Cleveland Imaging Start-up Palantyr Research Signs Client Services Agreement With BioEnterprise

by C-BW@CLARI.NET (OH BIOENTERPRISE/PALANTY VIA BIZWIRE) on 2004-04-30 13:13:15

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 2004--Palantyr Research LLC,
a Northeast Ohio start-up company that has developed and prototyped an
optimized digital imaging system, has signed a client services
agreement with BioEnterprise Corporation, a Cleveland-area bioscience
business development group. Palantyr has engaged BioEnterprise to
support the commercialization of the device through strategic partner
introductions, and strategic alliance support.
Palantyr Research was co-founded by Cleveland Physicist Howard
Fein, also president of Polaris Research Group, an internationally
recognized laboratory in Cleveland specializing in Holographic
Nondestructive Testing, and Dr. Andrew Cartlidge, originally of the
Cavendish Laboratories, Cambridge University, England. The two
partners invented and patented an approach to the digital capture of
microscopically magnified optical information, called Fourier Absolute
Spatial Resolution technology (FASR(TM) Imaging) that improves results
at such a low cost that it is has the potential to revolutionize some
industries and revitalize others.
Traditional microscope optical imaging technologies have been
perfected over more than 100 years, as their optical limits were
discovered, described, and largely realized in the late 19th century.
"Palantyr has developed and patented a breakthrough concept,
FASR(TM) Imaging, that optimizes the digital capture of optical data,
with potentially massive and commercially disruptive effects," said
David Shute, BioEnterprise Executive-in-Residence and a leader of
BioEnterprise's efforts in accelerating the Palantyr technology. "The
company has an approach to the digital capture of microscopically
magnified optical images that not only is better than any other
possible digital image capture system, but also allows a much simpler
and significantly less expensive light microscope design at the front
end of the system. Consequently, Palantyr believes that, through the
application of its patented technology, one industry--light
microscopy--will be transformed, and a second set of industries--those
which gain value from digitally enabled capture, use and analysis of
magnified optical images such as telepathology--will be significantly
enhanced."
Advantages of the FASR(TM) Imaging design over existing
microscopic digital imaging technologies include significantly
increased absolute spatial resolution, field of view, and depth of
field at a given effective resolved magnification; real-time image
generation, and the ability to be used remotely, particularly for
medical imaging applications. The design employs a patented, uniquely
designed, low cost LED illumination system, eliminating the need for
expensive, heat-producing lighting sources. Also, lower cost optical
components can be utilized by the technology to produce optimal
digital images.
"Palantyr is another example of a promising imaging start-up in
the region," said BioEnterprise Senior Vice President Baiju R. Shah.
"The company's attorneys brought the device to our attention, and we
agreed to see a demonstration. We were struck by the simple elegance
of the technology, its affordability, the degree to which it improves
upon existing technology, and the significant technical experience of
the entrepreneurs. We look forward to working with Palantyr to
commercialize this technology."
The microscope market is dominated by classical light microscopy
using compound microscopes. US Sales of all light microscopes in 2003
totaled over $600 million.
Palantyr has worked closely with Amin & Turocy, an intellectual
property firm that has prepared a comprehensive domestic and foreign
patent portfolio in connection with the optical imaging technology of
Palantyr. To date, the company has received a broad issued patent, has
a dozen pending U.S. patent applications, and has pending
international patent applications in most if not all commercially
significant foreign venues.

About Palantyr Research

Palantyr Research LLC was founded to commercialize its unique
digital imaging technology, called Fourier Absolute Spatial Resolution
technology (FASR(TM) Imaging). The patented design has the potential
to transform a number of fields, including light microscopy. Company
principal is Howard Fein, also president of Polaris Research Group in
Cleveland who, with his partner Dr. Andrew Cartlidge, is a co-inventor
of the technology.

About Amin & Turocy

Amin & Turocy LLP is a Cleveland-based law firm that focuses its
practice to patent, trademark, copyright, and unfair competition law.
The firm has a national reputation for excellence in patent
procurement, defense, licensing and enforcement. PatentRatings, LLC,
an independent patent rating service, ranked Amin & Turocy LLP in the
top ten of the nation for patent quality. Some of the firm's notable
clients are: Microsoft, Rockwell Automation, Advanced Micro Devices,
Nokia, Northrup Grumman, Abbott Labs, Symbol Technologies, Engelhard
Corp., Lincoln Electric, Onkyo, Honda Motor Co., Taskem, and eWinWin.

About BioEnterprise Corporation

BioEnterprise Corporation is a business formation, recruitment and
acceleration company committed to being a leader in supporting the
growth of bioscience companies. Clients include emerging medical
device, biopharmaceutical, and health care services companies.
BioEnterprise provides mission-critical senior management, business
development, and capital access services to its clients.
Located in Cleveland, Ohio, its founders and equal partners are
Case Western Reserve University, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and
University Hospitals Health System, Inc. Additional regional
technology partners include the NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland
State University, and NorTech.