Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) comprises a container (15) for containing inflation fluid. The container (15) has an inner surface (26) which defines an opening extending into the container. A plug (40) is located in the opening. The plug (40) includes a first passage for inflation fluid to flow from the container (15) into an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12). The plug (40) includes a second passage through which pressurized inflation fluid is directed into the container (15). The second passage has a first portion (190) and a second portion (192) communicating with the first portion. The first portion (190) communicates with a fill hole (194) located on a flat outer surface portion (199) of the plug (40) and the second portion (192) communicates with a chamber (18) in the container (15).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in inflating an air bag comprises a container (15) containing a supply of inflation fluid. The container has a first outer surface (19) and an inner surface (26) which is threaded and defines a threaded opening extending into the container from the first outer surface. A plug (40) has an outer periphery (45) which is threaded. The plug is screwed into the threaded opening in the container. The outer periphery of the plug includes a second outer surface (51) adjacent the first outer surface of the container. The outer periphery of the plug and the inner surface of the container that defines the threaded opening comprise an interface (11) between the plug and the container. The interface extends to the periphery of the container between the first and second outer surfaces. A ring (30) overlies both the interface and portions of the first and second outer surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating an air bag includes a container (12) which holds a supply of gas under pressure. The container (12) is filled with gas through an internally threaded opening (48). Once the container (12) has been filled with gas, an externally threaded plug (50) is threaded into the internally threaded opening (48) in the container. A seal ring (60) extends around the plug (50) and provides a first seal between the container and the plug. A weld (64), which extends around a peripheral portion of the plug (50) and extends between the plug and the container, provides a second seal between the container and plug.