Pausing the run

Ways to pause runs

You can pause runs using one of the following methods:

•	Pausing all runs

•	Pausing selected runs in a runset

In addition, a protocol run will automatically pause when it reaches a User Message or Wait for User (Bravo) task. For details, see Pausing at a User Message or Wait for User task.

Pausing all runs

You can pause all runs that are in progress, and then continue the runs when you are ready. Pause all runs when you want to:

•	Add or remove labware

•	Add buffer to a reservoir

•	Diagnose a problem

•	Perform an operation that is not part of the protocol

If you need to stop a run in an emergency, press the emergency-stop button on the pendant. See the device user guide for the procedure.

To pause all runs currently in progress:

1	In the VWorks window, click Pause all on the toolbar.

 

The Scheduler Paused dialog box opens.

 

Note: The Bypass interlock button is only available if your system is equipped with an Automation Control Unit and the protocol is not running in simulation mode.

2

Systems that do not have an Automation Control Unit. If you moved or removed labware from the system, or if you fixed a device problem so that locations on the device are now available, select Tools > System State Editor. Change the process plate status and the device location status. For instructions, see About the System State Editor.

3	In the Scheduler Paused dialog box, click one of the following:

 

Command	Description
Bypass interlock	Bypasses the interlock so that you can enter the system. For detailed instructions, see Bypassing the interlock. Bypass interlock is only available if: • Your system is equipped with an Automation Control Unit. • The protocol is not running in simulation mode. Note: If you click Bypass interlock, you will not be able to open any diagnostics dialog boxes.
Continue	Resumes the protocol run. IMPORTANT When you pause one or more runs, the Orbital Shaking Station stops. Before you continue the run, open Teleshake Diagnostics to restart the shaking.
Diagnostics	Allows you to select the device diagnostic software to open and troubleshoot a problem or perform a manual operation. Note: If you click Diagnostics and open a device diagnostics dialog box, you will not be able to open the Bypass Interlock dialog box.
Abort process	Aborts the current command or task in the run. Select Abort if you have determined that the protocol run is not recoverable.
Finish, no new plates	Resumes the protocol run. Processes that are currently in progress will finish. However, no new labware will be delivered into the system.

Pausing selected runs in a runset

If you want to bypass the interlock and enter the system, use the Pause All command. See Pausing all runs. To stop a run in an emergency, use the emergency-stop button on the pendant. See the safety instructions for the system, workstation, or device for details.

To pause one protocol run in the Runset Manager:

1	In the Runset Manager tab, right-click the protocol you want to pause.

2	In the shortcut menu that appears, select Pause this run. The selected protocol is paused, and its status is shown in the Runset Manager.

 

Alternatively, you can select Temporarily prevent new plates from entering system in the shortcut menu to allow other runs to resume. Processes that are currently in progress will finish. No new labware will be delivered into the system.

Pausing at a User Message or Wait for User task

A run will automatically pause when it encounters a User Message or Wait for User task. These tasks pause the run to remind the operator to perform a task manually, such as refill a reservoir or replace labware.

When the system pauses, the message or Waiting for User dialog box appears.

 

To confirm that you want to pause or to diagnose a problem:

1	Click Pause and Diagnose. The Scheduler Paused dialog appears.

 

Note: Bypass interlock is only available if your system is installed with an Automation Control Unit and the protocol is not running in simulation mode.

2

Systems that do not have an Automation Control Unit. If you moved or removed labware from the system, or if you fixed a device problem so that locations on the device are now available, select Tools > System State Editor. Change the process plate status and the device location status. For instructions, see About the System State Editor.

3	In the Scheduler Paused dialog box, click one of the following:

 

Command	Description
Bypass interlock	Bypasses the interlock so that you can enter the system and refill a reservoir or replace labware. For detailed instructions, see Bypassing the interlock. Bypass interlock is only available if: • Your system is installed with an Automation Control Unit. • The protocol is not running in simulation mode. Note: If you click Bypass interlock, you will not be able to open any diagnostics dialog box.
Continue	Resumes the protocol run. IMPORTANT When you pause one or more runs, the Orbital Shaking Station stops. Before you continue the run, open Teleshake Diagnostics to restart the shaking.
Diagnostics	Allows you to select the device diagnostic software to open and troubleshoot a problem or perform a manual operation. Note: If you click Diagnostics and open a device diagnostics dialog box, you will not be able to open the Bypass Interlock dialog box.
Abort process	Aborts the current command or task in the run. Select Abort if you have determined that the protocol run is not recoverable.
Finish, no new plates	Resumes the protocol run. Processes that are currently in progress will finish. However, no new labware will be delivered into the system.

Bypassing the interlock

Note: This section is only applicable to systems that have an Automation Control Unit installed.

When the protocols are paused, you can bypass the interlock and enter the system to manually perform an operation, such as replacing labware or refilling a reservoir.

IMPORTANT For safety reasons, when the protocols are paused and the interlock is bypassed, the system will not be able to start or perform any operation until you resume the run.

To bypass the interlock:

1	In the Scheduler Paused dialog box, click Bypass interlock.

 

The Bypass Interlock dialog box appears.

 

2	Check the message at the top of the Bypass Interlock dialog box:

•	Wait. The interlock will remain armed while devices are finishing their current tasks. You must wait until all of the devices have paused before entering the system.

 

CAUTION Entering the system while devices are performing tasks will trip the interlock, potentially causing the run to be unrecoverable.

•	OK. When all of the devices have paused, the interlock will be bypassed, and you can enter the system.

Note: The yellow INTERLOCK BYPASS light on the Automation Control Unit turns on.

3	When you are finished with your task inside the system, close the system doors or move away from the Light Curtain. In the Bypass Interlock dialog box, check that the Door open indicator light is off.

If the Door open indicator light is on, make sure the doors are closed fully or remove any object that is interrupting the Light Curtain.

 

CAUTION Make sure the Door open light is off before you resume the run. Resuming the run arms the interlock. An open door or interrupted Light Curtain will trip the interlock, potentially causing the run to be unrecoverable.

 

4	If you replaced or removed labware from the system, or if you fixed a device problem so that locations on the device are now available, click System State Editor in the Bypass Interlock dialog box.

 

5	In the System State Editor dialog box, update the labware, device, or location information. For instructions, see About the System State Editor. When you are finished, click Accept All Changes in the System State Editor.

6	In the Bypass Interlock dialog box, click Resume Run to rearm the interlock and return to the Scheduler Paused dialog box.

 

CAUTION Make sure the Door open light is off before you resume the run. Resuming the run arms the interlock. An open door or interrupted Light Curtain will trip the interlock, potentially causing the run to be unrecoverable.

 

Note: The green INTERLOCK NORMAL light on the Automation Control Unit turns on.

Related information

 

For information about...	See...
The System State Editor	About the System State Editor
Viewing logs	Viewing logs
Monitoring the protocol run	Monitoring the overall run progress
User Message task	User Message
Wait for User (Bravo) task	Wait for User (Bravo)