Abstract: A piston-controlled locking mechanism including an external cylinder having annular retaining means, a first elongated piston located adjacent the cylinder and having ball lock positioning apertures in the extension, a second coaxially located piston positioned inside of the skirt of the first piston and having indentations capable of mating with the ball positioning portions of the first piston, and positioning elements for first moving the inner piston to release the balls and thereafter moving the outer piston to either release or lock the cylinder.

Abstract: A gyroscope caging system includes a clamping ring encircling a portion of the rotor of the gyro and adapted to engage an annular groove in the rotor simultaneously with engagement of a groove in a base support member, for clamping to and supporting the rotor during very high acceleration launches of a missile or airborne vehicle. The caging system is adapted to preload the gyroscope bearings in order to insure that the maximum load is carried by the cage device.