Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system that adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-á-vis the mask and/or airflow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: A face mask for ventilation of a patient. A face piece is disposed on the patient's face. An oral tube and a nasal tube are disposed through corresponding ports in the face piece. The oral tube extends through the mouth of the patient and the nasal tube extends through the nasal passage of the patient. The ends of the oral tube and the nasal tube are received in the posterior oropharynx of the patient. An adapter is connected to the ends of the oral tube and the nasal tube exteriorly of the face piece. Oxygen is introduced into an inlet port of the adapter wherein the oxygen enters the oral tube and the nasal tube concomitantly and ventilates the patient.

Abstract: A disposable face mask includes a mask body covering substantially a nose and mouth of a wearer, and a connecting means included with the mask body. The connecting means includes a pair of ties, an elastic cord, and/or an extension having lateral panels which have a connectable section. A cord is coupled to and extends between at least one pair of lateral panels. The connecting means is configured to releasable encircle a back of a wearer's head to hold a mask body in position over a wearer's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A patient interface for CPAP is described, with deformable cushions for the forehead rest. Each cushion providing a substantially even load bearing surface and progressive deformation. Several embodiments are disclosed for achieving desired mode(s) of deformation.

Abstract: A patient interface for CPAP is described, with deformable cushions for the forehead rest. Each cushion providing a substantially even load bearing surface and progressive deformation. Several embodiments are disclosed for achieving desired mode(s) of deformation.

Abstract: A nasal cannula (100) for delivering respiratory gases to a neonatal infant comprising a manifold including a chamber (10), a gases inlet (16) to the chamber and a gases outlet (12), a low resistance path for gases through the chamber from its inlet to its outlet and a pair of nasal prongs (116, 118) in fluid communication with the chamber with each prong substantial equidistant the inlet, and directly in the low resistance path to eliminate deadspace.

Abstract: An improved breathing devise, for use in the nasal passageways. This nasal breathing apparatus utilizes a flexible tube, that defines two centrally adjacent notches, spaced apart by a central tube portion. The terminating ends of the tube preferably have a portion of the circumferential tube removed, so that the ends define curved flanges. The section of modified tubing is bent approximately 90 degrees from the central portion, with the arcual outer surfaces of the tube ends being placed directly into the nasal passageways. The flexible tube will urge the nasal passageway walls apart, thereby increasing the overall diameter of said passageways. Airflow is not significantly restricted, due to the tubular configuration of the apparatus, which conforms to the nasal passageway shape it contacts. The central tube portion is capable of receiving an aromatic plug, which releases chemical substances adjacent to the nasal openings.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas to a respiratory air way of a patient. The respiratory gas supplying apparatus 10 includes a cylinder 12 filled with a respiratory gas, a cart 14 having an accommodating portion for disposing the cylinder 12, a shut-off valve 18 attached to the cylinder 12, a flow regulating valve 40 attached to the shut-off valve 18, a conduit 22, attached to the flow regulating valve 40, for directing the respiratory gas to the inlet of the respiratory airway of the patient, a coupler 16, integrally connected to the flow regulator 40, for coupling the flow regulating valve 40 to the shut-off is valve 18, and a linkage 110 for disengaging the coupler 16 from the shut-off valve IS when the cylinder 12 is detached from the cart 14.

Abstract: A mask system is provided to fit pre-adult patients, or patients having facial features that are very small or child-like, e.g., patients having dimensions in the lower 5%-10% of the population. For example, the headgear and/or cushion are dimensioned to accommodate this range of patients.

Abstract: A nasal mask for applying pressurized gas to a user's respiratory system. The mask includes an inflatable seal which is at least partially filled with a soft open cell foam. The seal includes a manual pump and a pressure release valve for inflating and deflating the seal. The mask includes an brow bar which is connected through a bridge to the mask body. The bridge can be adjusted to position the brow bar against the user's forehead for supporting an upper portion of the mask. Headgear for attaching the mask to the user is attached to the brow bar and is looped over a prong at a lower portion of the mask for securing the lower portion of the mask to the user. The mask can be easily removed from the patient while leaving the headgear and brow bar attached to the user.

