The present invention provides a sealing and restraint apparatus to establish
a pressure boundary for inflatable or expandable spacecraft. The apparatus is capable
of connecting the flexible pressure boundary of an inflatable spacecraft to the
rigid structure of the spacecraft. The flexible pressure boundary of the present
invention comprises a gas membrane and a restraint layer. The gas membrane minimizes
air leakage. The restraint layer carries the forces created by the internal pressurization
of the spacecraft. This apparatus provides a hermetic seal and the structural integrity
necessary to resist internal pressurization forces.