Velocity Micro SEAL IT 100 User Manual

SEAL-IT 100  
Device Driver User Guide  
July 2007  
VWorks3 and BenchWorks  
i
Table of Contents  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
Contents  
Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1  
About Velocity11 user guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3  
Installing device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9  
Chapter 2. SEAL-IT 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27  
Workflow for configuring the SEAL-IT 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  
Creating a SEAL-IT 100 profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29  
Setting SEAL-IT 100 task parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
Managing SEAL-IT 100 profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32  
Operating the SEAL-IT 100 with diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33  
Table of Contents  
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SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
Chapter 1: Introduction  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
1
Introduction  
1
This chapter introduces Velocity11 device drivers and provides some  
basic procedures that are needed to use them.  
A Velocity11 device driver is software that plugs into VWorks or  
BenchWorks software to allow them to control a specific device.  
Before reading this guide, you should be familiar with the VWorks or  
BenchWorks software user interface. Information about using VWorks or  
BenchWorks software can be found in the VWorks Version 3 Automation  
Control User Guide or BenchWorks Automation Control User Guide.  
To set up and use Velocity11 device drivers, become familiar with the  
content in this guide as well as the guides for the devices that use  
VWorks or BenchWorks software.  
This chapter contains the following topics:  
 
Chapter 1: Introduction  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
2
Who should read this guide  
Job roles  
This user guide is for people with the following job roles:  
Job role  
Responsibilities  
Integrator  
Someone who writes software and  
configures hardware controlled by  
device drivers.  
Lab manager, administrator, or  
technician  
Someone who is responsible for:  
Installing device drivers  
Managing device drivers  
Developing the applications that  
are run using device drivers  
Solving the more challenging  
problems that might arise  
Developing training materials and  
standard operating procedures for  
operators  
Operator  
Someone who performs the daily  
production work using the device  
driver and solves routine problems.  
Your organization may choose to create  
its own procedures for operators  
including the procedures in this guide.  
Related topics  
For information about...  
See...  
Contacting Velocity11  
Accessing online help  
Device drivers  
 
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SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
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About Velocity11 user guides  
About this topic  
This topic describes the different formats of Velocity11 user information  
and explains how to access the user information.  
Formats available  
Velocity11 user information is provided to you as:  
Online help  
A PDF file  
A printed book  
The information in each format is the same but each format has different  
benefits.  
Where to find user  
information  
Online help  
The online help is added to your computer with the Velocity11 lab  
automation system software installation.  
PDF file  
The PDF file of the user guide is on the software CD that is supplied with  
the product.  
Velocity11 website  
You can search the online help or download the latest version of any  
PDF file from the Velocity11 website at www.velocity11.com.  
Note: All Velocity11 user information can be searched from the website  
Online help  
The online help is the best format to use when you are working at the  
computer and when you want to perform fast or advanced searches for  
information.  
To open the online help:  
1. In the Velocity11 lab automation software, press F1. The online help  
window opens.  
Main features  
The online help window contains the following:  
Navigation pane. Consists of four tabs. The Contents, Index, and  
Search tabs provide different ways to locate information. The Using  
tab contains information about using the help system.  
Content pane. Displays the online help topics.  
Navigation buttons. Enables you to navigate through the pages.The  
online help includes a navigation pane, content pane, and  
navigation buttons.  
 
