信州ＴＬＯ List of Products and Services

We have achieved the advancement of non-destructive internal inspection of concrete structures using microwave radar. The aging of social infrastructure is becoming a serious social issue, with many problems related to the safety and security of concrete structures, such as the health diagnosis of tunnels and bridges, seismic performance evaluation of concrete buildings, and deterioration inspection of rebar and piping within concrete. While the construction technology for concrete structures has made remarkable progress, effective diagnostic technologies for their maintenance have not yet been found. This technology has achieved high precision in radar imaging (position and shape estimation) and improved estimation performance of embedded material properties (such as material type and degree of deterioration) through the enhancement of microwave propagation time estimation and the refinement of microwave propagation and reflection models.

• Non-destructive testing

This is a panel unit with a scissor structure designed for high strength and long spans. This panel unit is foldable and can be combined to achieve length adjustments, making it suitable for applications in highly mobile emergency temporary bridges and space structures. Given the recent frequent collapses of bridges due to heavy rain disasters, we encourage you to consider utilizing this technology.

• Temporary Construction Materials

The "Variable Magnetic Flux Motor (MC Motor)" utilizes the "low iron loss," "high strength," and "low saturation magnetic flux density" of magnetic composite materials. Compared to the reference IPM motor, the high-efficiency range (over 96%) has been expanded into the high-speed area. Copper loss is reduced by 40%, and iron loss and magnet eddy current loss are reduced by 50%. Applications are expected in products equipped with inverter motors, such as washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, and main motors for electric vehicles. 【Features】 ■ Utilizes "low iron loss," "high strength," and "low saturation magnetic flux density" ■ High-efficiency range (over 96%) expanded into the high-speed area compared to the reference IPM motor ■ Copper loss reduced by 40% ■ Iron loss and magnet eddy current loss reduced by 50% ■ High efficiency across a wide speed and torque range *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• others

Formalin (a solution of formaldehyde) is used as a component in adhesives across various fields, but it is a substance that causes health issues, exemplified by sick house syndrome. To solve this problem, it is necessary to discover a substance that has two or more aldehyde groups, is water-soluble and non-volatile, and does not depend on fossil resources. Therefore, we propose aldehyde compounds obtained by oxidizing sugars. These can be industrially produced through the oxidation of sugars using sodium periodate. [Issues] - While it is used as a component in adhesives across various fields, it is a substance that causes health issues, exemplified by sick house syndrome. - There are concerns about future depletion since the raw material is natural gas (methane). *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• glue

Hydrogen is gaining attention as a clean energy source, and environmentally friendly methods for hydrogen production are in demand. Artificial photosynthesis using photocatalysts to directly generate hydrogen from sunlight realizes a sustainable energy system. Modification of silane coupling agents with phosphonyl groups also promotes similar proton supply in photocatalytic hydrogen production. 【Research Content (Partial)】 ■CTGS - Recently gaining attention as a high-efficiency thin-film solar cell material - Constituent elements are inexpensive, safe, and zinc-free - Gradual control of the band gap according to the Sn/Ge ratio *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Photocatalysts and various wall materials (exterior and interior walls, etc.)

We will introduce a technology for the fabrication of membranes for water treatment that allows for advanced control. A challenge has been the degradation of membrane performance due to the adhesion of organic substances, making it difficult to achieve the precise control of pore size necessary for improving permeability and separation performance. In response, we have developed water treatment membranes using polymer grafting via ATRP. Surface modification using functional polymers (MEDSAH) is effective in suppressing the adhesion of proteins and microorganisms, and by controlling the density and length of the polymer immobilization, we can manage membrane performance. [Challenges] ■ Adhesion suppression: Membrane performance decreases due to the adhesion of organic substances. ■ Pore size control: Precise control of pore size, which is necessary for improving permeability and separation performance, is difficult. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services and technologies

We will introduce the results of the development of a new acid catalyst aimed at the efficient synthesis of "cyclic carbonate," used in electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, and "oxazolidinone," which is widely present in pharmaceuticals. Conventional technologies have left challenges such as requiring high-temperature heating and having limited substrate generality. In this context, we successfully used magnesium iodide as a metal salt in reactions employing isocyanates, achieving a good yield of oxazolidinone under mild conditions at 35°C. The production and sale of this catalyst, aimed at applications in the manufacturing processes of organic materials and pharmaceuticals, are anticipated. 【Conventional Technology and Challenges】 ■ There are relatively few reports of reactions involving the mild reaction of carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure through the simple operation of adding ligands to commercially available metal salts. ■ Requires high-temperature heating. ■ Limited substrate generality. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services and technologies

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is produced by microorganisms and is 100 to 1000 times thinner than plant-derived cellulose, with excellent biodegradability and water retention properties. In this study, we explored methods that could lead to the mass production of materials expected to have various applications. Since the microorganisms that do not originally have the ability to produce BC are used, it is difficult to expect sufficient production of BC, and the challenge is that costs become high when seeking mass production. In the method for mass production of BC based on research results, we confirmed cases where a symbiotic relationship is established by combining cellulose-producing bacteria with photosynthetic microorganisms. This enables the production of BC using microorganisms that can be cultured in the field. 【Conventional Technology and Issues】 ■ Difficulties in outdoor cultivation and management ■ It is difficult to expect sufficient production of BC since the microorganisms do not originally have the ability to produce it ■ Costs become high when seeking mass production *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services and technologies

Introducing the creation of hydrogel fibers using microchannels. This technology allows for a gentle progression of the gelation reaction within a microchannel with a flow focusing structure, making shape control easy. It enables the precise fabrication of single-strand hydrogel fibers (approximately 100μm in thickness). Additionally, scaling up through parallelization is also achievable. 【Features】 ■ Easy shape control ■ Gentle progression of the gelation reaction within a microchannel with a flow focusing structure *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• others

We will introduce researchers and technological seeds suitable for your company's product/technology development/research. Since our establishment, we have supported the commercialization of various companies. We have extensive experience and achievements in commercializing technologies developed at universities and launching new businesses utilizing subsidies. Please feel free to contact us. ■ Technology Transfer Services - Introduction of researchers and technical information (patents, etc.) - Coordination of technical guidance by researchers - Mediation of joint research and commissioned research - Support for patent acquisition and rights establishment ■ Commercialization Support Services - Mediation and contracting of grant projects - Implementation of lectures, basic courses, etc. - Support for interaction between companies and researchers

• others