Abstract: Unit with at least one plate made of a material, which material is permeable to thermal radiation, such as glass ceramic, glass, ceramic or a similar material, as a surface for cooking, frying and/or keeping warm. The unit with at least one plate is on a frame construction with different types of adjustable heat sources distributed underneath and on the plate. Some of the heat sources are distributed under the plate in the form of radiant burners and act indirectly by radiation through the plate. Other heat sources are located above the level of the plate in the form of open atmospheric or atmospheric pressure gas burners and transmit heat directly by producing open flames. The respective heat sources correspond to the cooking, frying and/or warming positions.

Abstract: A gas burner has a perforated, hollow body around and defining a combustion chamber. Gaseous fuel is fed to one side of the body, combustion occurs on the other side and the perforations provide a spatial connection between the fuel feed side and the combustion side. The new burner reduces exhaust gas emissions and offers a wide range of performance in the amount of heat energy provided, in the permissible range of gas pressure and in the range of fuels and fuel/air mixtures that can be used with it.

Abstract: A grill (10) is provided having a combustion chamber (11) which includes a tub (13) and a hood (15) pivotally mounted to the tub. The tub has an metallic, exterior shell (26) and an interior insulative liner (27) made of cementitious material, such as calcium aluminate, mounted within the exterior shell. The exterior shell has a front wall (29), a back wall (30), two end walls (31) and a floor (32). The insulative liner (27) has a back panel (35) mounted adjacent tub back wall and two end panels (36) mounted adjacent to corresponding tub side walls. The insulative liner panels have a faux brick exterior surface (55) which provides an undulating heat reflecting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making glass-ceramic plates which are bent at a radius of curvature especially suitable in the manufacture of cooking plates.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for adjusting a pressure-fluctuation free supply of gas and for controlling an operating pressure of an air/gas mixture to a radiation-gas burner of a gas cooking apparatus. The radiation-gas burner has a burner chamber and is mounted in a housing below a cover plate. The arrangement includes a gas supply conduit connectable to a gas source for receiving the gas and a pressure controller is mounted in the gas supply conduit for controlling the pressure of the gas to a constant operating pressure of at least 2.5 mbar above atmospheric pressure. A control unit is connected to the pressure controller for receiving the pressure-controlled gas and for metering the gas to the radiation-gas burner. The control unit includes a valve block having at least one exchangeable nozzle adapted to the type of gas from the gas source and a feed conduit has a clear cross-sectional area and communicates with the burner chamber. The feed conduit has an inlet opening adjacent the nozzle.

Abstract: A gas burner configuration for cooking areas includes a gas fitting for supplying gas to a gas burner and a first setting member for the gas fitting. An adjusting pipe is disposed in the vicinity of a gas injector nozzle configuration. The adjusting pipe can be displaced longitudinally toward the gas burner along an opening for a feed pipe supplying a gas/air mixture and can be varied through the use of a second setting member disposed in the vicinity of the first setting member, for optimizing a gas/air mixture by varying an air induction effect in an injector region.

Abstract: Gas cooking appliances having glass or glass-ceramic plates for cooking surfaces also having gas-radiation burners that are positioned below the plate or atmospheric burners that are recessed in the plate. With gas radiation burners, care must be taken to ensure a thermally advantageous discharge of exhaust gases that are produced and with atmospheric burners, care must be taken to ensure an adequate supply of primary air. Accordingly, the glass or glass-ceramic plate forming the cooking surface is partially bent out of the cooking surface plane to form an adhesive-free exhaust air duct or fresh air opening in the bent area. The exhaust air duct and fresh air opening are free of ventilation lattices.

Abstract: A light-weight portable cooking gas stove which is used for cooking at a picnic, hiking, camping, climbing, etc., comprises a hollow circular plate, a circular pipe gas cylinder, a piezo ignition means, a ceramic circular crater substantially centrally disposed with respect to the plate, and an upper cover. The circular gas cylinder is installed adjacent an inner circumference on the bottom of the hollow circular plate to ensure physical stability of the stove. The circular pipe gas cylinder includes on its exterior a gas fuel injection entrance. The ceramic circular crater has a great number of fine through holes to enhance heat efficiency by emission of infra-red rays when ignited. The gas injection entrance and all control means for cooking is operable from the exterior of the hollow circular plate.

