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 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 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.

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 passive deflection gauge to detect peak deflection in a structural material or system since a given time is disclosed. The gauge includes any type of mechanical deflection sensor using a moveable or extensible core for measuring deflection. A stop moves the core only if a strain greater than the previously occurring maximum strain is present in the structural material or system. Any other movement of the stop will not move the core. Furthermore, a friction member may be incorporated to prevent spurious movement of the core.

Abstract: Devices and methodology are provided for measuring mechanical strain in a structural member. The devices and methodology utilize a material which undergoes a change in phase when strained so that measurement of the phase change indicates strain. Preferably the phase change material is a transformation induced plasticity steel alloy. The elements may be configured as gauges secured to a structural member, but also the elements may perform as part of the structure. A plurality of elements may be organized into a monitoring system, either passive or active, for a complex structure.

Abstract: A method and alloys for fabricating wrought components of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor are disclosed. These wrought, nickel-based alloys, which exhibit strength and excellent resistance to carburization at elevated temperatures, include aluminum and titanium in amounts and ratios to promote the growth of carburization resistant films while preserving the wrought character of the alloys. These alloys also include substantial amounts of molybdenum and/or tungsten as solid-solution strengtheners. Chromium may be included in concentrations less than 10% to assist in fabrication. Minor amounts of carbon and one or more carbide-forming metals also contribute to high-temperature strength.