Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a vessel or capsule under pressure comprises a preferred embodiment closure feature provided on a closure plate or metal wall to be sealed. The closure feature comprises a raised symmetrical protrusion having a small diameter elongated capillary aperture extending completely therethrough. The exposed end of the raised protrusion is heated by rodless welding to a molten state after filling the associated vessel. Then the exposed end of the cylindrical protrusion is allowed to cool while the surface tension of the metal in a molten state forms a convex bubble shape which completely closes the capillary in the exposed end of the cylindrical protrusion and maintains the heat affected zone from progressing radially outward where cracks could occur.

Abstract: A novel hybrid air bag inflator system includes a differential pressure monitoring switch which comprises a sealed module containing a gas under a threshold pressure mounted in a gas bag filler tank. The capsule comprises a movable diaphragm connected to a fixed top plate and the diaphragm is supported on a shaped mandrel mounted on a switch body. The switch body and the mandrel are provided with a central aperture through which moves a movable piston and the movable piston forms a support for switch contacts which are normally open until the pressure P1 in the hybrid air bag gas filler tank falls below a predetermined operable reference pressure P at which time the switch contacts reach a closed position indicative of a failed or inoperative hybrid system.

Abstract: A novel hybrid air bag inflator system includes a differential pressure monitoring switch which comprises a sealed module containing a gas under a threshold pressure mounted in a gas bag filler tank. The capsule comprises a movable diaphragm connected to a fixed top plate and the diaphragm is supported on a shaped mandrel mounted on a switch body. The switch body and the mandrel are provided with a central aperture through which moves a movable piston and the movable piston forms a support for switch contacts which are normally open until the pressure in the hybrid air bag gas filler tank falls below a predetermined operable reference pressure at which time the switch contacts reach a closed position indicative of a failed or inoperative hybrid system.