LOW PROFILE BROODER

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.

Claims

1. A low profile brooder, comprising: an emitter; a fuel supply duct disposed at least partially nonvertically; and means for providing a predetermined heating pattern upon the emitter.

2. The low profile brooder of claim 1, wherein the means for providing a predetermined heating pattern upon the emitter is means for providing a symmetrical heating pattern upon the emitter.

3. The low profile brooder of claim 1, wherein the means for providing a predetermined heating pattern upon the emitter is means for providing uniform heating of the emitter.

4. The low profile brooder of claim 1, wherein the emitter defines a central axis and the fuel supply duct resides at least in part radial to the central axis.

5. The low profile brooder of claim 1, wherein the emitter defines a central axis, the fuel supply duct resides at least in part radial to the central axis, the radiant defines a first polar direction from the central axis, and in which the means for providing a predetermined heating pattern upon the emitter is disposed at a location in the first polar direction from the central axis.

6. The low profile brooder of claim 1, wherein the emitter defines a central axis and the fuel supply duct resides at least in part perpendicular to the central axis.

7. The low profile brooder of claim 1, wherein the emitter defines a central axis, the fuel supply duct resides at least in part perpendicular to the central axis, the radiant defines a first polar direction from the central axis, and in which the means for providing a predetermined heating pattern upon the emitter is disposed at a location in the first polar direction from the central axis.

8. A method of increasing the interior temperature of a poultry house, comprising the steps of: providing the low profile brooder of claim 1; providing a fuel to the fuel supply duct; and igniting the fuel within the low profile brooder.

9. A low profile brooder, comprising: a distribution chamber that defines at least two burner ports; a fuel flow path extending at least in part nonvertically away from the distribution chamber; and a baffle residing in the distribution chamber, the baffle including means to equalize the fuel velocities at each of the at least two burner ports.

10. The low profile brooder of claim 9, in which the means to equalize the fuel velocities at each of the at least two burner ports includes at least one of the relative location of the baffle within the distribution chamber, a lower opening, a first chamfer, and a second chamfer.

11. The low profile brooder of claim 9, in which the distribution chamber defines a central axis, the fuel flow path extends upstream away from the distribution chamber at least in part in a first direction, and the baffle resides apart from the central axis in the first direction.

12. The low profile brooder of claim 9, in which the distribution chamber defines a central axis and the baffle is at least partially planar, the at least partial plane being parallel to the central axis.

13. A method of increasing the interior temperature of a poultry house, comprising the steps of: providing the low profile brooder of claim 9; providing a fuel to the fuel supply path; and igniting the fuel within the low profile brooder.

14. A method of increasing the interior temperature of a poultry house, comprising the steps of: providing the low profile brooder of claim 9; providing an orifice adaptor configured for a specific fuel and connecting the orifice adaptor to the upstream end of the fuel supply path; providing a source of the specific fuel to the fuel supply path; and igniting the fuel within the low profile brooder.

15. A low profile brooder, comprising: a venturi, a distribution chamber, at least two burner ports, and a baffle; the distribution chamber in fluid communication with at least two burner ports; the venturi: in fluid communication with the distribution chamber; having an upstream end and a downstream end; defining a fuel flow path between the upstream end and the downstream end, the fuel flow path residing at least partially at one or more of an acute angle, a perpendicular angle, and an obtuse angle to vertical; and the baffle residing in the distribution chamber between the downstream end and the at least two burner ports.

16. The low profile brooder of claim 15, in which the distribution chamber defines a central axis and the venturi resides at least in part radial to the central axis.

17. The low profile brooder of claim 15, in which the distribution chamber defines a central axis and the venturi resides at least in part radial to the central axis, the radiant defining a first polar direction from the central axis, and the baffle resides in the first polar direction from the central axis.

18. The low profile brooder of claim 15, in which the baffle includes at least one of a lower opening, a first chamfer, and a second chamfer.

