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PlateCrane EX
User Manual
43 pgs1.73 Mb0

Hudson Robotics PlateCrane EX User Manual

PLATECRANE EX
USER MANUAL
Contents
CHAPTER 1--Introduction ............................................................................................... 1
1. Overview ........................................................................................................................... 1
2. Computer Requirements ................................................................................................. 3
CHAPTER 2--Installation ................................................................................................. 5
1. Unpack the PlateCrane EX ............................................................................................. 5
2. Parts List ........................................................................................................................... 8
3. Setting up the PlateCrane EX ......................................................................................... 9
4. Connect Power Cord & Communication Cable: ........................................................... 9
5. Connect Teach Pendant: .................................................................................................. 9
6. Switching AC Line Voltage 110VAC/220VAC ............................................................ 10
7. Installing PlateCrane Stacks: ........................................................................................ 11
8. Installing Barcode Scanner: .......................................................................................... 11
9. Unplugging Power and Communication Cables: ........................................................ 11
CHAPTER 3—PlateCrane EX Software ........................................................................ 12
1. Brief Description of Software ........................................................................................ 12
2. How to Install Software ................................................................................................. 12
3. Manage Plug-Ins ............................................................................................................. 13
4. Plug-in Setup ................................................................................................................... 16
5. Calibration Screen .......................................................................................................... 17
6. Teaching Points: ............................................................................................................. 18
CHAPTER 4--Operation ................................................................................................. 24
1. Setting up the Workcell ................................................................................................. 24
2. Opening a new Protocol ................................................................................................. 24
3. Setting up Plate Parameters .......................................................................................... 25
4. Plate Definitions .............................................................................................................. 28
CHAPTER 5--PlateCrane Components .......................................................................... 30
1. The Robotic Axes ............................................................................................................ 30
2. Stacks ............................................................................................................................... 30
3. Power Cord/Communication Cable Connection ......................................................... 31
4. Power Switch................................................................................................................... 31
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5. Optional Components .................................................................................................... 31
CHAPTER 6--Hardware Specifications ......................................................................... 32
1. General ............................................................................................................................ 32
2. Robotic Arm .................................................................................................................... 32
3. Mechanical Description ................................................................................................. 32
4. Dimensions ...................................................................................................................... 33
5. Electrical ......................................................................................................................... 33
6. Environmental ................................................................................................................ 33
CHAPTER 7--Maintenance ............................................................................................ 34
1. Maintenance .................................................................................................................... 34
2. Cleaning the PlateCrane ................................................................................................ 34
3. Change the Fuse(s) ......................................................................................................... 34
CHAPTER 8--Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 36
1. Warranty ......................................................................................................................... 37
2. Service Agreements ........................................................................................................ 38
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WARNING- -
WARNING
Possible hazardous situation could result in serious injury.
NOTE
A statement that is cautionary; operating tip; instrument damage may occur if not followed.
HINT
Helpful hints and additional information
LIST
List of instructions; parts
Important information
Specifications
! CAUTION
Electrical Hazard
This product may be used only in the manner described in this manual.
When used other than as specified, the safety protections provided by the equipment may be impaired.
TABLE OF SYMBOLS:
The following symbols are to alert your attention to important information or
warnings that may present some hazards. These symbols may not appear in the manual or on the product.
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CHAPTER 1--Introduction
1. Overview
The PlateCrane EX (See Figure 1) is a multifunctional Pick & Place instrument with a cylindrical robotic work envelope. It is designed to provide a simple answer to automating laboratory instruments that employ microtiter plates. The PlateCrane EX is a small and portable robotic system capable of handling up to thirty 96-well, 384-well or 1536-well microtiter plates per stack with a maximum capacity of 450 plates (15 stacks). The PlateCrane EX has the ability to rotate up to a maximum of 345 about its base axis.
The standard software provided with the PlateCrane EX is called SoftLinx and can run multiple instruments in an easy to use "GUI" interface. SoftLinx is written in the Visual Basic for Applications programming language and can run on the XP SP3, Windows XP x64, Windows Vista 32, Windows Vista 64, Windows 7 32, Windows 7 64. The PlateCrane EX can be interfaced with readers, washers, liquid handlers, labelers, pipettors, etc. To prevent sample contamination, the PlateCrane can handle microtiter plates with lids in conjunction with user defined input/output stacks.
The PlateCrane EX is equipped with a rotary gripper and an extendable arm. With the rotary gripper, the PlateCrane EX can handle plates in both portrait or landscape configuration. The Rotary Gripper provides maximum flexibility with a 350 axis of rotation. With the extendable arm, the PlateCrane EX has an additional 6” of travel.
With the additional 6” travel, the PlateCrane EX can now access nests anywhere within a
12”-18” radius from the center of its base. The PlateCrane EX also has one option the
Teach Pendant (See Figure 2). The Teach Pendant is a pendant that plugs into the PlateCrane and by the push of a button can control any axis on the PlateCrane, open and close the gripper, and limp the entire PlateCrane. This is a great option to have since it will help cut your time down on calibrating the unit.
The PlateCrane setup and programming procedures are designed to be simple and intuitive, requiring no more automation expertise than is required to operate a typical plate washer or reader.