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SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
4
Navigation pane  
Content pane  
Navigation buttons  
PDF user guides  
Computer requirements  
To open a user guide in PDF format, you need a PDF viewer. You can  
download a free PDF viewer from the internet.  
Printing and searching  
The user guides in PDF format are mainly for printing additional copies.  
You can perform simple searches in the PDF file, although these  
searches are much slower than online help searches.  
More information  
For more information about using PDF documents, see the user  
documentation for the PDF viewer.  
Related topics  
For information about...  
Who this guide is for  
Whats in this guide  
See...  
Device driver plug-ins  
Chapter 1: Introduction  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
5
What this guide covers  
About this topic  
This topic presents an overview of what procedures and information are  
provided in this user guide.  
This guide explains how to:  
Install the driver for the device  
Configure the device in the device manager  
Set and use the tasks associated with the device  
Use Device Diagnostics  
Also read  
Information about device drivers not covered in this guide and about  
running VWorks or BenchWorks software can be found in the VWorks  
Version 3 Automation Control User Guide or the BenchWorks Automation  
Control User Guide.  
Driver version  
To find version information for a driver in VWorks:  
1. Start VWorks.  
2. Click Help and select About VWorks.  
The About VWorks dialog box lists the version numbers of all the  
current software for all the devices and plug-ins.  
To find version information for a driver in BenchWorks:  
1. Start BenchWorks.  
2. Click Help and select About BenchWorks.  
The About BenchWorks dialog box lists the version numbers of all the  
current software for all the devices and plug-ins.  
Firmware version  
Some devices have firmware installed on them. Because each device is  
different, the version number may not be the same for all devices.  
To find version information for device firmware:  
1. Open Device Diagnostics dialog box.  
2. Click About.  
The About Device Control message box appears displaying the  
current version of firmware.  
What this guide does This guide does not cover the following:  
not cover  
The operation of the device  
The operation of VWorks or BenchWorks software  
Velocity11 devices, such as the PlateLoc Sealer, VCode Microplate  
Labeler, and VPrep Pipettor when used in stand-alone mode  
 
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SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
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VWorks or  
BenchWorks  
compatibility  
If you have purchased a device driver plug-in and are installing it  
yourself, check with the Velocity11 Technical Support to be sure your  
version of VWorks or BenchWorks software and the device driver plug-in  
are using the same version of IWorks software.  
BenchWorks  
versions  
Device driver plug-ins used with BenchWorks software may not include  
some newer features that were specifically added for use with VWorks  
software and that are described in this manual.  
Related topics  
For information about...  
Who this guide is for  
User documentation  
See...  
Device driver plug-ins  
About devices  
About this topic  
This topic presents a definition of a Velocity11 device and the device  
file.  
Read this topic if you are unfamiliar with Velocity11 devices and VWorks  
or BenchWorks software.  
Device defined  
A device is an item on your lab automation system that has an entry in  
the device manager. A device can be a robot, an instrument, or a  
location on the lab automation system that can hold a piece of labware.  
Examples of devices:  
Velocity11 robot  
Human robot  
PlateLoc Thermal Plate Sealer  
Labcyte Echo550  
Platepad  
VPrep shelf  
Waste  
Device file defined  
The data entered into the device manager and saved as a device file  
contains the configuration information for your devices.  
 
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SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
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Device file location  
Related topics  
Device files have the file name format file name.dev and are stored in  
the folder location that you specify when saving the file.  
For information about...  
Device diagnostics  
Device profiles  
See...  
Adding a device to the device  
manager  
About device drivers  
About this topic  
This topic describes what device drivers are and what they do.  
Velocity11 device drivers enable mechanical devices or software  
programs to work with VWorks or BenchWorks software.  
Read this topic if you are:  
An administrator in charge of installing device drivers and managing  
Velocity11 d evices  
A lab automation system integrator who writes software and  
configures hardware controlled by VWorks or BenchWorks software  
Device driver  
defined  
A Velocity11 device driver enables VWorks or BenchWorks software to  
control and communicate with the specific type of device. Each type of  
device that you operate with VWorks or BenchWorks software requires a  
device driver.  
For example, VWorks software uses the:  
VPrep Pipettor device driver to communicate with the Velocity11  
VPrep Pipettor device  
Softmax Reader device driver to communicate with Molecular  
Devices readers  
Plug-in defined  
A plug-in is a software program that when added to another program  
extends it.  
Plug-in device  
drivers  
Some device drivers are incorporated directly into the VWorks or  
BenchWorks software application. Other device drivers are distributed  
as plug-ins. All the device drivers covered in this guide are the plug-in  
type.  
   
