Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the tension in a cable and for maintaining the tension between a minimum tension and a maximum tension value comprises a rocker carrying a pulley about which the cable is passed, the rocker being pivotally supported for rotation between first and second rotational positions and being biased toward the first rotational position. Upon tension being applied to the cable, the rocker pivots away from the first position by an amount proporational to the cable tension. Spring biased plungers and associated switches sense the rocker being respectively at the first and second rotational positions and control the tension applied to the cable so as to maintain the tension between the selected minimum and maximum values.

Abstract: A battlefield magazine, for protecting a plurality of projectiles against harsh environmental conditions, includes a molded base for holding back portions of a plurality of projectiles. A steel frame assembled to the molded base provides structural strength and support to the molded base. A cover, attaches to the steel frame and molded base assembly and protectively encloses the front one-half of the ogives of the projectiles extending out from the front of the molded base. Reinforcing plates, positioned on the back surface of the molded base provide structural strength during vertical lifting of the battlefield magazine. The frame and reinforcing plates include lugs on one side while the corresponding opposite sides include recesses adapted to receive lugs of a like magazine to allow stacking of magazines.

Abstract: A transport and storage container for artillery shells and other projectiles has a base member and cover each of molded plastic rectangular box-like form defining four (4) projectile compartments. The base member has supporting hardware including a vertical central tube, hoop frames around the exterior of the base member and transverse connecting rods between the central tube and the hoop frames. Corner recesses in the base member provide access to the respective corner portions of the hoop frames allowing the corner portions to be used as attachment and lifting points so that containers can be coupled together in groups. The cover is attached to the base member via a central latch rod which threads into the central base member tube. A projectile self-latching mechanism is provided in each projectile compartment of the base member.

Abstract: A grouping head hoist uses a plurality of conical couplers mounted upon cables to rearrange and lift a plurality of projectiles. The couplers are locked to the eyelet at the nose of the projectiles and the cables are raised relative to a lower guide plate such that the couplers will seat within corresponding conical holes within the guide plate. The positioning of the holes in the guide plate determines the structure of the array into which the projectiles are rearranged. An upper support plate disposed above the guide plate raises and lowers the cables by operation of hydraulic cylinders connecting the upper support plate and lower guide plate. Alternately, the cables may be reeled upon reels or drums mounted within a case. An automatic release plate is used to simultaneously release numerous of the projectiles. A turn counting mechanism limits rotation of the reels upon which the cables are wound. A scissors mechanism or linkage assembly is used to stabilize the hoist.

Abstract: A projectile holding apparatus or rack includes a plurality of spring-biased steel bands for securing a plurality of projectiles in the rack. Each of the securing steel bands may be individually moved to release or secure projectiles disposed within corresponding projectile storage tubes. The steel bands include a part to at least partially spiral around a projectile such that projectiles of different lengths may be accommodated. A gang control may be used for simultaneously locking and unlocking the projectiles within the projectile storage tubes. The gang control is further operable to move all of the securing bands from their releasing positions to their securing positions.

Abstract: A battlefield magazine includes a base and a cover which may be used to realize a projectile storage container to protect projectiles against harsh environmental conditions and to seal projectiles against contamination from nuclear, biological, and chemical agents. Each of the projectiles within the projectile storage container is individually sealed by a resilient seal compressed between the cover and the base. When access to the projectiles for usage is required, the cover may be removed from the base and replaced with an alternate projectile front protecting device used to lock the front of the projectiles. The projectile locking front together with the base form a projectile storage rack used to secure the projectiles, but also allowing their removal for loading into weapons.