Abstract: A low profile brooder is provided, comprising a venturi, a burner base, a burner cap, and a baffle. The burner base and the burner cap reside adjacent to each other, with the burner cap disposed above the burner base and with a distribution chamber between them. A central axis is defined. A venturi resides below the burner base and is in fluid communication with the distribution chamber at the central axis. The venturi defines a fuel flow path between its upstream and downstream ends. The fuel flow path resides at least partially at one or more of an acute angle, a perpendicular angle, and an obtuse angle to the central axis. A baffle resides in the distribution chamber between the central axis and the periphery.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that utilizes high pressure gas (greater than ½ psig) to control flow rate and gas discharge velocity to enable interchangeability between a plurality of gases without having to change the gas/air mixing venturi size or air opening. A new approach is to use the available incoming higher gas pressure to the appliance then control the volumetric flow rate with the first orifice and then use a second orifice to change the velocity of discharge into the gas/air mixing venturi of the burner and therefore have adjustability of gas air mixing conditions without having to change the burner system or air flow control even when changing between very different fuel gases.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that utilizes high pressure gas (greater than ½ psig) to control flow rate and gas discharge velocity to enable interchangeability between a plurality of gases without having to change the gas/air mixing venturi size or air opening. A new approach is to use the available incoming higher gas pressure to the appliance then control the volumetric flow rate with the first orifice and then use a second orifice to change the velocity of discharge into the gas/air mixing venturi of the burner and therefore have adjustability of gas air mixing conditions without having to change the burner system or air flow control even when changing between very different fuel gases.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that utilizes high pressure gas (greater than ½ psig) to control flow rate and gas discharge velocity to enable interchangeability between a plurality of gases without having to change the gas/air mixing venturi size or air opening. A new approach is to use the available incoming higher gas pressure to the appliance then control the volumetric flow rate with the first orifice and then use a second orifice to change the velocity of discharge into the gas/air mixing venturi of the burner and therefore have adjustability of gas air mixing conditions without having to change the burner system or air flow control even when changing between very different fuel gases.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that utilizes high pressure gas (greater than ½ psig) to control flow rate and gas discharge velocity to enable interchangeability between a plurality of gases without having to change the gas/air mixing venturi size or air opening. A new approach is to use the available incoming higher gas pressure to the appliance then control the volumetric flow rate with the first orifice and then use a second orifice to change the velocity of discharge into the gas/air mixing venturi of the burner and therefore have adjustability of gas air mixing conditions without having to change the burner system or air flow control even when changing between very different fuel gases.

Abstract: A safety device for disabling a positive pressure radiant tube heater upon failure of the heat exchanger and a corresponding method are described. This invention relates to the ability to detect a condition where a failure of the heat exchanger triggers the safety device and disables the heater. The safety device includes a low melt wire; an insulating sleeve positioned about the low melt wire, the wire and sleeve positioned on top of the reflector, a tension device to maintain the wire under tension; and a control device to disable the heater if the wire is discontinuous.

Abstract: A safety device for disabling a positive pressure radiant tube heater upon failure of the heat exchanger and a corresponding method are described. This invention relates to the ability to detect a condition where a failure of the heat exchanger triggers the safety device and disables the heater. The safety device includes a low melt wire; an insulating sleeve positioned about the low melt wire, the wire and sleeve positioned on top of the reflector, a tension device to maintain the wire under tension; and a control device to disable the heater if the wire is discontinuous.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus that is a synergistic combination of a windshield and a pilot light assembly for a gas burner heater. The apparatus provides reliable operation of the gas burner heater in high air flow conditions, where the air flow would normally cause the pilot light to be extinguished. The windshield, which is a partially perforated tubular chamber, provides a protected zone against high velocity air infusion for the entire pilot light assembly. The apparatus works in concert with the pilot light assembly, which also has components that provide protection from wind and can be quickly removed allowing quick cleaning and easy maintenance. The major components of the pilot light assembly are a pilot light orifice with a flame, a vented pilot housing (stack), a flame deflector cap, a pilot light gas line, a thermocouple with connecting electrical leads, a pilot base, a mounting bracket, and a windshield that surrounds the pilot light and the thermocouple.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a hot water supply for a building such as a mobile home, house, or business. A hot water storage tank is positioned within the building. A gas-fueled burner is positioned outside the building adjacent a heat exchanger which is connected in fluid communication with the indoor water storage tank. A pump circulates water from the tank through the heat exchanger and back into the tank responsive to a thermostat in the tank. The heat exchanger includes a thermostat for sensing the temperature of water therein to activate the pump and circulate relatively warm water from the tank through the heat exchanger to prevent freezing of water within the heat exchanger, such as during winter months when the ambient temperature falls below freezing. The gas heater may be used to convert a conventional electric water heater to operate from gas which is combusted outside of the building.

Abstract: A rapid recovery gas water heating system having a water storage tank, a gas water heater separate from the storage tank and having a compact heat exchanger for the flow of water therethrough from the storage tank, a water pump for pumping of water from lower regions of the storage tank into and through the heat exchanger and back into the storage tank, and a thermostat having water temperature sensing means positioned in the storage tank and serving for actuating the water pump and the gas water heater in response to the temperature of the water in the storage tank falling below a predetermined temperature value.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for bulk curing tobacco in which the temperature conditions in the tobacco curing barn are automatically controlled by heating the air being circulated through the barn in a controlled manner to maintain a predetermined differential in the dry bulb temperature of the air entering and leaving the curing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading tobacco into containers and for loading containers of tobacco into barns having a guide for facilitating evenly distributed loading of tobacco in containers and structure for rotating the container from a first loading position to a second curing position. The container can be rotated 90 degrees and positioned on wheeled tracks within a loading fixture and which align with corresponding wheeled tracks within a tobacco barn adapted to receive filled containers of tobacco for curing.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading tobacco into containers and for loading containers of tobacco into barns having a guide for facilitating evenly distributed loading of tobacco in containers, and structure for rotating the container from a first loading position to a second curing position. The container can be rotated 90.degree. and positioned on wheeled tracks within a loading fixture and which align with corresponding wheeled tracks within a tobacco barn adapted to receive filled containers of tobacco for curing.