19. The low profile brooder of claim 15, in which in which the distribution chamber defines a central axis, the baffle is at least partially planar, and the at least partial plane is oriented perpendicular to a radiant extending from the central axis.

20. The low profile brooder of claim 15, in which the baffle includes means for providing uniform heating of the emitter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The details of the present invention, as to both its structure and its operation, can be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a low profile brooder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, from a lower perspective, of a low profile brooder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a low profile brooder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken at A:A in FIG. 1, of a canopy, emitter, burner cap, burner base, and venturi of a low profile brooder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a venturi, burner base, and baffle of a low profile brooder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a venturi, burner base, and baffle of a low profile brooder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a venturi, burner base, and baffle of a low profile brooder according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0047] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a baffle of a low profile brooder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] It should be noted that the drawings discussed above and below are not to scale in all instances, but may have exaggerated dimensions in some respect to illustrate the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with a second embodiment to yield a third embodiment. It is intended that the present application include such modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the invention. Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

[0050] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0051] It is to be understood that the phraseology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of formatives of the words “include,” “comprise,” and “have” is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.

[0052] Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “connected” and “carried by” are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, or couplings. Further, such phraseology is not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0053] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative location of components in a fluid pathway. Thus, for example, in the context of a venturi in a brooder, “upstream” is relatively closer to the fuel supply and “downstream” is relatively closer to the burner base.

[0054] As used herein, the terms “above” and “below” are with gravitational reference. Thus, a component is “above” another if, when the present technology is in regular use, that component is gravitationally higher than the other.

[0055] A brooder 10 is disclosed. The brooder 10 includes a burner base 30, a burner cap 40, and emitter 60, a venturi 20, a baffle 50, and a canopy 80.

[0056] The burner base 30 may have an upper surface 31 and an opposing lower surface 32. The burner base 30 may define a central axis 11, the central axis 11 extending from the upper surface 31 to the lower surface 32. Within the upper surface 31, the burner base 30 may define a depression 33. The burner base 30 may be round or of any other advantageous shape.

[0057] The burner cap 40 may be disposed above the burner base 30. The burner cap 40 may be round or of any other advantageous shape. In some embodiments, the burner cap 40 and the burner base 30 may reside adjacent to each other. The burner base 30 and the burner cap 40 may define between them a distribution chamber 45, in which the fuel is distributed. In certain configurations, the burner base 30 and the burner cap 40 may define a periphery, and in some examples the periphery may define a burner port 46 and/or 47. The burner base 30 and burner cap 40 assembly may also include corrugations 43, 44 around its perimeter, forming multiple burner ports 46, 47.

[0058] In some embodiments, the burner base 30 and the burner cap 40 may be aspects of an integral burner, or a burner in which a burner base 30 and a burner cap 40 have been welded or otherwise joined together to form an integral burner. As to those embodiments, for clarity the within disclosure will refer to the lower aspect of such a burner as the burner base 30 and the upper aspect of such a burner as the burner cap 40, it being understood that the burner so configured is nevertheless integral and/or welded or otherwise joined together. Further, in some examples of those embodiments, burner ports 46 and/or 47 may be molded, drilled, or otherwise made proximate to or about the periphery of such a burner.

[0059] As described herein, a burner port 46 and/or 47 is an aperture defined in the burner through which the fuel and air mixture may pass from the interior of the burner to the exterior of the burner.

[0060] The emitter 60 may have an inner surface 64 and an outer surface 63. Likewise, the emitter 60 may have an upper edge 61 and an opposing lower edge 62. The lower edge 62 may reside proximate to the burner cap 40 and the burner base 30. In some instances, the emitter 60 may be shaped as an inverted frustoconical, but other shapes may be used as beneficial in other instances.

[0061] The venturi 20 is also sometimes referred to as a mixing tube. The venturi 20 may be understood to have an upstream end 21 and a downstream end 22. Fuel is introduced into the venturi 20 at the upstream end 21, and mixes with ambient air that is drawn into the venturi 20 at the upstream end 21. The venturi 20 may be of any length adequate to allow sufficient mixing of the fuel and air between the upstream end 21 and the downstream end 22. The venturi 20 may also define one or more cross-sections along its length, including round, oval, elliptical, square, polygonal, curvilinear, or any combination of two or more of the foregoing.