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SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
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Advantages of distributing device drivers as plug-ins are:  
You only need to install the plug-ins for the devices you use  
When new plug-ins become available, they can be easily added.  
There is no need to re-install the VWorks or BenchWorks software  
application  
IWorks interface  
The device driver plug-ins and VWorks or BenchWorks software use  
IWorks software as a common interface to communicate with each  
other. Using a common interface allows the creation of a device driver  
plug-in without the necessity of changing the software.  
!! IMPORTANT !! Both VWorks or BenchWorks software and the  
device driver must be using the same version of IWorks to work  
properly.  
Writing your own  
device driver  
If you are a lab automation system integrator who writes software and  
configures hardware controlled by VWorks or BenchWorks software, you  
can write your own driver plug-in for a new device. Contact the  
Velocity11 Technical Support for information about how to do this.  
What functions do  
the device drivers  
provide?  
Once installed, the following items are enabled:  
Tasks associated with the device.  
Device-specific tasks appear in the Protocol Tasks list and are  
available for use in protocol editor processes.  
Task parameters associated with the device.  
Device-specific task parameters appear in the Protocol Task  
Parameters toolbar. These determine the conditions with which to  
execute the tasks of the device.  
Diagnostic commands specific to the device.  
Device-specific diagnostic commands and options appear in the  
Device Diagnostics dialog box. These commands enable direct  
control of the device.  
Related topics  
For information about...  
See...  
Adding a device to the device  
manager  
Opening diagnostics  
Installing a device driver  
Devices  
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SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
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Installing device drivers  
About this topic  
Devices are integrated into VWorks or BenchWorks software using  
device driver plug-ins. Plug-ins need to be installed before the device  
can be configured and used.  
This topic describes how to install device drivers if they are not already  
installed on your system. Read this topic if you are an administrator in  
charge of managing Velocity11 devices.  
Procedure  
To install device drivers:  
1. Insert the device driver installation disc into the CD-ROM of the  
computer running VWorks or BenchWorks software.  
2. Follow the on-screen instructions for installation, selecting the  
default values when available.  
3. When finished, exit VWorks or BenchWorks software.  
4. Log off Windows and restart your computer.  
5. Start VWorks or BenchWorks software.  
For this  
The default location for the device driver is...  
application...  
VWorks software C:\VWorks Workspace\bin\plugins  
BenchWorks  
software  
C:\Program Files\Velocity11\BenchWorks\plugins  
Related topics  
For information about...  
Device drivers  
See...  
Opening diagnostics  
 
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Adding devices  
About this topic  
To configure your lab automation system to use a device, you need to  
add it to a device file in VWorks or BenchWorks software. The VWorks or  
BenchWorks software device manager uses the information in the  
device file to communicate and operate the device within the  
automation system.  
This topic describes how to:  
Create a new device file (if one does not already exist)  
Add devices  
Save the device file  
Read this topic if you are an administrator in charge of managing  
Velocity11 d evices.  
Procedure  
To add devices to a device file:  
1. Make sure that the devices are physically networked to the VWorks  
or BenchWorks software computer and turned on.  
2. Start VWorks or BenchWorks software and login as an Administrator.  
3. Do one of the following:  
If you have an existing device file that you want to add to, select  
File > Device File, click Open, and select your device file.  
If you are creating a new device file, select File > Device File and  
click New.  
4. Click the Device Manager tab.  
5. Click New device in the Device List toolbar and enter a name for the  
device you are adding.  
6. In the device manager, set the Device type.  
The default type is Plate Pad, Standard.  
7. Repeat step 5 and step 6 for each device.  
       
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8. Select File > Device File > Save.  
If you are creating a new device file, you are prompted to enter a  
name for your device file.  
Alternatively, you can select File > Save All. This saves the device file  
and the current protocol file at the same time.  
Related topics  
For information about...  
Device drivers  
See...  
Setting generic device properties  
Adding a sub-process to a protocol Adding and linking Sub Process tasks”  
Opening diagnostics  
About diagnostics  
About this topic  
This topic presents an overview of diagnostics software.  
Read this topic if you need to set up or troubleshoot a device running  
VWorks or BenchWorks software.  
Background  
Devices can be controlled in real time directly through the VWorks or  
BenchWorks software Diagnostics using simple commands.  
Diagnostics software is used for:  
Troubleshooting  
Setting teachpoints  
Performing manual operations outside a protocol  
Creating and editing profiles  
For example, if an error occurs during a run that leaves a plate and the  
robot where they should not be, you can use robot diagnostics to move  
the plate and return the robot to its home position.  
Types of diagnostics Devices and robots manufactured by Velocity11 include their own  
diagnostics software. You can find instructions for using this software in  
the relevant user guide.  
software  
 
