Abstract: A device for regulating exhaust air flow in a ventilation system when a rack is removed from the system. The device includes a housing forming an air conduit. A valve is mounted in the housing with the valve being moveable between an open position when the device is connected to the rack, and in one of a plurality of partially preset closed positions when the device is not connected to the rack. A valve adjustment member selects the one of a plurality of partially closed positions and is preset during factory testing. When valve is installed at facility and valve is removed from rack the adjustment is fully automatic. The technician merely disconnects the exhaust drop hose with valve attached, and valve automatically adjusts to a preset back pressure duplication position (partially closed position).

Abstract: A sipper tube insertion and removal apparatus is provided for easily and consistently inserting a sipper tube into a stopper with a hole and for also easily and consistently removing a sipper tube from a hole in a stopper. For insertion of a sipper tube into the hole of a stopper, the apparatus includes a sipper tube insertion head for holding the sipper tube, a stopper insertion platform for holding the stopper, and an actuator. The stopper insertion platform holds the stopper such that the hole of the stopper is aligned with the sipper tube, and the platform is disposed at a predetermined distance apart from the sipper tube insertion head. The actuator closes the predetermined distance between the sipper tube insertion head and the stopper insertion platform so as to cause the sipper tube to be inserted into the hole of the stopper.

Abstract: An animal cage rack locking mechanism is provided for releasable locking a cage to an animal cage rack. An indexing arm disposed in a sleeve extends into the slide path of the cage and is coupled to a locking arm also disposed in the sleeve. When the cage is slid into the rack, the indexing arm causes the locking arm to extend from the sleeve to lock the cage in place.