Abstract: An exemplary temperature control system for animal confinement buildings includes an agricultural heater and a ventilation system. The agricultural heater is modified to be a variable rate heater using SmartBox technology or by applying appropriate control logic and outputs to a conventional room controller. A heat on/off relay of the room controller can serve as an enable signal connected to the SmartBox. Heating is controlled using a proportional-plus-integral algorithm for error correction. Error correction may be ceased when temperatures fall within a dead band. Heat is turned on when the temperature drops to an on temperature equal to a set point minus 0.5F. Heat can be turned off when the heater has been at a minimum output level for a minimum output period (such as 90 seconds) and the temperature has not dropped below the on temperature during the minimum output period. An auto-variable radiant brooder may be incorporated.

Abstract: A radiant tube heater, primarily for agricultural buildings and preferably intended for poultry breeding buildings, includes a burner box or heat creator, which is an enclosure with pressurized and non-pressurized sides, a gas control valve and orifice assembly; ignition control and components, a burner assembly, and an air proving switch. Attached to the burner box is a heat distributor which includes a radiant heating tube unit. The radiant heating tube unit is comprised of an elongated two-section tube extending from the burner box, wherein the first tube has a round cross section and a cross section having a diameter less than the width of the second tube. The second tube is characterized by having a non-round or oblong, preferably oval cross section, wherein one set of opposing sides of the oblong tube are longer than the ends of the tube. A transition piece connects the first tube with the section tube. An open reflector is situated for reflecting the radiant heat to a desired location.

Abstract: An exemplary temperature control system for animal confinement buildings includes an agricultural heater and a ventilation system. The agricultural heater is modified to be a variable rate heater using SmartBox technology or by applying appropriate control logic and outputs to a conventional room controller. A heat on/off relay of the room controller can serve as an enable signal connected to the SmartBox. Heating is controlled using a proportional-plus-integral algorithm for error correction. Error correction may be ceased when temperatures fall within a dead band. Heat is turned on when the temperature drops to an on temperature equal to a set point minus 0.5 F. Heat can be turned off when the heater has been at a minimum output level for a minimum output period (such as 90 seconds) and the temperature has not dropped below the on temperature during the minimum output period. An auto-variable radiant brooder may be incorporated.

Abstract: A semi-automatic gas pilot clean-out device and a gas pilot with the device useful in agricultural brooders and other appliances that utilize a gas pilot as an ignition source. The device has a plunger rod with a clean-out pin attached to one end and a push button assembly attached to the other end. The assembly when mounted within a gas pilot housing can be actuated by manually pressing the button of the assembly to move the plunger rod toward a gas outlet of the gas pilot so that the tip of the clean-out pin passes through the gas outlet, removing debris therefrom. When pressure is no longer applied to the button, the assembly returns to an open position.

Abstract: A semi-automatic gas pilot clean-out device and a gas pilot with the device useful in agricultural brooders and other appliances that utilize a gas pilot as an ignition source. The device has a plunger rod with a clean-out pin attached to one end and a push button assembly attached to the other end. The assembly when mounted within a gas pilot housing can be actuated by manually pressing the button of the assembly to move the plunger rod toward a gas outlet of the gas pilot so that the tip of the clean-out pin passes through the gas outlet, removing debris therefrom. When pressure is no longer applied to the button, the assembly returns to an open position.