Abstract: An improved oven of a type having an on/off pilot and gas valve for receiving gas, with the on/off pilot and gas valve being purely mechanical and having inner workings and a manually operated push button knob, a pilot in communication with the on/off pilot and gas valve and the oven for igniting the oven, a manually operated shut-off valve in fluid communication with the on/off pilot and gas valve for shutting off the gas, and a thermostat in fluid communication with the pilot and in fluid and mechanical communication with the oven for controlling the temperature of the oven.

Abstract: The flavor producing plate, resembling an inverted egg carton, has a smooth surface topography comprising symmetrical, convex protuberances disposed in a symmetrical array. Excess food drippings are drained away through through-openings (having diameters greater than 12 millimeters) located within the interstices between protuberances. Plate cleanability is improved by coating the surface with an anti-stick coating of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) preferably containing reinforcing particles that enhance the coating's scrub resistance. The plates can be made from cast, wrought, or sintered metal such as iron, aluminum, copper, or bronze. Plate mass provides an areal heat capacity (Q.sub.A) in the range of from 500 to 3,000 Joules per square centimeter thereby retaining the heat sink and heat modulating functions of prior art plates.

Abstract: Unit with at least one plate made of a material, which material is permeable to thermal radiation, such as glass ceramic, glass, ceramic or a similar material, as a surface for cooking, frying and/or keeping warm. The unit with at least one plate is on a frame construction with different types of adjustable heat sources distributed underneath and on the plate. Some of the heat sources are distributed under the plate in the form of radiant burners and act indirectly by radiation through the plate. Other heat sources are located above the level of the plate in the form of open atmospheric or atmospheric pressure gas burners and transmit heat directly by producing open flames. The respective heat sources correspond to the cooking, frying and/or warming positions.

Abstract: A system for transferring heat to an impingement surface includes a first radial jet reattachment combustion nozzle operable to direct a flame toward the impingement surface and comprising a central longitudinal axis. The system also includes a second radial jet reattachment combustion nozzle operable to direct a flame toward the impingement surface and comprising a central longitudinal axis. The first and second nozzles are positioned such that the central longitudinal axes are substantially parallel and spaced apart such that flames directed from the first and second radial jet reattachment combustion nozzles interact with each other.

Abstract: A griddle adapted for use in the food service industry. The griddle comprises a stainless steel griddle plate and a plurality of copper plates held against the underside of the griddle plate. High temperature grease is placed between the adjacent surfaces of the stainless steel plates and copper plates. The copper plates are held in place by leaf springs. Suitable heating devices, such as gas burners or electric heater bars, heat the griddle. When there is a differential in temperature between the stainless steel plate and the copper plates, the copper plates can move relative to the stainless steel plate. The movement is facilitated by the use of high temperature grease. The high temperature grease also provides efficient heat transfer between the copper plates and the stainless steel plate.

Abstract: A cooking appliance having a hob surface is provided with a hob heating element provided in the top surface of a base unit. The base unit is arranged to be capable of being raised above the level of the hob surface in order to expose a further heating element provided in the bottom surface of the base unit whereby to permit food to be cooked with heat from above or below. The heating elements may be of gas or electrical.

Abstract: A gas burner design to facilitate use of a gas fired barbecue grill as a smoker. A conductive metal plate is fixed above outlet holes on a gas burner so that when the gas is ignited the flames first must stream horizontally along a protruding horizontal lip on the conductive metal plate. If the gas flow is increased, the flames stream around and upward from the conductive metal plate. A depressed area is formed in the center of the conductive metal plate. Wood chips or other combustible smoking materials may be placed in this depressed area. The gas is turned on at a low rate of flow and ignited. The gas heats the metal plate, which causes the smoking materials to begin to char and smolder. The conductive metal plate also serves to distribute and diffuse the heat generated by the flames making it easier to maintain desirable lower temperatures within the grill for use as a smoker. When the gas flow is increased, the flames stream around and above the metal plate for use of the grill for conventional broiling.

Abstract: An infrared gas burner for a gas cooker including a mixing tube arranged between a gas valve and a burner unit and adapted to mix gas supplied from the gas valve with air, a support member for supporting a ceramic plate within the burner unit in such a manner that the gas mixture emerging from the mixing tube passes through flame holes of the ceramic plate, a temperature control unit adapted to measure a temperature of flames generated by the burner unit, thereby controlling the amount of gas supplied to the burner unit based on the measured temperature, and a cover unit disposed over the burner unit and adapted to transfer infrared radiant heat and exhaust heat generated at the burner unit to a cooking pot laid thereon. The mixing tube is configured to mix gas with air in an optimum state for the combustion of the gas while uniformly distributing the gas mixture through flame holes of a ceramic plate, the transfer of heat to the body of a burner unit is reduced, thereby minimizing loss of heat.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a cooking panel to a top surface without a visible circumferential frame or visible sealants/adhesives is disclosed. An assembly of a cooking panel and a burner box may be suspended in a recess formed in a top with a support member having a roll-form with an inverted L-shaped cross-section. The invention further includes a method for mounting a ceramic cooking panel within a recess formed in a countertop by suspending the assembly of the cooking panel and a burner box through the cooktop by the support member.

