Patents by Inventor Alfonso Gañán-Calvo

Alfonso Gañán-Calvo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20090215154
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining micro- and nanometric polymeric particles in a controlled, reproducible manner. The aforementioned particles have a spherical shape and a very narrow, uniform size distribution. The invention comprises the use of an easy particle-forming method consisting in using hydrodynamic forces to focus a composite microjet formed by two concentric fluids and can be used in the encapsulation of fragile compounds of biological interest, from peptides and proteins to cells and micro-organisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Miguel Alfonso Ganan Calvo, Sebastien Chavez De Diego, Angel Cebolla Ramirez, Maria Flores Mosquera, Elena De Castro Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20080072895
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Publication number: 20080054100
    Abstract: A method of creating small particles by a technology referred to here as “violent focusing” is disclosed, along with devices for generating such violent focusing. In general, the method comprises the steps of forcing a first fluid out of an exit opening of the feeding channel to create a fluid stream. The exit opening is positioned such that the fluid flowing out of the channel flows toward and out of an exit orifice of a pressure chamber which surrounds the exit opening of the feeding channel, and is filled with an atomizing fluid. An atomizing fluid such as a gas is directed towards the first fluid stream in approximately orthogonal directions and surrounding the circumference of the first fluid stream from all sides. The first fluid flow is broken into particles which have dimensions which are smaller than the dimensions of this fluid stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Joan Rosell, Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Publication number: 20080053431
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Publication number: 20080053436
    Abstract: A method of creating small particles by a technology referred to here as “violent focusing” is disclosed, along with devices for generating such violent focusing. In general, the method comprises the steps of forcing a first fluid out of an exit opening of the feeding channel to create a fluid stream. The exit opening is positioned such that the fluid flowing out of the channel flows toward and out of an exit orifice of a pressure chamber which surrounds the exit opening of the feeding channel, and is filled with an atomizing fluid. An atomizing fluid such as a gas is directed towards the first fluid stream in approximately orthogonal directions and surrounding the circumference of the first fluid stream from all sides. The first fluid flow is broken into particles which have dimensions which are smaller than the dimensions of this fluid stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Joan Rosell, Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Patent number: 7293559
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventor: Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Publication number: 20070102533
    Abstract: A method of creating small particles by a technology referred to here as “violent focusing” is disclosed, along with devices for generating such violent focusing. In general, the method comprises the steps of forcing a first fluid out of an exit opening of the feeding channel to create a fluid stream. The exit opening is positioned such that the fluid flowing out of the channel flows toward and out of an exit orifice of a pressure chamber which surrounds the exit opening of the feeding channel, and is filled with an atomizing fluid. An atomizing fluid such as a gas is directed towards the first fluid stream in approximately orthogonal directions and surrounding the circumference of the first fluid stream from all sides. The first fluid flow is broken into particles which have dimensions which are smaller than the dimensions of this fluid stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Inventors: JOAN ROSELL, Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Publication number: 20070063072
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for the atomisation or nebulisation of a liquid using a propellant vapour or gas (referred to hereafter as gas) which is introduced into the device under pressure. According to the invention, the two fluids are mixed together and subsequently released to the exterior, such that the liquid is released in the form of an aerosol or a suspension of drops that is conveyed by the gas stream. The inventive device comprises a liquid storage chamber which is housed in a pressurised cylinder or container and a liquid/gas mixing area whereat the aforementioned two phases are combined and released to the exterior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: Alfonso Gañán Calvo, Eladio Mendoza Simon, Pascual Riesco Chueca
  • Publication number: 20060169800
    Abstract: A method of creating small particles by a technology referred to here as “violent focusing” is disclosed, along with devices for generating such violent focusing. In general, the method comprises the steps of forcing a first fluid out of an exit opening of the feeding channel to create a fluid stream. The exit opening is positioned such that the fluid flowing out of the channel flows toward and out of an exit orifice of a pressure chamber which surrounds the exit opening of the feeding channel, and is filled with an atomizing fluid. An atomizing fluid such as a gas is directed towards the first fluid stream in approximately orthogonal directions and surrounding the circumference of the first fluid stream from all sides. The first fluid flow is broken into particles which have dimensions which are smaller than the dimensions of this fluid stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Joan Rosell, Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Patent number: 7059321
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventor: Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Patent number: 7059319
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventor: Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Publication number: 20060102173
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventor: Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Publication number: 20060057259
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the production of capsules or particles of micro and nanometric size, for introduction into food, using stable electrified coaxial jets of two immiscible liquids with diameters in the micro and nanometric range. An aerosol of charged structured droplets forms when the jets dissociate by capillary instabilities. The structured droplets, which are mono-dispersed in size, contain a first liquid (generally the material desired to be added) that is surrounded by a second liquid. Generally the second liquid provides a barrier or protective coating which allows the addition of the first liquid to a food product without adversely affecting the organoleptic or other properties of the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventors: Antonio Ripoll, Alfonso Ganan-Calvo, Ignacio Loscertales, Raul Bon, Manuel Marquez
  • Publication number: 20050116070
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and devices for the production of capillary microjets and microparticles that can have a size of between hundreds of micrometers and several nanometers. The inventive method makes use of the combined effects of electrohydrodynamic forces, fluid-dynamic forces and a specific geometry in order to produce micro- and nano-capsules or fluid jets, single- or multi-component, which, upon disintegrating or splitting, form a significantly monodispersed spray of drops which have a controlled micro- or nanometric size and which can also comprise a specific internal structure, such as, for example, a nucleus which is surrounded by a cortex of a different substance or several concentric or non-concentric nuclei or vesicles which are surrounded by a cortex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventors: Alfonso Ganan Calvo, Jose M. Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20050016526
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventor: Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Publication number: 20050000512
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Inventor: Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Patent number: 6792940
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventor: Alfonso Gañán-Calvo
  • Publication number: 20040069632
    Abstract: A device and method for generating drops. The drops are generated by applying an electrical potential to a set of feeding tips which have immiscible or poorly miscible liquids running through them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Antonio Barrero Ripoll, Alfonso Ganan Calvo, Raul Cortijo Bon, Ignacio Gonzalez Loscertales
  • Publication number: 20040065322
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventor: Alfonso Ganan-Calvo
  • Publication number: 20030183222
    Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Alfonso Ganan-Calvo