Abstract: A nasal mask for applying pressurized gas to a user's respiratory system. The mask includes an inflatable seal which is at least partially filled with a soft open cell foam. The seal includes a manual pump and a pressure release valve for inflating and deflating the seal. The mask includes an brow bar which is connected through a bridge to the mask body. The bridge can be adjusted to position the brow bar against the user's forehead for supporting an upper portion of the mask. Headgear for attaching the mask to the user is attached to the brow bar and is looped over a prong at a lower portion of the mask for securing the lower portion of the mask to the user. The mask can be easily removed from the patient while leaving the headgear and brow bar attached to the user.

Abstract: A universally fitting headgear that is readily adjustable to a variety of different sized patients and that couples a patient interface device to an airway of the patient. The headgear includes a headpiece that fits on the user's heal in a cap-like fashion. The circumference of the headpiece is adjustable so that a single sized headgear can be fit to a number of different sized patient's. The headpiece includes adjustment straps which adjustably connect to each other on the sides of the patient's head. The headpiece further includes connecting straps to adjustably connecting the headgear to a patient interface device, such as a gas delivery mask. The headgear of the present invention fits a wide range of head sizes and shapes, is easy to use, and provides increased stability.

Abstract: A system for securing an endo-tracheal or other tube in position upon a patient includes a head pad and securing members which can be adjustably attached to the head pad. The head pad is configured to support the head of a patient in a supine position. The head pad includes a number of slits formed in each lateral side of the head pad, such that a securing member can be threaded through any one of the slits. The securing member is configured to be releasably and adjustably attachable to the lateral sides of the head pad by being secured to itself via hook and, loop fastener portions disposed upon the member. The opposite end of the securement member can include an adhesive layer or other mechanism for attachment of the end of the member to the endo-tracheal tube or other medical article.

Abstract: Stowage systems having boxes with covers are addressed. Exemplary systems include mechanisms for biasing covers toward their closed positions and for blocking, or maintaining, covers in their open positions when necessary or desired. Such systems are particularly (although not exclusively) useful for cockpit storage of oxygen masks, where open covers might impede use of certain flight controls during aircraft operation but facilitate removal or reinsertion of the masks by a mechanic when the aircraft is not operating.

Abstract: A disposable face mask includes a mask body covering substantially a nose, mouth, and chin of a wearer, and an extension provided with the mask body. The extension is configured to encircle a back of a wearer's head and to substantially cover a wearer's cheeks, jaw, and ears. A substantial portion of the extension is formed from a resilient material treated with a repellant agent to prevent contaminants from entering or exiting such treated portion of the extension.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and at least one locking clip. The frame has a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, at least one of the side frame members including a locking clip receiver assembly. The at least one locking clip has a main body providing a front portion adapted to be removably coupled with the at least one locking clip receiver assembly and a rear portion adapted to be removably coupled to a headgear assembly. The rear portion includes a cross bar that forms an opening through which a strap of the headgear assembly can pass and be removably coupled with the cross bar, and the front portion includes at least one resiliently flexible spring arm that is flexible within the plane of the main body.

Abstract: A half-mask respirator is retained on a wearer's head by upper and lower straps and a strap support. The upper and lower straps connect to the strap support at upper and lower strap attachment points on each side of the strap support. The distances between the attachment points on each opposing side of the strap support are fixed when the strap support is located on the wearer's skull and the half-mask respirator is mounted over the wearer's nose and mouth. As a result, the lower strap is supported above the neck of the wearer which eliminates a potential source of discomfort for the wearer.

Abstract: A patient mask assembly for positive pressure ventilation includes a brace (12) which clips to the mask and provides attachment locations (17) for headgear straps (14) in alternative positions to those attachment locations (17) which may be provided by the mask. The brace may also provide a mask stabilizing portion (20).