Abstract: A cooking assembly has a main burner, a pilot burner mounted in it and having a vent, a gas valve having separate main and pilot gas outlets, and a main-burner controller including a temperature sensor on the main burner, a control unit on the valve capable of varying gas output from the main gas outlet, and a capillary tube connected between the sensor and the control unit. This controller can vary gas flow from the main outlet in accordance with the temperature of the main burner as sensed by the sensor. An electrical igniter on the main burner can be energized by a switch on the valve. A pilot-burner controller connected to the switch includes a thermoelectric sensor in the pilot vent and blocks gas output from the gas outlets when insufficient heat is detected by its sensor and the switch is not closed.

Abstract: A barbecue cooker for cooking foods having a cooker bowl, a closure for the bowl, one or more heat sources for producing heat extended within the bowl, and an infrared emitter positioned within the bowl above and adjacent to each heat source. A movable support structure is also taught for revolving food around a central heat source.

Abstract: A tile for use with a cooking grill includes a base with top and bottom surfaces and a plurality of frusto-conical bosses extending upwardly form the top surface, each boss having a channel extending substantially vertically through the tile to the bottom surface. The channels and bosses are shaped to allow food drippings to flow through the tile such that a portion of the food drippings falling upon the top surface collect and are vaporized, and a smaller portion flows through the channel to exit the bottom surface. In a preferred embodiment, the tile includes dimples formed in its upper surface to collect drippings to vaporize and promote cooking of an associated food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for barbecue grilling of food comprising an outer housing (1) having a grill (2) upon which food can be placed, a radiant heat source (3) located below the grill (2), and a supply (4) of combustible gas and air mixture to heat the radiant heat source (3). The radiant heat source (3) comprises a chamber located within the outer housing, the inner chamber (3) being spaced from the outer housing (1) to define an air passage (9) and wherein a supply of pressurized air flows in the air passage (9), the pressurized air providing a primary source of air for mixing with the combustible gas and a secondary source of air which passes into the inner chamber (3) thereby increasing oxidizing conditions within the inner chamber.

Abstract: A gas radiation burner has a burner plate, and a safety element providing an ignition safety for non-burnt discharging gas for igniting gas or interrupting a gas supply. The safety element is formed as a temperature measuring resistance which contacts the burner plate via electrical conductors and is composed of a material of the burner plate.

Abstract: A counter-top or free-standing cooking unit with a top surface of natural stone, such as granite, is made especially resistant to cracking and fracture caused by mechanical or thermal stress. The natural stone's perimeter is cut and holes cut to match the diameters of the heating elements to be installed. The stone is preferably annealed for a suitable time at a suitable temperature to relieve stresses introduced by cutting. A reinforcing plate material is selected to have sufficient tensile strength, good thermal conductivity, and a thermal expansion coefficient that matches to some extent the stone's lateral thermal expansion. The plate may be a laminated composite of several metals, chosen such that the thermal expansion of the laminate matches that of the stone as closely as possible. The plate is cut smaller than the stone slab's outer dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate of glass ceramic suitable as component of a cooking appliance with at least one region of the one-piece plate deviating from the main plane of the plate.

Abstract: A non-open fire type cooking burner capable of exhibiting endurance, workability and safety. Heat combustion or exhaust gas produced by combustion in a burner body are guided to a heat exchanger made of metal and discharged through an exhaust pipe to an exterior of a room, respectively. The heat is then radiated to a ceramic plate arranged above the heat exchanger for cooking. An air shifter provided with an air-direction change-over damper is arranged so as to change over flowing of air, to thereby permit the cooking burner to be applied to space heating as well as cooking.