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Figure 1
Teach Pendant
Figure 2
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2. Computer Requirements
The following are recommended for proper operation of the PlateCrane EX and SoftLinx:
Operating System: Windows XP SP3, Windows XP x64, Windows Vista 32,
Windows Vista 64, Windows 7 32, Windows 7 64
2.5GHz Quad Core Pentium processor or faster, 4GB RAM or higher, CD-
Rom drive, 2 available USB Ports
3GB MB of free disk space available .NET Framework 4.0 The Computer has the recommended number of working serial ports (You
can Purchase USB-to-serial convertors from Hudson Robotics If Needed­Please contact your local Sales Manager)
Stack
Magazine Base
Figure 4 Figure 5
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Crane w/Stacks
Figure 6
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CHAPTER 2--Installation
1. Unpack the PlateCrane EX
WARNING- -
Power switch must be turned OFF during entire installation procedure
DO NOT replace power cable with improperly rated cable
DO NOT loosen or tighten any screws or touch parts not specified in the instructions
Never force any component to fit
The PlateCrane weighs 45 lbs. and should be lifted with two hands by the base;
taking care to keep the PlateCrane upright. The arm should be turned to one side as not to swing while being moved.
Do not position equipment so that it is difficult to operate the disconnecting device
PlateCrane MUST be connected to a grounded outlet
Overview:
1. Remove PlateCrane EX from carton (place right arm underneath PlateCrane tower
and the left arm underneath the PlateCrane base. Once you have a good hold on the unit gently lift the unit straight up. Make sure that the PlateCrane is separated from the shipping foam. If you have a problem removing the PlateCrane use two people to lift the PlateCrane out of the Box. One Person should lift the tower while the other person lifts the base.)
2. Position the PlateCrane EX on the table
3. Attach Magazine Base(s) to Crane Base (see Figure 6) use the supplied Allen wrench
(3/16”) (screws will be attached to the Magazine base).
4. Attach any optional Alignment bases that were purchased with the system, use the
supplied Allen wrench (3/16”)(bases are shipped in separate boxes)
5. Install Stack(s) onto Magazine Base (see Figure 6)
6. Connect power cord and communication cable to PlateCrane (see Figure 7)
7. Optional- Attach Teach Pendant cable to the PlateCrane. To attach align the red
indicator dot on the connector on the Teach Pendant cable with the red indicator dot on the base Teach Pendant connector. Once they are aligned slide the connector into the base connector until the connectors click together. (see Figure 7)
8. Install SoftLinx Software (see Chapter 3)
NOTE:
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Please refer to parts list to verify that all parts are included in the PlateCrane
carton. If any parts are missing, please contact Hudson Robotics (see Chapter 7 for Technical Support).
DO NOT DISCARD the PlateCrane carton. This carton has been specially
created for this product and must be used for any additional shipping of the instrument to prevent damage.
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Power Cord Location
Communication Cable location
Optional- Teach Pendant Cable
Figure 7
The Stacks can only be installed in one direction. The open side of the stack (Figure 8) needs to be facing the PlateCrane EX and the closed end must face the user (Figure 9). In Figure 10 you can see which way the stacks should be seated on the PlateCrane’s magazine base: with the “open” side facing inward, toward the PlateCrane.
Figure 8 Figure 9
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Figure 10
Stack installed correctly
2. Parts List
The PlateCrane EX carton(s) should include the following:
PlateCrane EX 2 Extruded Stacks (additional Stacks optional) Magazine Base (additional Bases optional) Power cord Communication cable User Manual (This document) CD containing SoftLinx and interfaces Teaching plate(s) Alignment Bases for instrument(s) (optional) Gripper jaws for PlateCrane Gripper (Includes Allen Wrench) Centering Plate for PlateCrane Gripper (Includes Allen Wrench) Allen screws to attach Bases to PlateCrane Allen Wrench for Magazine and Alignment Base(s)
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3. Setting up the PlateCrane EX
Remove PlateCrane EX from the carton and carefully remove the protective
plastic covering.
Unwrap Stack Base and place it near the PlateCrane. Remove the Stacks from the carton, then remove the stack from the packaging Install the supplied Stack and Alignment Base(s), by securing then to the crane
base using the supplied screws.
Adjust the leveling feet on the PlateCrane EX and Stack Base(s) as required by
the surface that they are installed upon.
4. Connect Power Cord & Communication Cable:
Note: Power switch must be turned OFF (Figure 11)
WARNING- -
Do not replace the provided power cable with an improperly rated cable
Remove power cord and communication cable from PlateCrane carton. On the rear side of the base unit housing connect one end of the 9-pin to 9-pin serial cable (see Figure 7), and attach the other end into COM1 port on Host Computer. Plug power cable into the PlateCrane's AC inlet located on rear side of the base unit housing (see Figure 7).
Note: The communication cable & power cord should be securely plugged into the PlateCrane and computer.
5. Connect Teach Pendant:
9. The Teach Pendant should be plugged in prior to turning the instrument on. To attach
the Teach Pendant to the PlateCrane align the red indicator dot on the connector on the Teach Pendant cable with the red indicator dot on the base Teach Pendant connector. Once they are aligned slide the connector into the base connector until the connectors click together. (see figure 11)
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