A metallic case for a pyrotechnical igniter of a gas generator for a vehicle safety device that includes a peripheral side wall, a closed end, and a weak zone in the peripheral side wall. The weak zone extends along a continuous trace having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The first and second end portions of the continuous trace both transition from a first point having a first side wall depth to a second point having a second side wall depth. The second side wall depth is greater than the first side wall depth. The weak zone is configured for opening a vent in the peripheral side wall in response to an increase of pressure within the metallic case.

A metallic case for a pyrotechnical igniter of a gas generator for a vehicle safety device that includes a peripheral side wall, a closed end, and a weak zone in the peripheral side wall. The weak zone extends along a continuous trace having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The first and second end portions of the continuous trace both transition from a first point having a first side wall depth to a second point having a second side wall depth. The second side wall depth is greater than the first side wall depth. The weak zone is configured for opening a vent in the peripheral side wall in response to an increase of pressure within the metallic case.

An initiator assembly for an automotive safety device includes a tubular housing with a first end and a second end. A cruciform formed in the second end of the tubular housing is designed to open when the initiator fires. A pyrotechnic load is disposed within the tubular housing at the second end, the pyrotechnic load is formed to define a void comprising an open end and a tip. The void includes sides that extend from the open end to the tip and angle toward the second end of the tubular housing and angle toward a longitudinal axis of the tubular housing. The sides of the void can transition into a tip portion of the void that comprises a geometry distinct from that of the sides.

A method of manufacturing a metallic case of a pyrotechnical igniter having a wall with at least one weak zone and an inner surface in the case with at least one part facing this at least one weak zone includes positioning the case on a matrix having a plane zone. The method further includes striking the wall with at least one punch so as to, in a single movement of striking, deform at least the part of the inner surface facing this at least one weak zone and having at least one initially curved-in zone in order to bring it on the plane zone and to form in this manner a plane inner surface, and to form the at least one weak zone.

A method of manufacturing a metallic case of a pyrotechnical igniter having a wall with at least one weak zone and an inner surface in the case with at least one part facing this at least one weak zone includes positioning the case on a matrix having a plane zone. The method further includes striking the wall with at least one punch so as to, in a single movement of striking, deform at least the part of the inner surface facing this at least one weak zone and having at least one initially curved-in zone in order to bring it on the plane zone and to form in this manner a plane inner surface, and to form the at least one weak zone.

A glass-metal feedthrough consists of an external conductor, a glass material and an internal conductor. The internal conductor has a coefficient of expansion .sub.internal, the glass material has a coefficient of expansion .sub.glass, and the external conductor has a coefficient of expansion .sub.external. The coefficient of expansion of the internal conductor .sub.internal is greater than the coefficient of expansion of the glass material .sub.glass and the coefficient of expansion of the external conductor .sub.external is at least 2 ppm/K, such as at least 4 ppm/K, greater than the coefficient of expansion of the glass material .sub.glass in the temperature range of 20 C. to the glass transformation temperature.

An electro-pyrotechnical igniter includes a metal case, a cap and a plastic overmolding. The metal case contains pyrotechnical material and includes at least one vent on a side wall thereof. The cap is made from electrically insulating material and covers the metal case at least at the at least one vent. The plastic overmolding covers at least one end of the cap. The metal case includes at least one shoulder arranged between the side vent and a zone of the metal case across from the end of the cap covered by the overmolding.

An electro-pyrotechnical igniter includes a metal case, a cap and a plastic overmolding. The metal case contains pyrotechnical material and includes at least one vent on a side wall thereof. The cap is made from electrically insulating material and covers the metal case at least at the at least one vent. The plastic overmolding covers at least one end of the cap. The metal case includes at least one shoulder arranged between the side vent and a zone of the metal case across from the end of the cap covered by the overmolding.

A metallic case for a pyrotechnical igniter of a gas generator for a vehicle safety device that includes a peripheral side wall, a closed end, and a weak zone in the peripheral side wall. The weak zone extends along a continuous trace having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The first and second end portions of the continuous trace both transition from a first point having a first side wall depth to a second point having a second side wall depth. The second side wall depth is greater than the first side wall depth. The weak zone is configured for opening a vent in the peripheral side wall in response to an increase of pressure within the metallic case.

A metallic case for a pyrotechnical igniter of a gas generator for a vehicle safety device that includes a peripheral side wall, a closed end, and a weak zone in the peripheral side wall. The weak zone extends along a continuous trace having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The first and second end portions of the continuous trace both transition from a first point having a first side wall depth to a second point having a second side wall depth. The second side wall depth is greater than the first side wall depth. The weak zone is configured for opening a vent in the peripheral side wall in response to an increase of pressure within the metallic case.