Abstract: The gas cooking assembly of the invention includes at least one gas-fired burner which has a burner chamber and a burner plate, especially a burner plate made of fiber material, the gas-fired burner being arranged below a continuous cooking plate made of a material conductive to heat radiation such as a glass ceramic, glass, ceramic or the like material. Control units are provided for metering gas as well as conventional ignition units, safety units and temperature-monitoring units. Exhaust-gas channels conduct away combustion gases. A blower brings additional air to the burner plate. The blower and control unit are located in a partitioned-off space wherein an overpressure is maintained by the blower. The partitioned-off space is connected via pipes to the burner chamber and to the ambient. The pipes are gas tight at their peripheral surfaces in the region outside of said partitioned-off space.

Abstract: A table-like device is provided for preparing foods. A one-piece tabletop is made of stainless steel sheet metal. The tabletop has a central downward curvature. A heating device is arranged beneath the tabletop for heating the central region thereof. A plate-like heat transfer element, an electric heating element and a plate-like reflector are arranged, one below the other, under the central region of the tabletop for efficiently and uniformly heating the central region.

Abstract: A cooking hob comprising at least one gas burner 17, 18, 19 disposed beneath a glass top 25, said burner including a heat resistant rod 46 extending across at least part of the burner 17, 18, 19 and a thermocouple element 47 connected to the rod 46 for sensing the temperature of the glass 25 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A cooking appliance having a plate of a material transparent to thermal radiation, such as glass-ceramic, having adjustable heat sources distributed under, in, or on the plate, which are heated by direct or indirect heat transfer, electrically, and/or by gas and/or other heating means, the plate possessing at least two types of heat sources which use different kinds of heat transfer, these all being heated by means of gas.

Abstract: In a gas-fired stove or oven, gas is burned in a porous ceramic surface combustion burner which generates selective emissive radiation in a narrow band. The high temperature surface of the burner includes a narrow band quantum emitting substance such as rare earth metal oxide. Relatively shorter wavelength radiation from this quantum emitting surface illuminates process targets having an absorption spectrum nearly matched to the emission spectrum of the burner surface, for a variety of applications such as cooking. The selected emission may be passed through a glass top stove to heat a pot with an absorptive bottom or may pass on through a glass pot to heat the food directly.

Abstract: The combustion apparatus having a heat-recirculating function comprises: a porous burner component (4) being made of permeable metallic material and having a first region (4a) through which a fuel-air mixture flows and is ejected therefrom into the combustion chamber at a velocity higher than the burning velocity of the fuel-air mixture to form a flame base on the periphery of the fuel-air mixture ejection area and having a second region (4b) being located adjacent to and outside of the first region to recover heat from high temperature product gas generated from the combustion of the fuel-air mixtures by red-heating the surface of the second region on the combustion chamber side while the product gas is penetrating through the burner component (4), wherein the heat recovered in the second region is conducted to the first region; the combustion chamber (5) being located to cover both the first region (4a) and the second region (4b) and enclosing these regions, and a cylindrical wall (6) separating a fuel-air

Abstract: The combustion apparatus is composed of: a porous burner component being made of a permeable metallic material and having a centrally located first region (11a, 11aa, 11ba, 11ca) where the fuel-air mixture is ejected and the red heat condition is formed on the surface of downstream side and having a second region (10b, 11ab, 11bb, 11cb) being located outside of the first region to recover heat from high temperature product gas coming from a combustion chamber, wherein the heat recovered in the second region is conducted to the first region; the combustion chamber (8) being located covering both the first region and the second region and enclosing these regions; a fuel-air mixture supply passage (7) to feed the fuel-air mixture into the central first region; and an exhaust passage (6) to lead the flue gas discharged from the second region to the exhaust opening (9), which exhaust passage is located adjacent to and outside of the fuel-air mixture supply passage and is separated by a separation wall (4) therefro

Abstract: A gas hob has a glass ceramic top plate and gas fired heat radiating burner units below the top plate. Each burner unit has a lower plate which includes a number of concentric chambers. A ceramic burner plate is disposed over the lower plate. The burner plate is perforated to match the arrangement of concentric chambers to provide concentric gas burning rings. The supply of gas to the burner units is controllable by respective control valves enabling gas to be supplied only to the burner plate perforation at which supply of heat is required. A fan below the level of the burner units supplies air to a plenum chamber which communicates with ducts leading to the concentric chambers. The fan supplies combustion air at all times when a burner unit is in operation. Gas from the control valve mixes in the ducts with air from the plenum chamber before entering one of the concentric chambers and the gas burning ring.

