A broad range of stock and custom tool styles is available. (Image: Teneo Micro Instruments)

November 1, 2007 — Teneo Micro Instruments LLC, an IP2Biz company, has launched its Teneo TM70xx line of mechanically actuated microtools. Created by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the tool set requires no electrical or thermal power to operate, and it integrates and augments standard microprobe and micromanipulator stations.

Developed from technology licensed exclusively to IP2Biz LLC by the Georgia Tech Research Corp. (GTRC), the tools were designed to enable microassembly, fiber optic positioning, stiction release, and MEMs probing — in addition to acute cellular manipulations, micro-dissection, microscopy sample positioning, and cell stimulation and measurement. Emerging applications are taking root in semiconductor probing, according to Teneo.

“In the course of our work, we found we needed new tools that didn’t exist. So we created them,” said Jim Ross, neuroscience / MEMs researcher and Teneo co-founder. “Researchers in MEMs and life sciences require tools with simple operation, increased functionality beyond mechanical manipulation, nano-scale resolution and reliability — all at a reasonable cost.”

The micro-cam driven design features a broad range of stock and custom tool styles — straight, serrated, piercing and custom tips. Functional variations include micro-scissors, sensors, and electrophysiology tools made of polymers and metals. Flexible in scale, tool sizes range from microns to millimeters and promise superior reliability.

IP2Biz LLC is an intellectual property acquisition, development, licensing and growth company that transfers technology from universities to businesses for commercial application.