[0062] Along its length, the venturi 20 may be straight, or curved, or of any other shape or combination of shapes, depending on the needs of the particular application.

[0063] The venturi 20 may reside, at least in part, below the burner base 30. Its downstream end 22 may be disposed proximate to the lower surface 32 of the burner base 30. In some instances, the venturi 20 downstream end 22 may be attached directly to the burner base 30, and in other instances it may be attached indirectly to the burner base 30; in either instance, the venturi 20 may be attached to the burner base 30 at any angle.

[0064] The venturi 20 may be in fluid communication with the burner base 30. In particular embodiments, the venturi 20 may be in fluid communication with the burner base 30 at the central axis 11.

[0065] The venturi 20 extends away from the central axis 11 at least in part in what may be defined as a first direction.

[0066] The venturi 20 may define a fuel flow path 25 between the upstream end 21 and the downstream end 22. The fuel flow path 25 may extend, at least in part, away from the central axis 11. Selective, nonlimiting illustrations provide the fuel flow path 25 residing at least partially at an angle divergent from the central axis 11. Other examples include fuel flow path 25 residing at least in part radial to the central axis 11, the radiant 12 defining a first polar direction 27 from the central axis 11. Certain configurations provide that the fuel flow path 25 resides at least partially at one or more of an acute angle, a perpendicular angle, and an obtuse angle to the central axis 11.

[0067] A venturi 20 mounting arm 23 may also be provided, for attachment of other devices.

[0068] A venturi 20 orifice adaptor mount 24 may also be included, and adapted for receipt of an orifice adaptor 70 at the distal end of the burner tube 91.

[0069] The baffle 50 may be of polygonal shape, a curvilinear shape, U-shaped, V-shaped, inverted U-shaped, inverted V-shaped, asymmetrical, or any combination of two or more of the foregoing, as found useful in particular applications. In some uses, the baffle 50 may be at least partially planar. In particular examples, the baffle 50 may be at least partially planar and the at least partial plane may be perpendicular to a radiant 12 from the central axis 11. In some examples, the baffle 50 may be at least partially planar and the at least partial plane may be parallel to the central axis 11.

[0070] In a specific example, the baffle 50 may be rectangular. Certain uses of a baffle 50 may also include first and second chamfers 55, 56 of the baffle 50. In particular configurations, the upper corners of the baffle 50 may be chamfered. In all such instances, the chamfers 55, 56 may be linear, polygonal, curvilinear, or irregular, as particular uses may deem advantageous.

[0071] The baffle 50 may include one or more opening through the baffle 50. Some configurations provide that the one or more opening resides lower in the baffle 50. In a particular configuration, the one or more opening may reside at the bottom of the baffle.

[0072] Certain baffles 50 may include a first leg 52, and other baffles 50 may include a first leg 52 and a second leg 53. Other baffles 50 may be understood to include one or more panels 51.

[0073] The baffle 50 may be positioned anywhere inside the distribution chamber 45, including proximate the downstream end 22 of the venturi 20 at the burner base 30. In some designs, the baffle 50 may reside in the depression 33 in the burner base 30. The baffle 30 may reside proximate the upper surface 31 of the burner base 30. Some examples locate the baffle 50 in the distribution chamber 45 between the central axis 11 and the periphery.

[0074] The baffle 50 may be oriented at any angular orientation. Depending on the application, (a) the baffle 50 may be at least partially parallel to the central axis 11, (b) the baffle 50 may be perpendicular to at least a portion of the burner base 30; and/or (c) the baffle 50 may reside in the distribution chamber 45 apart from the central axis 11 in the first direction from the central axis 11 defined by the venturi 20.

[0075] Some designs include the baffle 50 having a panel 51, the panel 51 being at least partially planar, and the at least partial baffle 50 plane is disposed perpendicular to a radiant 12 extending between the central axis 11 and the periphery.

