Method and apparatus for pressure filling and sealing a vessel

An apparatus for filling a canister with pressurized fluid and sealing the said canister with the pressurized fluid therein, the said canister having a weldable end wall with an opening therein for receiving a weld ball, said apparatus comprising:

• a weld head assembly including a head having an opening for receiving a pressurized gas, said opening defining a terminal end, said head further having a seal operably associated with said terminal end for engaging the said end wall of the said canister, said weld head assembly further including a welding electrode;
• and
• a ball shuttle assembly including a shuttle block, said shuttle block having a passage for receiving the said weld ball and means for receiving the weld ball from said passage means and holding the said weld ball, said shuttle block movable between a first position wherein a portion of said shuttle block is disposed in alignment with said head opening, and a second position wherein no portion of said shuttle block is disposed in alignment with said head opening.

An apparatus for pressure testing a canister with pressurized fluid, the canister having a weldable end wall with a lip and an opening therein, said apparatus comprising:

• a head portion having an end face and an opening for receiving a pressurized gas, said opening defining a terminal end, said end face having a seal operably associated with said terminal end, said seal defining an end face for engaging one of the end wall and the lip of the said canister;
• at least two arms, each said arm including a shoulder for engaging the canister lip and pulling one of the end wall and the lip against said seal end face, each said arm being separately and pivotably connected to said head portion whereby said shoulders are independently pivotable relative to one another, and thereby allow at least one of the end wall and the lip to be disposed parallel to said end face.