Abstract: The present invention concerns a hydrophone signal limiting shunt switch, electrically associated and physically conjoined with a conventional hydrophone, for limiting hydrophone signal operability to water depths less than a predetermined, proscribed depth. The primary components of the shunt switch are a protected plunging bolt, at least one disk spring and an electrically conducting foot, none of which are ever in direct contact with the ocean environment. Flexure of the disk spring is the sole determinant of switch actuation. Upon sensing a predetermined, proscribed operating depth, the protected plunging bolt forces the electrically conducting foot to shunt the electrical connection between the associated hydrophone and the hydrophone transmission cable, consequently, quenching the hydrophone signal at the proscribed depth.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a hydrophone signal limiting shunt switch, electrically associated and physically conjoined with a conventional hydrophone, for limiting hydrophone signal operability to water depths less than a predetermined, proscribed depth. The primary components of the shunt switch are a protected plunging bolt, at least one disk spring and an electrically conducting foot, none of which are ever in direct contact with the ocean environment. Flexure of the disk spring is the sole determinant of switch actuation. Upon sensing a predetermined, proscribed operating depth, the protected plunging bolt forces the electrically conducting foot to shunt the electrical connection between the associated hydrophone and the hydrophone transmission cable, consequently, quenching the hydrophone signal at the proscribed depth.