Abstract: An apparatus (24) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (22) comprises a container (40) which provides a source of inflation fluid. The container (40) has an opening (44) through which the fluid can flow to inflate the protection device (22). A support surface (84) is located adjacent the opening (44). A cavity (120) is located adjacent the support surface. A rupturable closure (100) extends across the opening (44) to block the flow of fluid through the opening. A weld (108) forms a fluid seal between the closure (100) and the support surface (84). A member (140) is located in the cavity (120) and has a first portion (144) engaging a surface defining the cavity to secure the member to the container (40). A second portion (142) of the member (140) engages the closure (100) to hold the closure against the support surface (84) of the container (40). The member (140) has an opening (146) through which fluid can flow when the closure (100) is ruptured.

Abstract: An air bag inflator (14) includes a pressure vessel (40), an initiator (42) and a filter (38). The pressure vessel (40) has a sealed chamber (44) containing inflation fluid under pressure, and includes a rupturable closure wall (100) which blocks the inflation fluid from exiting the chamber (44). The initiator (42) releases the inflation fluid to exit the chamber, and includes a casing (122) centered on an axis. The casing (122) contains pyrotechnic material which, when ignited, produces combustion products for rupturing the closure wall (100). The filter (38) is a sintered metal screen which filters the inflation fluid. The sintered metal screen (38) has an elongated tubular shape extending longitudinally over the casing (122) radially outward from the casing (122).