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Related topics  
For information about...  
See...  
Opening diagnostics  
Adding a device to the device  
manager  
Device drivers  
The definition of devices  
Opening diagnostics  
About this topic  
Every device has diagnostics software to assist you with troubleshooting  
and setting up the device. This topic describes how to open a devices  
diagnostics in VWorks or BenchWorks software.  
Read this topic if you need to access a devices diagnostics to perform a  
device setup task or manually operate a device.  
Procedure 1  
If you are using VWorks4 software  
To open Diagnostics:  
1. Click Diagnostics on the Control toolbar.  
2. In the device files window, select the device. Expand the general  
name of the device, if necessary.  
3. Click Device diagnostics located at the bottom of the window. The  
devices diagnostics dialog box opens.  
If you are using VWorks3 or BenchWorks software  
To open Diagnostics:  
1. Click Diagnostics on the Control toolbar.  
   
Chapter 1: Introduction  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
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2. In the Diagnostics window, select thedevice. Expand the general  
name of the device, if necessary.  
3. Click Device diagnostics. The devices diagnostics dialog box opens.  
Procedure 2  
If you are using VWorks4 software  
To open Diagnostics:  
1. Click the Device File tab.  
2. Select the device from the Devices toolbar.  
Expand the general name of the device, if necessary.  
3. Click Device diagnostics located at the bottom of the Devices  
toolbar.  
The devices diagnostics dialog box opens.  
If you are using VWork3 or BenchWorks software  
To open Diagnostics:  
1. Click the Device Manager tab.  
2. Select the device from the Device List toolbar. Expand the general  
name of the device, if necessary.  
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3. Click Device diagnostics located at the bottom of the Device List  
toolbar.  
The devices diagnostics dialog box opens.  
Related topics  
For information about...  
Diagnostics  
See...  
About device drivers  
Adding a device to the device  
manager  
Setting generic device properties  
Chapter 1: Introduction  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
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About profiles  
About this topic  
This topic describes what profiles are and what they do.  
Read this topic if you are an administrator in charge of managing  
Velocity11 d evices.  
Profiles defined  
A profile contains the initialization settings needed for communication  
between a device and device driver. The data in a profile is used by  
VWorks or BenchWorks software to identify each device on the network.  
A profile can also contain other basic settings that you are unlikely to  
change once set up.  
Because profiles identify device driver devices on the network, each  
device driver device must have its own profile.  
You can create, modify, and delete profiles as needed.  
Stored settings  
Profiles are stored in the Windows registry.  
The settings stored in a device driver profile include:  
Whether the device is connected using serial or Ethernet  
If the device is connected using Ethernet, the Device ID of the  
device on the network  
If the device is connected using serial, the COM port that the  
controlling computer uses for communication  
Configuration of accessories  
Related topics  
For information about...  
See...  
Device drivers  
Adding a device to the device  
manager  
Opening device diagnostics  
   
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Setting the properties for a device  
About this topic  
The device properties provide VWorks or BenchWorks software with  
additional information about the devices current configuration, such as  
which profile to use, and stores the information in the device file. The  
device file is automatically loaded when you open a protocol.  
The device properties need to be set when configuring the device.  
Typically, these properties only need to be set once. This topic describes  
how to set the following device properties:  
General  
Teachpoint  
Barcode  
Location (for devices with multiple teachpoints)  
Device Properties  
Read this topic if you are an administrator in charge of managing  
Velocity11 d evices.  
Before you start  
Make sure that you have installed the device driver plug-in and have  
added the device to the device manager.  
See “Related information” for procedures on how to do these tasks.  
Setting general  
properties  
To set the general properties for a device:  
1. Click the Device Manager tab.  
2. Select the device from the Device List toolbar. (Expand the device  
name, if necessary.)  
Note: For devices with Locations, see “Setting location properties”  
on page 17. If no Locations, continue with step 3.  
3. In the General group, set the following:  
a. Approach height. This is the height to raise the robot gripper  
above the teachpoint when the robot moves the plate  
horizontally towards or away from it.  
b. Allowed/prohibited labware. Click the adjacent field to open the  
dialog box. Move the labware classes by selecting them and  
clicking one of the arrow buttons.  
4. In the Device Properties, select the desired profile if it is not already  
selected.  
5. Select File > Device File > Save to save the changes to the device file.  
     
