Random positioning machine
Encyclopedia
A random positioning machine, or RPM, rotates biological samples along two independent axes to change their orientation in space in complex ways and so eliminate the effect of gravity .
. RPMs usually consist of two independently rotating frames. One frame is positioned inside the other giving a very complex net change of orientation to a biological sample mounted in the middle. The RPM is sometimes wrongly referred to as the '3-D clinostat". It is a microweight ('microgravity') simulator that is based on the principle of 'gravity-vector-averaging'. RPM provides a functional volume which is 'exposed' to simulated microweight.
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Description
The RPM is a more sophisticated development of the single-axis clinostatClinostat
A clinostat is a device which uses rotation to negate the effects of gravitational pull on plant growth and development . It has also been used to study the effects of microgravity on cell cultures and animal embryos.-Description:...
. RPMs usually consist of two independently rotating frames. One frame is positioned inside the other giving a very complex net change of orientation to a biological sample mounted in the middle. The RPM is sometimes wrongly referred to as the '3-D clinostat". It is a microweight ('microgravity') simulator that is based on the principle of 'gravity-vector-averaging'. RPM provides a functional volume which is 'exposed' to simulated microweight.
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External links
- ETH Space Biology Random Positioning Machine
- DESC VU Amserdam Standard and desktop Random Positioning Machines