Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow includes a fluid inlet operable to receive a fluid flow, a fluid outlet operable to output the fluid flow, a diaphragm seat, a diaphragm operable to restrict the fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet by moving between an open position where the first diaphragm does not contact the diaphragm seat to a closed position where the diaphragm contacts the diaphragm seat, a spring operable to move the first diaphragm between the open position and the closed position, and a pressurized air inlet operable to receive pressurized air to move the first diaphragm between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A system for affixing a gatebox to an aircraft includes a first type of gatebox operable to release material from an aircraft, a second type of gatebox operable to release material from the aircraft, a frame coupled to the aircraft operable to receive a selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox; and a plurality of fastenings operable to secure the selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox to the frame.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow includes a fluid inlet operable to receive a fluid flow, a fluid outlet operable to output the fluid flow, a diaphragm seat, a diaphragm operable to restrict the fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet by moving between an open position where the first diaphragm does not contact the diaphragm seat to a closed position where the diaphragm contacts the diaphragm seat, a spring operable to move the first diaphragm between the open position and the closed position, and a pressurized air inlet operable to receive pressurized air to move the first diaphragm between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A gatebox for an aircraft comprises an opening operable to allow material to flow out of the gatebox, a hopper operable to direct material in the gatebox to the opening, a door coupled to the hopper and operable to move between an open position and a closed position by sliding along a surface of the gatebox, wherein the door comprises a front edge, a rear edge wider than the front edge, and at least two side edges that taper between the front edge and the rear edge, and a seal coupled to the hopper and operable to, when the door is in the closed position, engage the edges of the door and compress to prevent material in the gatebox from being released through the opening along the engaged edge of the door.

Abstract: A spreader for an aircraft comprises a throat assembly operable to couple to a gatebox, the throat assembly comprising an air intake portion operable to direct airflow into the spreader, a material intake portion operable to receive material released from a gatebox, a fan assembly comprising a plurality of vanes that divide the fan assembly into a plurality of compartments, wherein the vanes are comprised of molded material, and a connection mechanism operable to couple the fan assembly to the throat assembly.

Abstract: A system for affixing a gatebox to an aircraft includes a first type of gatebox operable to release material from an aircraft, a second type of gatebox operable to release material from the aircraft, a frame coupled to the aircraft operable to receive a selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox; and a plurality of fastenings operable to secure the selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox to the frame.

Abstract: A system for affixing a gatebox to an aircraft includes a first type of gatebox operable to release material from an aircraft, a second type of gatebox operable to release material from the aircraft, a frame coupled to the aircraft operable to receive a selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox; and a plurality of fastenings operable to secure the selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox to the frame.