Patent ID: 7597354

Claim:
A mechanism for releasably confining pressurized fluid in a container comprising: a rupturable membrane for sealing an opening of the container, the rupturable membrane being positioned to obstruct flow of the pressurized fluid when externally supported against pressure exerted by the fluid, the rupturable membrane being rupturable by pressure exerted by the fluid when not externally supported against pressure exerted by the fluid, a support member for externally supporting the rupturable membrane against pressure exerted by the fluid, the support member being fracturable and/or decomposable upon exposure to combustion products formed by activation of a gas generator at least partially encased within said support member, wherein operation of the gas generator results in fracturing and/or decomposing of the support member to remove support for the rupturable membrane and enable rupturing of the membrane to release the pressurized fluid therethrough.