Abstract: A solar panel installation includes a number of solar panels supported by two or more beams that are arranged parallel to each other on the surface of a roof. Each panel is arranged across and supported by multiple ones of the beams. The combined weight of the beams at least equals the combined weight of the panels, which permits the use of panels that are lighter and easier to handle than ones whose weight forms the bulk of the ballast. For example, the beams advantageously can have about twice as much combined weight as the combined weight of the panels. Various aspects and variations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic cage lock for securing various cages in a ventilated cage and rack system. The automatic cage lock facilitates the securing of a cage within the cage and rack system when a user slides the cage into the cage and rack system until the cage fully passes the locking finger component of the automatic cage lock. The cage may be easily unlocked by applying a small amount of pressure to the locking finger while simultaneously grasping the cage for removal. A color-coded indicator block may be disposed on the end of the lock assembly; the indicator block may be hidden by an indicator shield when the cage is securely docked in the rack. Conversely, the indicator block may be visually exposed when a cage is present in the rack but not fully docked within the rack. The indicator block provides a clear indication to a user as to the docking status of the cage.

Abstract: An automatic cage lock for securing various cages in a ventilated cage and rack system. The automatic cage lock facilitates the securing of a cage within the cage and rack system when a user slides the cage into the cage and rack system until the cage fully passes the locking finger component of the automatic cage lock. The cage may be easily unlocked by applying a small amount of pressure to the locking finger while simultaneously grasping the cage for removal. A color-coded indicator block may be disposed on the end of the lock assembly; the indicator block may be hidden by an indicator shield when the cage is securely docked in the rack. Conversely, the indicator block may be visually exposed when a cage is present in the rack but not fully docked within the rack. The indicator block provides a clear indication to a user as to the docking status of the cage.

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.