Full Description

The RPM, or three-dimensional clinostat, developed by T. Hoson in Japan, was manufactured by Fokker Space, Leiden, NL. In the RPM, the samples are fixed as close as possible to the centre of the inner rotating frame. The frame is rotating within another rotating frame. Separate motors drive both frames. Rotating of each frame is random and autonomous and regulated by computer software. Gravimeters fixed to the frame permit to record the gravity vectors during rotation. An electronic box installed in the inner frame permits to power the experiment. A special device (constructed at the ETH) containing 6 Biorack Type I containers can be fixed in the center of the RPM thus allowing the use of a wide range of available Biorack hardware. Other experiment containers can be fixed with tapes etc. The RPM can be operated as a random walk 3d-clinostat (basic mode), as a 2d-clinostat or as a centrifuge. The RPM is located in a room, which can be thermo stated at 37±1° C.

The picture above shows the RPM System consisting of RPM “device” (on the right) and the RPM “support equipment (on the left). Picture kindly provided by Fokker Space, Leiden, NL.

RPM “device” with Biorack Type I containers fixed to the inner frame.

Technical data

Angular velocity of rotation can be selected between 30° and 360°/s.
Maximum weight of samples: 20 kg.
Maximum power for experiments: 24 W
PC user interface with dedicated control software
Experiment interfaces: Switchable 12/15 Volt powers line, RS232 (422) data bus (optical)
Fiber-optic interface for data and video
The laboratories of the Space Biology Group are equipped with 2 laminar flow benches, CO2 incubator, space bioreactor, several centrifuges, autoclaves, fluorescence microscope with photo device, cell counter, gas chromatograph. The offices – one especially for guests – are equipped with PC’s and Macintosh all connected to the Internet.

More information especially on the space bioreactor is available on our web page: www.spacebiol.ethz.ch