The Swienty instrument was developed by Danish beekeeper and engineer, Bernhard Swienty. It consists of a solid vertical steel plate mounted on a heavy steel base. Three long handled, "joy-stick" type micro-manipulators, which reduce movements by a 10:1 ratio, are used to control the syringe and hooks. The syringe holder cannot be rotated forward for semen collection, a small separate holder is provided for this.