[0076] Regarding attachment, the baffle 50 may be attached to the burner base 30. It may be attached to the upper surface 31 of the burner base 30. Still further, it may be attached to the upper surface 31 of the burner base 30 at a location in the first polar direction 27 from the central axis 11 defined by the venturi fuel flow path 25.

[0077] In a certain example, the baffle 50 is rectangular and includes first and second linear chamfers 55, 56 at its opposing upper corners. The baffle 50 also has a lower opening 57 disposed between two legs 52, 53 that are attached to the burner base 30 within the depression 33. The baffle 50 is at least partially parallel to the central axis 11, is perpendicular to at least a portion of the burner base 30; and resides in the distribution chamber 45 apart from the central axis 11 in the first direction from the central axis 11 defined by the venturi 20. The baffle 50 is disposed perpendicular to a radiant 12 extending between the central axis 11 and the periphery, and resides directly vertically above the centerline of the venturi 20. Flow of the fuel/air mixture has been found to be tightly controlled and precisely delivered by use of this design, including the baffle of this design, in providing an optimum symmetrical pattern to the burner ports 46, 47, by interaction of the mixture with the functionality of the baffle 50 as so configured. The resulting flames at the burner ports 46, 47 is thus uniform in heating of the emitter 60. The brooder 10, with the baffle so configured and positioned, is functional even with different fuels, such as natural gas, propane, butane, and liquefied petroleum gas.

[0078] Other components of the brooder 10 may include a control box 92 and gas valve 95 for controlling the function of the brooder 10, the gas valve 95 regulating the flow of fuel to the brooder 10 and the control box 92 directing the gas valve 95. The control box 92 may be entirely manually operated, or it may be entirely automatic (including with timers for given fuel supply chronologies, or both). A burner tube 91 may have a valve end 911 attached to the gas valve 95, in some instances with a compression fitting 94, and an orifice end 912 residing proximate the upstream end 21 of the venturi 20, conveying fuel to the venturi 20. An orifice adapter 70 may be included at the downstream end 912 of the burner tube 91; different sized orifices may be used or switched with orifice adaptor 70, to provide optimal functionality of the brooder 10 depending on the type of fuel used, such as natural gas, propane, butane, and liquefied petroleum gas—different sized orifice adaptors 70 may be used with each type of fuel. An air restrictor cup 90 may be positioned at the upstream end 21 of the venturi 20, optionally including one or more apertures such as apertures 901, 902, to allow tuning of the fuel/air mixture as a function, for example, of atmospheric or other conditions. An electrode 93 may reside at or near the burner base 30/burner cap 40 periphery, for igniting the fuel/air mixture, the electrode 93 being electrically energized by an ignition cable 96; in other examples of the present technology, a pilot light (not shown) may instead be included in place of the electrode 93 and the ignition cable 96. The brooder 10 may include a manifold support bracket 97 and a label plate holder 98. A hanging bracket 99 may be included at the top of the brooder 10, to facilitate suspending the brooder 10.

[0079] The appended drawings illustrate embodiments of the brooder 10 of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate various such components. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a central axis 11 is defined. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the emitter 60 has an inverted frustoconical shape. The emitter 60 has an outer surface 63, an upper edge 61, and an opposing lower edge 62 (see FIG. 3). The venturi 20 has an upstream end 21 and a downstream end 22, and resides at least in part below the burner base 30. Its downstream end 22 is disposed proximate to the lower surface 32 of the burner base 30 (not shown). Along its length, the venturi 20 in this embodiment is straight proximate the upstream end 21, straight along its middle, and curved in its approach to the burner base 30 (not shown). As illustrated, the venturi 20 extends away from the central axis 11 at least in part in what may be defined as a first direction.