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Setting teachpoints  
Teachpoints are the coordinates in space that a robot travels to in order  
to interact with a device. Only the devices that are accessible by robots  
are able to have teachpoints.  
To set the teachpoint properties:  
1. Open the Device Properties page.  
2. In the Teachpoints property group, set the following:  
a. Device is accessible from robot robot’s name. Choose Yes or  
No.  
b. Teachpoint for robot robot’s name. Choose a file.  
Setting barcode  
location  
If your device has a barcode reader, indicate where the reader is  
located.  
To set the barcode readers property:  
1. In the Barcode Readers property group, set the side that has the  
barcode to Yes.  
2. Enter the number of the COM port to which the device is connected.  
Setting location  
properties  
Note: The options available under Location groups might differ for  
software and hardware device drivers. Software devices do not have  
robot-accessible labware positions.  
For hardware devices that have more than one robot-accessible labware  
position, the approach height, allowable/prohibited labware,  
teachpoint, and barcode properties are located under Location groups.  
To set the Location properties:  
1. Hardware device drivers only. Set the Use linked location. Follow the  
2. Hardware device drivers only Set the Teachpoints. Follow the  
     
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SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
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3. Some software device drivers only. Set the Approach height and  
Allowed/prohibited labware. Follow the procedure in “Setting  
4. Set the Barcode Readers location. Follow the procedure in “Setting  
5. Assign the Labware used by the location by selecting the correct  
labware type from the list.  
6. In the Device Properties, select the desired profile if it is not already  
selected.  
7. Select File > Device File > Save to save the changes to the device file.  
Setting the Use  
linked location  
Currently, this feature is enabled for the special situations in which there  
is a storage device such as a PlateHub Carousel, StoreX, or Cytomat and  
a robot, such as the Velocity11 Translator robot that is shuttling plates  
between systems.  
To use this feature, select yes and then select the device location to  
which you want to link. This tells the software that the current device  
location is the same physical location as the device selected from the  
Device to use list.  
Note: Selecting this option when it is not enabled will have no effect on  
the system.  
Related topics  
For information about...  
Device drivers  
See...  
Installing a device driver plug-in  
Profiles  
Adding a device to the device  
manager  
Opening diagnostics  
 
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Adding and linking Sub Process tasks  
About this topic  
This topic describes how to add a sub-process to a protocol and  
configure it. Read this topic if you are an administrator or technician  
and are responsible for creating protocols in VWorks or BenchWorks  
software.  
Before you read this Before you read this topic, become familiar with the topics in the  
VWorks Version 3 Automation Control User Guide or BenchWorks  
Automation Control User Guide describing what a protocol is and how it  
is created.  
Sub Process task  
defined  
Sub Process tasks indicate the existence of a subroutine within a  
protocol. Sub-processes typically contain a series of liquid handling  
tasks used by devices such as the VPrep Pipettor or Multimek dispenser.  
Adding a Sub  
Process task  
The first step in creating a pipette process is to add a Sub Process task to  
the protocol editor. Drag the Sub Process icon into the process.  
Setting Sub Process When you add the Sub Process task, a new sub-process is started in the  
pipette process editor. This process is identified by its sub-process link  
icon.  
task parameters  
Because you can have more than one sub-process in a protocol, you  
must link the Sub Process task to the correct sub-process.  
To link the Sub Process task to the correct sub-process:  
1. In the Protocol Editor, add a Sub Process task to the protocol and  
then select it in the protocol sequence.  
2. In the Protocol Task Parameters toolbar, select the sub-process that  
you want to use for this pipetting task from the Use Sub Process list.  
 