Abstract: A respirator 15 has a harness 10 that allows the respirator body 20 to be conveniently disposed beneath a wearer's chin when not in use. The harness 10 includes a substantially flat, flexible strap 14 and an element 12 that contains a curved elongated slot 16. The substantially flat, flexible strap 14 is threaded through the curved elongated slot 16. The curved configuration of the slot 16 causes the flat flexible strap 14 to be deformed to assume the curved configuration of the slot. This deformation of the strap 14 allows the strap 14 to frictionally engage element 12, and the frictional engagement allows the respirator body 20 to be incrementally withdrawn from the wearer's face so that it can be temporarily stored beneath the wearer's chin, and allows the respirator body 20 to be conveniently repositioned over the nose and mouth of the wearer by simply pulling on free ends 34 of each strap 14 and joining a buckle 32 behind the wearer's neck.

Abstract: A holder for tracheostomy systems on a patient that can function as a tracheostomy tube holder or as a ventilator tube holder. The holder is a bifurcated strip of flexible material providing a principal portion and a pair of minor portions extending therefrom. The principal portion has a hole therethrough. The strip has portions of a hook and loop fastener adjacent respective opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respirator mask which can be repeatedly fitted to different facial shapes. It consists of a mask base body and a support structure which supports the mask base body and can repeatedly be deformed plastically above a specific limit temperature so that the respirator mask can be fitted to different facial shapes.

Abstract: A compression element and a retention assembly using the compression element to retain an article on a flexible substrate are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of making an assembly including an article retained on a substrate by a compression element. The retention assembly, compression element and method provide replacements for, e.g., mechanical staples. The retention assemblies, compression elements and methods are particularly useful for attaching elastic articles to the surfaces of flexible substrates without piercing the substrate. One example of attaching an elastic article to the surface of a flexible substrate is the attachment of an elastic strap to a respirator.

Abstract: A improved interface is disclosed for delivering CPAP therapy to patients. The interface has a sliding engagement to the headgear. The sliding engagement allows substantial relative lateral movement eg: when face is distorted from sleeping on side, while still providing adequate compressive force to avoid side leakage. The sliding engagement also allows easy release from the headgear.

Abstract: A face mask support for continuous positive airway pressure comprises a hemispheric cap with biasing means support at the medial line of the head. The circumferential edge of the cap extends from the high forehead to below the inion protrusion at the nape of the neck. A biasing means which is preferably of length of spring steel is formed so as to extend from the biasing means support to form a loop around a face mask. The hemispheric cap is formed of an elastic material or is provided with adjustibility and the biasing means may be adjusted to accommodate facial configurations and to vary the pressure with which the face mask is apposed to the face. In an alternative embodiment, the support is open and is comprised of a circumferential band extending from the high forehead to below the inion protrusion at the nape of the neck and a medial band extending along the medial line of the head and connecting to the circumferential band at the high forehead and below the inion protrusion.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a headgear and a mask and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient that incorporates such a connection device. The connection device allows independent rotation of each of two independently disconnecting headgear connectors. The gas delivery mask includes a shell, a first connector associated with the shell, a second connector connected to a headgear and realeasably and rotateably connected to the first connector.

Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask, especially for use in the field of sleep medicine, includes a headband which, in an application position, extends from the forehead area of the patient to behind the ear area of the patient, whereby the headband is provided with a flexible reinforcing insert for reinforcing the headband in a lateral direction. This makes it advantageously possible to provide the mask retention forces, which are necessary for reliably applying a respiratory mask, in a manner that is very compatible with regard to ergonomics.

Abstract: A mask and harness system for use in providing breathing oxygen and protection from pollutants for the eyes and respiratory system as might be encountered in high altitude aviation environments. In one preferred embodiment, the mask system has a face seal, a soft flexible lens, a pneumatically-actuated harness, and a regulator with microphone to control the flow of oxygen and to facilitate communications in aircraft flight decks and other aircraft compartments. The system is designed for required five-second donning with one hand and because of the flexible lens, is capable of storage in the relatively preferred on crowded flight decks. It is connected to an oxygen source and, optionally, with aircraft communications. The regulator controls the flow rate of oxygen to the wearer based on altitude and physiological requirements. The regulator includes a valve for purging the condensation-prone moist gases from the lens area and provides positive pressure in the mask.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing mask for feeding a breathing gas to a mask user and a discharging device for discharging breathing gas from an inner mask area defined by a breathing mask. The inventive breathing mask comprises a sealing lip device for sealing a mask bearing area, a mask base body for creating a space within the mask and a connecting device for connecting at least one breathing gas line, the mask base body and/or the connecting device being provided with at least one decoupling structure made of elastomer material. It is possible to obtain in an advantageous manner a relative movement between a peripheral base area on the side of the base body of the mask associated with the sealing lip device and the breathing gas line within a sufficient area of movement.