Abstract: Embodiments of gas-fired appliances which generate selective emissive radiation, in such apparatus, gas is burned in a porous ceramic surface combustion burner. The high temperature surface of the burner includes a narrow band quantum emitting substance such as rare earth metal oxides. Relatively shorter wavelength radiation from this quantum emitting surface illuminates process targets having an absorption spectrum nearly matched to the emission spectrum of the burner surface, for a variety of application such as cooking. The selected emission may be passed through a glass top stove to heat a pot with an absorptive bottom or may pass on through a glass pot to heat the food directly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking assembly for a cooker or a cooking top, the assembly including a cooking plate (1) and at least one gas burner (100) enabling a receptacle to be heated, said cooking plate including an opening (4) associated with said burner to enable the burner to act directly. According to the invention, at least one of the gas burners (100) is a radiant burner having a metal fiber structure, with its top face (101) being essentially plane and flush with the top surface (P) of the cooking plate (1), said radiant burner (100) being organized so as to close the associated opening (4). The invention is applicable to cooking assemblies for cookers or cooking tops having a cooking plate made of vitroceramic, of molded glass, or of agglomerated inorganic fibers.

Abstract: A heating apparatus has a catalytic burner and a thermal receiver which consumes at least one portion of the heat generated by the catalytic burner. The catalytic burner has a member for ejecting a flow of combustible gas, a member for admixing primary air with the flow of combustible gas to obtain a mixture to be burnt, a chamber for distributing the mixture, and a catalytic combustion structure in communication with the distribution chamber. The combustible gas travels into an upstream face of the catalytic combustion structure, and combustion exhaust gases are removed through a downstream face of the catalytic combustion structure. A radiating flameless combustion front is located in the vicinity of the upstream face of the catalytic combustion structure during operation. A thermal receiver extends along virtually the entire surface of the upstream face of the catalytic structure and receives thermal energy.

Abstract: A device for use in gas cooking grills having burner elements, and improved gas cooking grills incorporating the device, comprising a radiant member composed of a high heat reflective material having a circular cross-section mounted directly above each burner element, and preferably a secondary planar radiant member mounted directly below each burner element. Both the radiant member and planar radiant member are wider than the burner element.

Abstract: An automated conveyorized oven includes a radiant heater assembly including a plurality of gas-fired radiant heaters positioned beneath the oven conveyor. Each heater assembly includes radiant heating elements in the form of perforate metallic plates, at the outer surface of which combustion takes place for elevating the temperature of the plates for generating radiant heat. Consistent and reliable operation is promoted by the provision of a control arrangement which acts to preclude flashback combustion upstream of the surface of the metallic heating elements, with the controls being operable to permit sufficient time for the heating elements to cool, after interruption of the gas supply thereto, before gas is resupplied to the heater units.

Abstract: A sealed gas burner assembly provides fast spark ignition of the primary air/gas mixture by supporting the electrode in an electrically insulative member that is disposed in a fluid-tight sealing engagement through the electrode aperture of a burner head, whereby ignition is facilitated by providing an ignition port directly adjacent an exterior terminal end portion of the electrode. The burner head has a low profile defined partly by a circumferential curved sidewall which eliminates turbulence in secondary airflow to the burner ports during high burner rates. A venturi tube providing the primary air/gas mixture to the burner and ignition is fully contained within an internal chamber of the burner head. The assembly is detachably secured to the burner opening of a range top through a twist lock engagement therewith, and is also provided with a seal to prevent spillovers from leaking between the assembly and the range top into the burner box.

Abstract: A glass-ceramic gas cooker top is provided with a piezoelectrically operated igniter for a pilot light for the burner. When the pilot light is lit, it heats a filament that is visible through the cooking vessel support plate of the cooker top. The burner is provided with a thermostatic valve, having a temperature-sensing bulb applied to the underside of the cooking vessel support plate.

Abstract: A cooking range in which a burner below a glass-ceramic plate is ignited with a glow igniter switched off in response to an ionization detector when combustion products are effected so as to prevent excessive heating of the glow igniter.

Abstract: A stainless steel sheet metal housing has three sets of supports which are vertically disposed, with respect to each other. One or more burners are mounted on the lower most support. A heat distribution member or members are mounted on the intermediate support. Grids or griddles are mounted on the upper most support. All of the burners, heat distribution members, grids and griddles may be lifted in or out of said housing whereby different combination of components may be provided. The heat distribution means may be either a plurality of ceramic briquettes or a radiant metal plate. This way, the charbroiler may be configured in many different ways to accommodate the changing tastes of customers, either in the short term over the course of a day or in the long term over a number of weeks, months or years.