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3. If there is only one sub-process and you need to create a second  
one, click Add New.  
Associating the sub- Because you can have more than one device that uses sub-processes on  
a lab automation system, you must link each sub-process link icon with  
one or more devices that you want the sub-process to be able to use. You  
do this by setting the parameter for the sub-process link icon.  
process to a device  
To link a Sub Process task to a device:  
1. In the Pipette Process Editor, select the Sub Process link icon.  
2. In the Available devices list of the Pipette Task Parameters toolbar,  
select one or more pipettors to link to and click Add.  
The selected pipettors move to the lower box and become available  
for use.  
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Related topics  
For information about...  
See...  
Device drivers  
Setting common device properties “Setting the properties for a device” on  
Adding a device to the device  
manager  
Creating protocols  
VWorks Version 3 Automation  
Control User Guide  
BenchWorks Automation Control  
User Guide  
Using JavaScript to set task parameters  
About this topic  
JavaScript programs (scripts) can be used to change the parameters of a  
protocol task immediately before it is scheduled. This extends the  
capability of VWorks or BenchWorks software because the parameters  
can be changed dynamically during a run, based on the following:  
Information passed from an external source, such as a database  
The number of times the protocol has cycled  
Feedback on changing conditions during the run  
This topic describes the use of JavaScript to set task parameters in a  
protocol.  
Read this topic if you are an administrator or technician responsible for  
creating VWorks or BenchWorks software protocols and want to add  
functionality to a task using JavaScript.  
Where scripts are  
written  
Scripts can be written in two ways:  
Directly into the box in the Advanced Settings tab of the Task  
Parameters toolbar  
As an external file that is located by clicking Browse in the  
Advanced Settings tab and navigating to its location on the hard  
drive  
Note: You can also call an external file by embedding the “open()”  
function in the box.  
The following screenshot displays a short script that prints the  
parameters of a task to the log toolbar, just before the task runs. In this  
case, the script is written directly in the Advanced Settings box.  
 
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For more information about using JavaScript, refer to the VWorks Version  
3 Automation Control User Guide or the BenchWorks Automation Control  
User Guide.  
Related topics  
For information about...  
See...  
Using JavaScript in protocols  
VWorks Version 3 Automation  
Control User Guide  
BenchWorks Automation Control  
User Guide  
Adding tasks to protocols  
VWorks Version 3 Automation  
Control User Guide  
BenchWorks Automation Control  
User Guide  
About reader output files  
About this topic  
Plug-in device drivers that are written for plate readers have a common  
way of naming their output files. This topic explains the concepts related  
to output file naming. By reading this topic, you will learn how to  
prevent data in the reader output files from being overwritten by newer  
data.  
Read this topic if you are an operator who wants to make changes to the  
task parameters for one of these readers:  
VR4000  
Analyst GT  
Fusion  
Viewlux  
Tecan readers  
Plug-in default  
output file  
When you first install a reader device driver plug-in, all data recorded  
during a protocol or by a manual read using diagnostics software is  
written to a single file stored in the C: drive.  
 
Chapter 1: Introduction  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
23  
The exact name of the file is specific to the device. For example, the  
RVSI VR4000 device driver creates a file with the name  
vialreaderresults.txt.  
This file can only store data for one read, which means that the set of  
data for each read overwrites the last set in the file. To avoid this  
problem you must set up an output file naming convention.  
Profile default  
output file name  
Some device drivers allow more than one device of that type to be used  
in the lab automation system. In this case, each device must have its  
own profile. Even if you have only one device, you can still set up  
multiple profiles for it, with each storing different settings.  
In these cases, you probably want each profile to have a separate default  
output filename to prevent the data from runs using one profile  
overwriting those of another.  
Filename suffixes  
To prevent the data from one read overwriting the data from another,  
you need to append a variable suffix to the file name. You can append a  
date/time stamp and one or more bar codes on the rack or plate.  
Example  
The example output file folder below shows that a profile default file  
name of output.txt was created at one time. At another time, a suffix was  
appended in the profile for the device driver, which added a barcode  
identifier to the file name (for example output_C100040329.txt).  
Chapter 1: Introduction  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
24  
Overriding output  
file names with  
tasks  
You can override the default output file name that is set in the profile  
using the Output filename property of the Read task parameters.  
This allows you to use different output file names for every task.  
The suffix used for the file name that you set in the task parameters is  
taken from the suffix specified in the device diagnostics profile. So if you  
select date/time stamp in the profile, the date/time stamp will also be  
appended during a run in which you have specified a different file  
name.  
Related topics  
For more information about...  
Opening diagnostics  
Profiles  
See...  
Chapter 1: Introduction  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
25  
About device initialization  
About this topic  
When working in device diagnostics software, you are often required to  
initialize the device. This topic explains why device initialization is  
necessary.  
Opening  
communications  
Initializing a device opens communications with it. For example, if the  
device is connected with a serial cable, the COM port is opened, and if  
the device is connected with an Ethernet cable, the TCP/IP socket is  
connected.  
Homing motors  
Initializing a device homes motors that do not track their position along  
their line of travel. Homing a motor moves it until it triggers an event,  
called a home flag. This tells the motor its location.  
The motors on some devices automatically move to their home  
positions when the device is turned on. The motors on other devices  
must be initialized to be homed.  
Setting profile  
parameters  
Initializing a device applies relevant parameters set in the devices  
profile.  
Setting state and  
memory variables  
Most devices store variables in software or firmware. Initializing a device  
sets these variables to their initial values.  
Related topics  
For information about...  
See...  
Using Diagnostics  
Workflow for configuring devices  
   
