Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a molded portion (60) associated with an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The molded portion (60) is molded as a single piece of plastic material. The molded portion includes a base portion (64) and a reinforcing portion (100). The base portion has a first thickness measured between a first class A surface (42) and an opposite second surface (80). The reinforcing portion (100) includes a main wall portion (126) spaced from the second surface and at least one side wall (110, 112, 114, 116) extending from the main wall portion, merging with the second surface, and having a second thickness about equal to the first thickness. The main wall portion (126), base portion (64), and at least one side wall (110, 112, 114, 116) define a chamber (170) in the molded portion.

Abstract: A tank closure (14) has first and second parts (60,62) which are friction welded to each other. The first part (60) of the tank closure (14) is formed of steel, and includes a rupturable closure wall (20). The second part (62) of the tank closure (14) is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and has a fluid flow conduit (64) communicating the closure wall (20) with an outlet opening (22).

Abstract: A pressure vessel (10) includes a tank (12) and a closure cap (14) for closing the tank (12). The closure cap (14) is a unitary part made entirely of a homogeneous material. The unitary part (14) includes a rupturable closure wall (20) which, when ruptured, permits fluid to flow outward from the tank (12). The closure wall (20) has an arcuate cross sectional shape. The unitary part (14) also functions as a conduit for directing fluid to flow outward from the closure wall (20) when the closure wall (20) is ruptured.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (10) includes a tank (12) and a closure structure (14) with a breakaway part (90) exposed to fluid pressure in the tank (12). The breakaway part (90) is severable from the closure structure (14) for movement outward from the tank (12) under the influence of elevated fluid pressure. The pressure vessel (10) further includes a probe (144) which moves forcefully against and through the closure structure (14) to puncture a hole (210) through the breakaway part (90). The probe (144) guides the breakaway part (90) to move outward from the tank (12) telescopically over the probe (144) under the influence of the elevated fluid pressure.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (10) includes a tank (12) containing fluid under pressure, and includes a closure cap (14) for closing the tank (12). The closure cap (14) is a unitary part made entirely of a homogeneous material. The unitary part (14) includes a rupturable closure wall (20) which, when ruptured, permits fluid to flow outward from the tank (12). The unitary part (14) also includes a conduit (74) for directing fluid to flow outward from an outlet opening (120) when the closure wall (20) is ruptured. The closure wall (20) has oppositely facing inner and outer side surfaces (98,100) and includes a stress riser (96). The side surfaces (98,100) have contours which direct the fluid pressure to maintain the stress riser (96) under compressive stress and shear stress, rather than tensile stress, so as to resist creep throughout the time that the fluid is contained under pressure in the tank (12).

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.