[0080] Other components of the brooder 10 are also illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, including a control box 92 and gas valve 95. A burner tube 91 is attached to the gas valve 95, with an orifice end 912 end residing proximate the upstream end 21 of the venturi 20. An air restrictor cup 90 is positioned at the upstream end 21 of the venturi 20, including apertures 901, 902. The brooder 10 includes a manifold support bracket 97 and a label plate holder 98. A hanging bracket 99 is included at the top of the brooder 10, to facilitate suspending the brooder 10 from overhead.

[0081] FIGS. 3 and 4 also illustrate various components of embodiments of the brooder 10. The control box 92 and the gas valve 95 are depicted. A burner tube 91 leads from the gas valve 95 to the venturi 20. An orifice adapter is included at the downstream end 22 of the burner tube 91, with an orifice sized to provide optimal functionality of the brooder 10 depending on the type of fuel used, such as natural gas, propane, butane, and liquefied petroleum gas. An air restrictor cup 90 has been positioned at the upstream end 21 of the venturi 20, optionally including apertures 901, 902. An electrode 93 is likewise included, for igniting the fuel/air mixture, the electrode 93 being electrically powered by an ignition cable 96. The brooder 10 includes a manifold support bracket 97 and a label plate holder 98. A hanging bracket 99 positioned at the top of the brooder 10 facilitates suspending the brooder 10 from overhead.

[0082] The venturi 20 is disposed below the burner base 30 and has an upstream end 21 and a downstream end 22. Its downstream end 22 resides proximate to the lower surface 32 of the burner base 30. Fuel introduced into the venturi 20 at the upstream end 21 from the downstream end 22 of the burner tube 91, and mixes with ambient air drawn into the venturi 20 at the upstream end 21 of the venturi 20. The venturi 20 in this embodiment is straight from its upstream end 21 and along its length, but curves as it nears the burner base 30.

[0083] The burner base 30 has an upper surface 31 and an opposing lower surface 32. The burner base 30 defines a central axis 11, the central axis 11 extending from the upper surface 31 to the lower surface 32. The burner cap 40 is disposed above the burner base 30 and resides adjacent to the burner base 30. The burner base 30 and the burner cap 40 define between them a distribution chamber 45. They also define a periphery. The burner cap 40 also includes corrugations 43, 44 around its perimeter, forming multiple burner ports 46, 47.

[0084] The emitter 60 has an inner surface 64 and an outer surface 63, an upper edge 61 and an opposing lower edge 62. The lower edge 62 resides proximate to the burner cap 40 and the burner base 30. The emitter 60 in this example is shaped as an inverted frustoconical.

[0085] The venturi 20 is in fluid communication with the burner base 30 at the central axis 11. The venturi 20 extends away from the central axis 11 at least in part in what may be defined as a first direction.

[0086] A venturi 20 orifice adaptor mount 24 is also included, and has received an orifice adaptor 70 at the distal end of the burner tube 91.

[0087] A baffle 50 is also included (see FIG. 4). The baffle 50 is positioned inside the distribution chamber 45, proximate the downstream end 22 of the venturi 20 at the burner base 30. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the baffle 50 resides in the depression 33 in the burner base 30.

[0088] FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate embodiments of the burner base 30, baffle 50, venturi 20, and orifice adaptor mount 24. The burner base 30 has an upper surface 31 and an opposing lower surface 32, and defines a central axis 11, the central axis 11 extending from the upper surface 31 to the lower surface 32. Within the upper surface 31 the burner base 30 is defined a depression 33. The burner base 30 as illustrated is round.

[0089] The venturi 20 has an upstream end 21 and a downstream end 22. The venturi 20 in these embodiments defines a circular cross-section along its length. The venturi 20 is straight along its length from the upstream end 21, and turning upward near its downstream end 22. Its downstream end 22 is disposed proximate to the lower surface 32 of the burner base 30, in these embodiments, and is attached directly to the burner base 30. The venturi 20 is in fluid communication with the burner base 30 at the central axis 11.