Chapter 1: Introduction  
26  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
Chapter 2: SEAL-IT 100  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
27  
SEAL-IT 100  
2
The ABgene SEAL-IT 100 is a plate sealer that uses adhesive film for cold  
pressure sealing. The SEAL-IT 100 can be configured to work in lab  
automation systems running VWorks or BenchWorks.  
This chapter contains the following topics:  
 
Chapter 2: SEAL-IT 100  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
28  
Workflow for configuring the SEAL-IT 100  
About this topic  
This topic presents the workflow for configuring the SEAL-IT 100 device  
driver.  
Read this topic if you are an administrator responsible for setting up  
devices in VWorks or BenchWorks.  
Before you start  
Workflow  
Before you can configure the SEAL-IT 100 device driver you must have  
installed it. For installation instructions, see “Setting the properties for a  
Step Topic  
1
2
3
Related topics  
For information about...  
See...  
Device drivers  
Setting SEAL-IT 100 task  
parameters  
Managing SEAL-IT 100 Profiles  
Using SEAL-IT 100 Diagnostics  
 
Chapter 2: SEAL-IT 100  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
29  
Creating a SEAL-IT 100 profile  
About this topic  
This topic describes how to create a profile for the SEAL-IT 100.  
Read this topic if you are an administrator responsible for setting up  
devices in VWorks or BenchWorks.  
Before you start  
Procedure  
Before you create a profile, you must have added the SEAL-IT 100 to the  
device manager.  
To create a SEAL-IT 100 profile:  
1. Open ABgene SEAL-IT 100 Diagnostics.  
2. Click the Profiles tab.  
3. In the Serial port list, select the number of the COM port that the  
SEAL-IT 100 is using.  
4. Click Create a new profile.  
5. In the Create Profile dialog box, enter a name for the profile and  
click OK.  
The name appears in the Profile name box.  
6. In the Profile Settings area, set the following:  
Setting  
Comments  
Plate length  
Length of the plate, measured across  
the top.  
Load position  
Distance that the dive board is moved  
out for pick up of the plate by the  
robot.  
 
Chapter 2: SEAL-IT 100  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
30  
Setting  
Comments  
Roll count  
Number of times the rolling operation  
is performed. Always set to 1.  
Roll speed  
Speed at which the roller that presses  
the seal onto the plate moves.  
Reduce the speed to get a firmer seal.  
Roll Type:  
With Full roll selected, the roller starts  
in the middle of the plate, rolls one  
half, then returns to roll the other half,  
and then performs a complete roll  
across the plate.  
Full roll  
Half roll  
With Half roll selected, the complete  
roll is omitted.  
7. Click OK to save the profile and exit ABgene SEAL-IT 100 Diagnostics.  
Related topics  
For information about...  
See...  
Opening diagnostics  
Adding the SEAL-IT 100 to the  
device manager  
The next step  
The workflow this procedure  
belongs to  
Managing SEAL-IT 100 profiles  
Using SEAL-IT 100 Diagnostics  
Using SEAL-IT 100 tasks  
Profiles  
Chapter 2: SEAL-IT 100  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
31  
Setting SEAL-IT 100 task parameters  
About this topic  
When the SEAL-IT 100 is added to the device manager, the task  
associated with the device becomes available in the protocol editor.  
When a task is added to a protocol, you need to set the parameters for it.  
This includes choosing the SEAL-IT 100 to use and what “Seal Plate”  
properties to use.  
This topic describes the tasks and their parameters.  
Read this topic if you are:  
An administrator or technician responsible for creating protocols  
An operator who wants to make changes to the SEAL-IT 100 task  
parameters in a protocol  
Note: Operators cannot save changes to protocols.  
About the Seal Plate The SEAL-IT 100 device driver adds one task to VWorks or BenchWorks.  
This task is used to seal a plate with cold adhesive film.  
(SEAL-IT 100) task  
There is only one task associated with the SEAL-IT 100 and it is  
represented by this icon in the Protocol Task toolbar:  
The task is available in the protocol editor, but not the pre-protocol  
editor or post-protocol editor.  
Setting Seal Plate  
(SEAL-IT 100) task  
parameters  
To set the Seal Plate (ABgene SEAL-IT 100) task parameters:  
1. Add the Seal Plate (ABgene SEAL-IT 100) task to a protocol process.  
2. In the Protocol Task Parameters toolbar, make sure the Task Settings  
tab is displayed.  
3. Select the SEAL-IT 100 or SEAL-IT 100s and click Add.  
The device name moves to the right of the Add and Remove buttons.  
There are no Seal Plate properties to be set here. Properties used by the  
task are set in the profile.  
 
