Abstract: An aerator for mixing an ambient gas with a liquid and agitating the liquid incorporates at least three bearings that are rigidly connected to an aerator housing. A propeller is driven by a central shaft that is rotatably mounted in the aerator housing using the bearings. Two bearings are located near the ends of the central shaft. At least one additional bearing is located between the ends, for example, in a intermediate position. This additional bearing may absorb some of the force that would otherwise be transferred to the bearing near the propeller end of the central shaft. The bearings are thus subjected to lower stress and may exhibit a prolonged useful lifespan.

Abstract: An aerator for mixing a gas with a liquid has a motor, fan, rotating central shaft, housing enclosing the shaft, and an air flow pathway between the central shaft and the housing. Rotation of the shaft in the air flow path reduces friction in the flow path and increases efficiency. The shaft may be hollow to provide a second air flow path, also with a rotating shaft in the air flow path to reduce friction, increasing air flow volume and efficiency. A non-lubricated material bearing rotatably mounts the central shaft, and has openings to allow increased air flow through the aerator.

Abstract: An aerator of this invention comprised of a housing, a motor driven cylindrical tube having an open distal end extending through the housing, and propeller blades attached to the distal end of the cylindrical tube. The surrounding ambient air enters the housing and is compressed by pairs of opposing compression blades located therein, with the compressed air being drawn through inlet slots into a central conduit formed by the cylindrical tube, and injected into the water through the open distal end thereof. The aerator may also have optional feed vanes to direct the compressed air through the inlet slots, and fixed fins to redirect the flow of the water past the propeller blades.

Abstract: An aerator (2) comprises a motor (10) having a propeller (18). A slotted cage (30) surrounds propeller (18) and prevents marine life from being drawn in to propeller (18). Liquid will be ejected from propeller (18) in a horizontally traveling stream which stream is oxygenated by a draft tube (48) having a lower end located adjacent propeller (18). Slotted cage (30) is carried on a support rod (68) to form the structure for supporting aerator (2) in tank (4). Cage (30) prevents marine life from being drawn into the propeller (18) as it is driven.