up section.
Transport and Storage
The robot must be stored and transported in temperatures within the range –25C to +55C.
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. The machine should be properly balanced on the forks prior to lifting.
External Covers
Warning – If any of the external covers on a bench top robot are removed the power supply is
not automatically interrupted. If it is necessary to remove any of the external covers you must
ensure that the power is switched off first and do not attempt to use the robot until the
covers are replaced.
Caution - Risk of Electric Shock - More than one disconnect switch may be required
to de-energize the equipment before servicing.
Safety Features
Isolator Switch:
Turns on power to robot (the location of the isolator switch is shown on the Installation diagram).
If the robot has a status panel, the lights indicate whether main power is on.