Abstract: Disclosed is a combination plug and fastener for sealing in an opening in a workpiece. The combination plug and fastener includes a shank having a non-helical sealing portion and a threaded portion extending from the sealing portion. The threaded portion initially enters the opening, and engages with the internal wall of the opening providing a first seal. The sealing portion is configured to engage against the internal wall of the opening providing a second seal.

Abstract: A novel diffusor cup forms part of an inflator device which is used to inflate an airbag. The novel structure of the diffusor cup substantially reduces the deflection thereof during deployment of the airbag. This improves the consistency and reliability of inflating the airbag with a proper volume of gas. The diffusor cup is attached to a bottle which houses a pressurized gas and the bottle and diffusor cup are mounted within a housing module. The diffusor cup is formed from a first wall which bears against an end plate of the housing module, a second wall which depends from the first wall and joins with the bottle, and a third wall which depends from the opposite end of the first wall. The second wall is formed from a truncated cone such that it tapers from the first wall to the bottle. A stud is mounted within the diffusor cup walls and is mechanically secured thereto by a plurality of graduated steps formed on the stud and by a back shear.

Abstract: A novel system and method are presented for slide-fitting an air bag module with a steering wheel hub by a snap-fit connection to quickly and easily assemble the components together. One of the components has fastener members releasably attached thereto and the other has holding members, which may be formed of U-shaped clip members or extensions, on opposite sides thereof, which fastener members and holding members are joined together to secure the air bag module to the steering wheel hub. Each holding member has a resilient portion which can be deflected and a double-radiused aperture therein for respectively engaging a pilot end on the fastener members when the air bag module is engaged with the steering wheel hub. Resilient mounting members are provided on one of the components.

Abstract: A novel clinch-type fastener member is engaged through first and second workpieces to form a mechanically locked joint which is highly resistant to vibrational loosening. The fastener member has a first portion and a second portion defined by a shank portion which extends therefrom. The first portion has a protuberance, formed from a ring, thereon which extends outwardly therefrom. The shank portion has a projection, formed from a ring, spaced a predetermined distance from the first portion to define a retaining groove. To engage the fastener member with the workpieces, the fastener member is rotated into engagement therewith. The protuberance on the first portion engages a top surface of the first workpiece and rotational and compressive forces are applied to the fastener member thereby causing the protuberance to deform the first workpiece material to cause the material to flow into the retaining groove provided of the fastener member.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for an inflatable module includes a support structure arranged for securing the inflatable module to a vehicle component or the like, and a coupling member having a portion projecting from the support structure. A locking member securable to the vehicle component is arranged for reception of the coupling member which has a resilient lock element slidably carried on the projecting portion of the coupling member and arranged for snap fit into a locking position within the locking member to secure fastening of the module to the vehicle component.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for an inflatable module includes a support structure arranged for securing the inflatable module to a vehicle component or the like, and a coupling member having a portion projecting from the support structure. A locking member securable to the vehicle component is arranged for reception of the coupling member which has a resilient lock element slidably carried on the projecting portion of the coupling member and arranged for snap fit into a locking position within the locking member to secure fastening of the module to the vehicle component. In one embodiment, a resiliently compressible split-ring is slidably carried within a contoured recess on the coupling pin projecting from the housing of the inflatable module and a locking bushing mounted for example in the hub portion of a steering wheel is arranged to receive the coupling pin so that the split ring is inserted and locked into a locking cavity within the bushing to secure fastening of the module to the steering wheel hub.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for mounting an inflatable module on a vehicle includes a support structure arranged for securing the inflatable module to a vehicle component for the like, and a coupling member projecting from the support structure and provided with a coupling aperture. Insertable into the coupling aperture is a further coupling element which is secured to the vehicle component and the coupling insertion secures fastening of the module to the vehicle component. In one embodiment, the coupling member includes an arm having a cam-following portion arranged for camming engagement against a coupling tongue on the vehicle component so that the camming engagement produces deflection of the coupling arm until the coupling aperture reversely deflects in snap-action bringing insertion of the tongue therethrough into a wedged, locking position which prevents withdrawal of the inflatable module in the mounted position, for example in the steering wheel hub.

Abstract: The nozzle includes an axially extending discharge passage of circular cross-section and having a convergent entrance portion, a constricted throat which is axially and circumferentially convex, and an enlarged diameter exit portion which is concave in the axial direction as well as in the circumferential direction. The annular wall which defines the axially concave exit portion terminates perpendicular to the extreme end of the nozzle. By virtue of the shape of the passage, the plasma is discharged from the nozzle at supersonic velocity and substantially in the form of a collimated stream so as to effect faster and squarer cutting of a metal workpiece.