Chapter 2: SEAL-IT 100  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
32  
Related topics  
For more information about...  
See...  
The workflow that this procedure  
belongs to  
Creating protocols, pre-protocols,  
post-protocols, and pipette  
processes  
VWorks User Guide or the BenchCel  
User Guide  
Opening SEAL-IT 100 device  
properties page  
Managing SEAL-IT 100 profiles  
Using SEAL-IT 100 Diagnostics  
Managing SEAL-IT 100 profiles  
About this topic  
This topic describes how administrators and technicians can manage  
SEAL-IT 100 profiles.  
Managing profiles  
To manage SEAL-IT 100 profiles:  
1. Open ABgene SEAL-IT 100 Diagnostics.  
2. Click the Profiles tab.  
3. Select a profile from the Profile name list.  
4. Perform the management task.  
Management tasks include the following:  
 
Chapter 2: SEAL-IT 100  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
33  
Updating the profile. Use the Update command to save edits to  
an existing profile.  
Copying a profile.  
Renaming a profile.  
Deleting a profile.  
Related topics  
For more information about...  
See...  
Opening diagnostics  
The workflow for configuring the  
SEAL-IT 100  
Creating a SEAL-IT 100 profile  
Operating the SEAL-IT 100  
Operating the SEAL-IT 100 with diagnostics  
About this topic  
This topic describes how to:  
Initialize the SEAL-IT 100  
Use the Seal and Trim commands  
Set parameters for the sealing operation  
Read this topic if you are an operator who wants to troubleshoot or  
operate the SEAL-IT 100 using direct commands.  
Before you start  
Before you can send commands to the SEAL-IT 100, or receive status  
information from the SEAL-IT 100, you need to initialize it.  
To initialize the SEAL-IT 100:  
1. Open SEAL-IT 100 Diagnostics.  
2. Click the Profiles tab.  
3. Select a profile from the Profile name list.  
4. Click Initialize this profile.  
Sealing and  
trimming a plate  
The Seal command both seals the plate and cuts the seal so that the  
plate can be separated from the roll.  
The Trim commands cuts a length of seal from the end of the roll. You  
might use this command after loading a new roll.  
 
Chapter 2: SEAL-IT 100  
SEAL-IT 100 Device Driver User Guide  
34  
To seal or trim a single plate using ABgene SEAL-IT 100  
diagnostics:  
1. Open ABgene SEAL-IT 100 Diagnostics.  
2. Click the Controls tab.  
3. If the SEAL-IT 100 is not initialized, click Initialize this profile on the  
Profiles tab.  
4. To seal a plate and cut (trim) the seal from the roll, click Seal.  
5. To trim the seal roll, click Trim.  
You might do this after first loading a roll of seal.  
Note: The parameters set in the profile are used for the sealing and  
trimming operations.  
Related topics  
For more information about...  
See...  
Opening diagnostics  
The workflow for configuring the  
SEAL-IT 100  
Creating a SEAL-IT 100 profile  
Managing SEAL-IT 100 profiles  
Initializing a device  

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