Abstract: The present invention is an aerator for inducing air flow below the surface of a liquid. The aerator includes a motor having a drive shaft. A propeller is operably connected to the drive shaft of the motor and a blower is operably connected to the motor. The aerator further includes an air flow path that has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet connected to the blower and the outlet located near the propeller. The blower and the propeller rotate at different speeds.

Abstract: The present invention is an aerator for inducing air flow below the surface of a liquid. The aerator includes a motor having a drive shaft. A propeller is operably connected to the drive shaft of the motor and a blower is operably connected to the motor. The aerator further includes an air flow path that has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet connected to the blower and the outlet located near the propeller. The blower and the propeller rotate at different speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of liquid by aeration is provided. The apparatus has a motor, a propeller carried by a motor-driven shaft, an air flow passage to the propeller, bearings supporting the shaft at a location spaced from the motor and at least one bearing seal between a bearing and the propeller. In accordance with the present invention, a module for releasably carrying at least one of the bearing seals is detachably secured about the shaft to faciliate removal of at least the bearing seals from the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of liquid by aeration is provided. The apparatus has a motor, a propeller carried by a motor-driven shaft, an airflow passage to the propeller, and bearings supporting the shaft at at least one location spaced from the motor. In accordance with the present invention, an air pocket is established about at least one of the bearings for keeping liquid from the bearings as by a conical member extending over the shaft from the bearing.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of liquids, including waste liquids, by aeration. The apparatus has a propeller, a motor and a leg extending between the motor and propeller. The leg includes a shaft coupled to the motor, the shaft driving the propeller. An outer housing of the leg generally surrounds the shaft. Air is drawn into and through the leg on rotation of the propeller within the liquid and is discharged into the liquid generally adjacent the propeller. In the improvement of the present invention, the shaft is solid while a tubular cantilever is supported at one of its ends within the outer leg housing in surrouding relation to the shaft. The tubular cantilever extends from its supported end away from the motor. Bearings support the shaft via the tubular cantilever at spaced locations along the shaft and cantilever.