Abstract: In order to accelerate the heating of a burner plate of a cooking appliance with a glass ceramic cooking surface and a radiant gas burner, the radiant gas burner is operated during the heating-up phase with an increased quantity of gas. The gas quantity is throttled to the normal rate at the latest upon reaching the operating temperature in the full load position. The time of throttling can either be predetermined by a time control or by determining the temperature of the burner plate. The gas quantity is throttled to achieve a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The safety stove includes a stove body having a heating chamber and an air chamber therein. The stove body and chambers are pneumatically sealed. The heating chamber is positioned between the stove top and the air chamber. A burner assembly is mounted beneath the stove top in the heating and air chambers. The burner assembly has a fuel inlet and an air/fuel mixer and a burner. The burner being in the heating chamber, the fuel inlet being in the air chamber. The air/fuel mixer extending between the chambers. The burner assembly is the sole communication between chambers. The chambers are pneumatically isolated from the body. An air inlet duct communicates with the air chamber and the exterior of the body. A combustion product exhaust duct communicates with the heating chamber and the exterior of the body. The heater chamber and the product exhaust duct define an air/combustion product flow path. A fan is mounted within the air/combustion product flow path.

Abstract: A cooking unit has a housing having a front and a rear and formed at the rear with an upwardly open upright vent passage, a ceramic panel on the housing defining a plurality of cooking spots, a burner plate in the housing spaced underneath the panel and defining therewith an upper compartment opening upward into the passage, and respective gas burners supported on the plate underneath the spots. Thus the burners can heat the respective spots of the panel. An equipment plate in the housing spaced underneath the burner plate defines therewith an intermediate compartment also opening upward into the passage and defines beneath itself in the housing a lower compartment that is open to the outside at the front of the housing. Control equipment is mounted in the lower compartment of the housing along with a blower having an intake in this lower compartment and an outlet in the vent passage.

Abstract: A cellular base member is disclosed for use, in particular, with a barbeque grill. The preferred base member is made of ceramic and provided in a honeycomb shape. When fixedly disposed between the heat source and the cooking surface of a barbeque grill, the disclosed cellular base member retains and evenly radiates heat to the cooking surface. Furthermore, should any fatty food substance or the like fall from the cooking surface, the cellular base member vaporizes such food substance before it reaches the heat source, thereby eliminating the problem of flame flare-up.

Abstract: Equipment for the controlled and uniform cooking of foods of lesser thickness so that cooking occurs uniformly on the whole upper surface of the food and uniformly on the whole lower surface of the food comprising a base having a hole; a lower burner disposed below the hole; a heat conducting plate disposed over the hole, a lower surface of food resting on the plate being uniformly cooked by the thermal conduction from the lower burner through the plate; a chamber having an open bottom spaced from the plate; an upper burner disposed in the chamber; a fume deflector device mounted to the chamber and mounted between the upper burner and the heat conducting plate for deflecting and evenly distributing hot fumes generated by the upper burner so that a uniform column of hot fumes descends vertically toward the heat conducting plate and strike perpendicularly over an upper surface of food resting on the plate; and a deflector ring encircling and concentric with the chamber and having a lower end in contact with at

Abstract: A poultry brooder having a ceramic radiant element with protrusions and protrusion connectors forming spiral channels to lengthen the path of flowing gases from the closed center to the edge of the radiant and to impede the gaseous flow by turbulence. An insulator reduces undirected heat loss through the rear surface of the ceramic radiant and an electronic direct spark ignition system conserves fuel consumption and makes the brooder more reliable.

Abstract: A burner comprising a primary mixing chamber having one or more gas inlets and one or more primary air inlets; and one or more secondary mixing chambers, a perforated portion being provided in a side wall of each of said secondary mixing chambers, and each of said secondary mixing chambers communicating with the primary mixing chamber; each primary air inlet 6 comprising an aperture in a wall of the primary mixing chamber and a sliding member attached to the primary mixing chamber over the aperture and movable between a first limit position when the aperture is completely covered by the member and a second limit position when the aperture is completely uncovered by the member, means being provided to retain the member at any position intermediate the first and second limit positions.

Abstract: An improved ceramic burner plate for gas combustion which is made from a composition comprising about 30-40 weight percent of a clay, about 3-8 weight percent of talc, about 25-40 weight percent of a pore-producing substance and about 14-36 weight percent of mullite. The ceramic burner plates of the invention are characterized by excellent fire resistance and long service life.