Abstract: An ergonomic face mask is provided for the administration of gas under a positive pressure to a patient. The face mask includes a cushion that provides a seal with the patient's face, and a dome connected to the cushion that receives a connection tube for receiving the gas from a source, such as a bag. The dome is asymmetrical, and defines a plurality of grooves and protuberances configured to allow the comfortable use of the mask with one hand.

Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient comprising a curved resilient headband to extend from side to side over a patient's head and to be comfortably seatably engaged thereon. A clip is secured towards one end of the headband. An elongated tubular boom is secured at one end to the clip to extend and hold its position, when in operation from said one end at the clip to another end located at a space in front of, and proximal to the patient's nose and mouth. An oxygen diffuser port is located at the other end of the boom, to deliver oxygen from the boom to the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A retention device and method for retaining an object, including preferably a gas mask, in position proximate a user's mouth. The retention device includes straps coupled to both sides of the object and having at ends thereof ear pieces. The ear pieces fit over the ears, and are configured to receive the strap at a point proximate the anterior, center portion of the ear, causing pulling forces to be on the posterior center portion of the ear rather than on the top of the ear.

Abstract: A respirator 15 has a harness 10 that allows the respirator body 20 to be conveniently disposed beneath a wearer's chin when not in use. The harness 10 includes a substantially flat, flexible strap 14 and an element 12 that contains a curved elongated slot 16. The substantially flat, flexible strap 14 is threaded through the curved elongated slot 16. The curved configuration of the slot 16 causes the flat flexible strap 14 to be deformed to assume the curved configuration of the slot. This deformation of the strap 14 allows the strap 14 to frictionally engage element 12, and the frictional engagement allows the respirator body 20 to be incrementally withdrawn from the wearer's face so that it can be temporarily stored beneath the wearer's chin, and allows the respirator body 20 to be conveniently repositioned over the nose and mouth of the wearer by simply pulling on free ends 34 of each strap 14 and joining a buckle 32 behind the wearer's neck.

Abstract: A mask (10) for supplying gas under pressure to the nasal airway of a human includes a manifold (30) including means (36) for connection to a gas supply means, a gas supply element or elements (26) for providing said gas to the nasal airway without pressurising the exterior of the nose and a flexible strap (12) formed from an elastomeric material for securing the manifold (30) in position. The strap (12) extends either side of the manifold (30) and is shaped to generally conform with the shape of the upper lip and adjacent cheek area to act as a distributed anchor means for the mask (10).

Abstract: The maskap is a safety mask that is worn like a cap, It has a thin rubber liner (or airtight material) that covers the inside of the cap. The rubber liner forms a seal when worn as a mask. There are two plastic eye covers that are sealed to the cap, that when worn as a mask will let the user see through them. On the brim of the cap but under the fabric is a filter box. The filter box has two air tubes molded to it. The air tubes run up the front of the cap. The open ends of the air tubes are sealed with the rubber liner. When the maskap is worn as a mask the user will breath through the filter box. There are elastic bands that are sewn to the cap at three or more points to hold the maskap on.

Abstract: A retention device and method for retaining an object, including preferably a gas mask, in position proximate a user's mouth. The retention device includes straps coupled to both sides of the object and having at ends thereof ear pieces. The ear pieces fit over the ears, and are configured to receive the strap at a point proximate the anterior, center portion of the ear, causing pulling forces to be on the posterior center portion of the ear rather than on the top of the ear.

