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. The
flame deflector cap directs the flame toward the
thermocouple. There is also a restrictor plate for restricting the flow of updrafts across the thermocouple and directing the flame toward the thermocouple. The invention is particularly useful in poultry brooder heaters, both
ceramic and radiant, which are prone to failure as a consequence of the pilot light being blown out by the
fresh air being drawn through the chicken house. The apparatus reduces the time to service a brooder.