Abstract: A device for prevention or clearing of air lock in a thru-hull aerator comprising an air relief outlet in communication with the impeller housing. More specifically, an air relief outlet is provided in the pump impeller upstream of the impeller. Attached to the air relief fluid outlet is a flexible air relief hose and check valve which is in communication with the atmosphere. When the pressure in the air relief hose drops below a predetermined level due to vapor lock, a valve in the air relief hose opens and air is permitted to vent, thereby clearing the vapor lock.

Abstract: An aerator designed for aeration of a live bait well and comprising a centrifugal type pump comprising an impeller and an impeller casing having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in communication with water from the bait well and also with air via an air conduit. The air conduit is provided with metering means for metering the amount of air entering the impeller and for optimizing the mincing of air in the fluid (which is a different technical phenomena from simply pumping an air/water mixture). The bubbles produced in accordance with the present invention are so fine as to give the water a fogged appearance. The unusually high level of oxygenation makes it possible for the first time to pack two to four times as many bait fish into a live well as had previously been considered possible.