[0090] The venturi 20 extends away from the central axis 11 at least in part in what may be defined as a first direction. The venturi 20 defines a fuel flow path 25 between the upstream end 21 and the downstream end 22, and the fuel flow path 25 extends, at least in part, away from the central axis 11. As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 6, the fuel flow path 25 resides at least in part radial to the central axis 11, the radiant 12 defining a first polar direction 27 from the central axis 11. As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 7, the fuel flow path 25 resides at least partially at an angle divergent from the central axis 11. Also as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 7, the fuel flow path 25 resides at least partially at one or more of a perpendicular angle.

[0091] The baffle 50 in these embodiments is rectangular and at least partially planar. The at least partial plane is perpendicular to a radiant 12 from the central axis 11. Likewise, in these embodiments the at least partial plane is parallel to the central axis 11. The baffle 50 includes first and second chamfers 55, 56 at the upper corners of the baffle 50; the chamfers 55, 56 in these embodiments is linear. The baffle 50 also includes a lower opening 57. Lower legs 52, 53 are included, and panel 51 is incorporated.

[0092] The baffle 50 is positioned proximate the downstream end 22 of the venturi 20 at the burner base 30, and resides in the depression 33 in the burner base 30. It will be noted that, in these embodiments, the baffle 50 resides proximate the upper surface 31 of the burner base 30 and is located in the distribution chamber 45 between the central axis 11 and the periphery.

[0093] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the baffle 50 is at least partially parallel to the central axis 11, is perpendicular to at least a portion of the burner base 30, resides in the distribution chamber 45 apart from the central axis 11 in the first direction from the central axis 11 defined by the venturi 20, is disposed perpendicular to a radiant 12 extending between the central axis 11 and the periphery, and resides directly vertically above the centerline of the venturi 20.

[0094] The baffle 50 is attached to the upper surface 31 of the burner base 30 at a location in the first polar direction 27 from the central axis 11 defined by the venturi 20 fuel flow path 25.

[0095] A mounting arm 23 is provided, as is an orifice adaptor mount 24.

[0096] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the baffle 50. The baffle 50 in this embodiment is rectangular and at least partially planar. The baffle 50 includes first and second linear chamfers 55, 56 at the opposing upper corners, as well as a lower opening 57. Lower legs 52, 53 are included, panel 51 is incorporated, and upper limit 54 is also noted.

[0097] In operation, the brooder 10 is suspended from above by use of the hanging bracket 99. Fuel supplied to the brooder 10 is regulated by the gas valve 95, as controlled by the control box 92. The fuel is conveyed via the burner tube 91 to the upstream end 21 of the venturi 20. There ambient air is drawn into the venturi, and the fuel/air mixture may be advantageously controlled with the air restrictor cup 90. The fuel/air mixture flows through the venturi 20 along a fuel flow path 25 to the burner base 30 and into the distribution chamber 45 defined between the burner base 30 and the burner cap 40. Flow of the fuel/air mixture is precisely delivered and tightly controlled, in an optimum symmetrical pattern to the burner ports 46, 47, by interaction of the mixture with the prescribed interference of the baffle 50. The resulting flames at the burner ports 46, 47 is thus uniform in its heating of the emitter 60, providing the most advantageous performance of the brooder 10 in use of the fuel to provide heat to the flock of poultry below.

[0098] Accordingly, the brooder 10 aforedescribed provides a nonvertical venturi 20 and thus a minimized vertical profile, yet still achieving uniform heating of the emitter 60. The brooder 10 is functional even with different fuels, such as natural gas, propane, butane, and liquefied petroleum gas. The brooder 10 likewise maximizes the use of existing components, such as the canopy 80, emitter 60, burner cap 40, and burner base 30, minimizing the expense of such a design. The brooder 10 has simplified, easy-to-clean components. The brooder 10 accomplishes such functionality with a purposely configured and positioned baffle 50 interacting with the fuel and air mixture flow to each burner port 46, 47.

[0099] It should be appreciated that, in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Moreover, any components, features, or steps illustrated and/or described in a particular embodiment herein, can be applied to or used with any other embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that may issue from the benefit of the within disclosure.