Abstract: A retention device and method for retaining an object, including preferably a gas mask, in position proximate a user's mouth. The retention device includes straps coupled to both sides of the object and having at ends thereof ear pieces. The ear pieces fit over the ears, and are configured to receive the strap at a point proximate the tragus portion of the ear, causing pulling forces to be on the posterior center portion of the ear rather than on the top of the ear. The ear pieces have a downwardly exterior anterior leg and a downwardly extending posterior leg. In one embodiment, the ear pieces are substantially U-shaped. In another embodiment, the ear pieces are substantially ring-shaped.

Abstract: A mask (10) for supplying gas under pressure to the nasal airway of a human includes a series of flexible stretchable straps (12, 14, 16) formed from an clastomeric material for locating the mask (10) against the human face. The straps (12, 14, 16) are integrally formed or joined to define a perimeter (18) enclosing an aperture (20) adapted to fit around the nasal area of a human. The straps (12, 14, 16) are configured to approximate to the three dimensional shape of the region around the nasal area of the human face as they arm strethed, to form a tight fitting seal. The mask may be used with or without a manifold.

Abstract: A dental mask which has two separate chambers, one for inhalation and the other for exhalation. The two separate chambers being separated by an elasticized strip across the philtrum area. The mask is designed to be disposable, yet also have the ability to accept, for increased protection, filter insertable pads which can be placed in the inner surface of the mask. An embodiment of the mask would allow the main frame to be reusable, by having means for snapping a disposable filter onto the frame. The mask utilizes semirigid fibrous filtration material in the primary filtering area and transitional semirigid to soft pleated materials in the secondary filtering areas. The mask has a color changing adhesive strip section for retaining captured particles away from the primary nasal area and also to indicate when the mask has reached a saturation level thereby requiring change.

Abstract: A nasal or full-face mask and headgear system for improving pediatric compliance of ventilation therapy, including CPAP or BiPAP, and sized for pediatric use is provided. Each mask has a shallow concave rigid shell bearing the visage of a caricature. Unique caricatures are predetermined to represent different sizes of masks. Further, headgear is provided in keeping with the caricature theme and having additional aspects such as ears, removably attached to it. Each mask has an inner inflatable cuff to improve fit and an outer replaceable cuff to facilitate cleaning as well as fitting. The headgear is attached to the mask at three contact points using straps having key slots attached to ends of the straps and raised buttons on the mask shell. The straps are adjustable for length using Velcro™ and are not adjusted each time the system is placed onto the patient, improving positioning of the mask when the patient is asleep or resistant.

Abstract: An oxygen diffuser for a lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient, the oxygen delivery system being of the type comprising a mount for seated engagement on a patient's head or ear, an elongated tubular boom for oxygen delivery secured at one end to the mount and having the diffuser secured to the other end, the diffuser to deliver oxygen passed through the boom to a space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth, the diffuser comprising a body having a wall, the interior surface of which wall is of generally concave configuration, circumscribing a centrally positioned oxygen outlet so as to direct the flow of oxygen from the outlet generally towards the patient's nose and mouth; and a baffle seated over the oxygen outlet so as to assist in mixing of oxygen with ambient air and avoid a direct flow of oxygen towards the patient's face.

Abstract: The present invention is a face mask for use with registration of a patient's anatomy through medical imaging for image-guided surgical procedures. The mask includes a nasal bridge mount, medial orbital mounts and at least one side member which extends from the sides of the mask toward the patient's ears when in use. In a preferred embodiment, the face mask includes two side members which extend along the patient's head and behind the ears, similar to a pair of eyeglasses. The mask may also include a strap or other means for maintaining the mask upon the patient's head. The mask may be used to retain and position fiducial markers or attachment of medical or surgical instruments, such as tracking devices, for use during image-guided surgical procedures.

Abstract: A respirator 15 has a harness 10 that allows the respirator body 20 to be conveniently disposed beneath a wearer's chin when not in use. The harness 10 includes a substantially flat, flexible strap 14 and an element 12 that contains a curved elongated slot 16. The substantially flat, flexible strap 14 is threaded through the curved elongated slot 16. The curved configuration of the slot 16 causes the flat flexible strap 14 to be deformed to assume the curved configuration of the slot. This deformation of the strap 14 allows the strap 14 to frictionally engage element 12, and the frictional engagement allows the respirator body 20 to be incrementally withdrawn from the wearer's face so that it can be temporarily stored beneath the wearer's chin, and allows the respirator body 20 to be conveniently repositioned over the nose and mouth of the wearer by simply pulling on free ends 34 of each strap 14 and joining a buckle 32 behind the wearer's neck.

