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: A method of constructing an aviary structure is provided. The method includes steps of forming a foundation and coupling an internal support structure to the foundation. The internal support structure is coupled to the foundation at least in part by coupling a plurality of aviary cages to the foundation, coupling a plurality of peripheral columns to the foundation, and coupling the aviary cages with the peripheral columns using bracing. The method also includes steps of coupling at least one side wall to the peripheral columns, coupling the roof assembly to vertical support members of the aviary cages, and coupling said external paneling to the side wall and the roof assembly.

Abstract: Provided is an ignition device of a burner which allows the burner to stably ignite even when a portion of the burner member is damaged, the ignition device including: a plate-shaped sparker disposed in an upper central region of a burner head so as to realize ignition to burn the gas ejected from the burner head and having a plurality of ignition portions formed therein; and a supporting member which has one end inserted in a center of the sparker and the other end inserted in a central region of the burner head such that the sparker is disposed in the upper central region of the burner head.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods involve a hangable LED light assembly constructed to provide a selected color output illumination as a function of excitation intensity. In an illustrative example, the color output may be selected to promote biological development throughout livestock development stages (e.g., incubation, growth, and reproduction). The light intensity may controllable, for example, in response to a light dimmer arranged to modulate AC excitation applied to the LED downlight. As the light intensity is decreased in response to a simple dimmer control, the spectral output of the LED downlight may shift its output wavelengths. Accordingly, some exemplary installations may provide controlled combinations of intensity and color to substantially optimize lighting conditions for livestock.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring, with infrared thermometers, temperatures of hatching eggs placed in nests of hatching trays which are arranged in an incubator, wherein, for a preselected number of trays, the temperature is measured of a predetermined number of eggs, wherein during the hatching period, each individual thermometer contactlessly measures the temperature around a corresponding individual egg arranged in the incubator according to a pre-entered measurement scheme, wherein the measuring signals obtained control a temperature control regulation.

Abstract: An edible bird's nests production facility comprising of: a wholly man made artificial caves system and/or converted natural relief such as caves, valleys, cliffs forming the nesting habitat and associated supporting facilities configured to breed swiftlets for their nests by means of a captive breeding program for swiftlets; commercialized-scientific farming methods; specialized apparatus, mechanisms and techniques; managed sustainable harvesting of nests; provision of a safe and secure nesting habitat and a conducive environment to maximize avian population by minimizing mortality rates; safe collection of nests by means of mechanized lifting systems and specialist mountaineering equipment.

Abstract: A power control system for automatically and proportionately metering power to a heating device used to create a warm microenvironment conducive to the health and growth of an animal during a predetermined incubation period is herein disclosed. The power control system transmits proportionally more power to a heating device where an ambient room temperature measured outside of the microenvironment is nearer a predetermined lower limit, and proportionately less power when the ambient room temperature measured outside of the microenvironment is nearer a predetermined upper limit. A method of providing a heated microenvironment within a larger environment also is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature in a controlled-climate chamber, wherein: an organism, such as a plant or an animal, is placed in the controlled-climate chamber; the temperature in the controlled-climate chamber is kept essentially constant at a specific value (T1); at least one growth characteristic (G) of the organism, such as, for example, the CO2 production, is measured; the temperature in the controlled-climate chamber is raised or lowered by a specific value (?T); the magnitude of the growth characteristic is measured again; the variation in the measured value of the growth characteristic is determined (?G); and the temperature in the controlled-climate chamber is adjusted, depending on the variation in the measured value of the growth characteristic (?G) that has been determined.

Abstract: A power control device for automatically and proportionately metering power to a heating device used to create a warm microenvironment conducive to the health and growth of an animal during a predetermined incubation period is herein disclosed. The power control device transmits proportionally more power to a heating device where an ambient temperature measured outside of the microenvironment is nearer a predetermined lower limit, and proportionately less power when the ambient room temperature measured outside of the microenvironment is nearer a predetermined upper limit.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing heat caused by living embryos within an insulated hatchery enclosure. The apparatus comprises an enclosed chamber bounded by two pairs of opposing side walls and opposing first and second end walls spanning the insulated hatchery enclosure. The first end wall has a heat conductive portion, such as a copper plate, adapted to conduct heat between an outer surface of the end wall facing an interior of the insulated enclosure and an inner surface of the end wall adjacent the enclosed chamber. A plurality of baffles within the chamber define a serpentine path within the chamber through which air is directed from a start position along the path to an end position. A fresh air inlet coupled to the start position communicates fresh air taken from outside the insulated enclosure into the chamber and then through the serpentine path.