the git repository for the applet-launcher is at:
https://github.com/sgothel/applet-launcherThere are instructions inside the javadocs (you need to run javadocs yourself, but its one java file)
Yes, you typically need to buy a key (I believe), but for development you can create one for free that will last 6 months (see the documentation for keytool and jarsigner for more info on that)
Also, its very easy to build jogl using ant (see building JoGL on this website). Also, I went through a difficult process trying to deploy applets that support all platforms and I think I just got it. But look at the thread in this forum called "Mac OS Java Update ( 1.6.0_20) breaks JOGL applets" it might help. You need to override the loadLibrary() function if you are using your own DLLs in conjunction with JoGL.
Hope this helps.
Blaine