Abstract: A respiratory mask is reduced in size to better fit patients with smaller faces by either (a) folding one or more accordian folds formed in an upper portion of the mask, or (b) tearing away a part of the upper portion of the mask. The respiratory mask for adult patients can thus be adjusted to fit smaller adults and larger children. The respiratory mask for children can thus be adjusted to fit smaller children. A ball joint swivel connector is provided to connect the gas inlet of the masks to the hose connection for respiratory or nebulizer treating gases or aerosols.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protective breathing equipment comprising a respirator provided with a regulator designed to be connected to a source of breathing mixture under pressure and a harness having at least an extensible strap whereof the ends are connected to the respirator and comprising an element temporarily inflatable with the pressurised breathing mixture to extend the strap until it reaches a sufficient dimension to enable the user to engage the harness on his head and capable of being emptied to enable the strap, to press the respirator against his face. A flexible envelope covering the head is tightly fixed to the single strap or to the upper strap of the harness and fixed to the respirator; it is transparent at least in the portion opposite the eyes when the equipment is worn.

Abstract: A nasal cushion (30) comprises a substantially triangularly shaped frame (32) from which extends a membrane (34). The frame (32) has a scalloped edge (36) by which the cushion (30) is affixed to a mask body. The membrane (34) has an aperture (38) into which the weaer's nose is received. The membrane (34) is spaced away from the rim (40) of the frame (32), and its outer surface (41) is of substantlally the same shape as the rim (40). Respective notches (42, 44) receive the bridge of the wearer's nose. The wearer's nose is received through the aperture (38) into the chamber within the mask body (46). The seal forming portion (45) thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face in the region between the base of the nose and the upper lip, and around the sides and over the bridge of the nose.

Abstract: A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user comprising: a patient interface, in use in fluid communication with said supply of gases, a forehead support adapted to pivot about said interface and in use rest on the forehead of a user and configurable at least in an adjustment mode for selecting a desired fixed relation and a secured mode for securing said desired fixed relation. In one embodiment of the patient interface a mask seals against the face of said user and deliver said gases to the nasal cavity and/or oral cavity and/or throat of said user without substantial pressure on the users face.

Abstract: A forehead support (10) for a respiratory mask (14). The forehead support (10) includes a pair of arms (22). The arms (22) are each adapted to locate a forehead cushion (30). The arms (22) are also adapted to pivot relative to each other. The arms (22) are also selectively lockable at two or more angular positions relative to each other. The forehead support (10) can thus be adjusted to suit the facial topography of the wearer of the respiratory mask (14).

Abstract: An adjustable mask provides a unique configuration, whereby one hand may be used to both doff the respirator and to securely don the mask. In one embodiment, such configuration is facilitated by a reel attached to one or cords, the cord attached at a second end to a harness designed to engage a portion of the head.

Abstract: An application device for a breathing mask arrangement includes a base portion, a holding portion structured to support a mask and pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, a right arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, and a left arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a third pivot axis. The right and left arm elements are each provided with a contact portion for bearing against a right and a left forehead zone respectively of a mask user. The holding portion, the right arm element, and left arm element can be pivoted with respect to the base portion about the respective first, second, and third pivot axes.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for use in the delivery of non-invasive positive airway pressure to a user. The assembly includes a rigid shell having a channel portion defined by an inner wall, an outer wall and a channel floor, a face-contacting cushion acting to space the shell away from the user's face and a sealing tab extending from the cushion to engage a portion of the shell to provide a continuous airtight seal between the cushion and the shell. A retaining ring within the mask assembly is configured to secure the cushion to the shell. The retaining ring has a first portion including at least one clip configured to pass through at least one slot portion such that an underside surface of the at least one clip engages a section of the shell when the retaining ring is positioned within the channel.