Abstract: A device for collecting water and channelling it into a boat livewell circulation system comprising a housing which comprises a pivotal and/or extendable scoop, an intake channel, and a pressure valve, which housing is secured to a mounting device which comprises an intake port and a connection element to connect the device to a boat livewell circulation system, which device is operable when the boat is running or idle.

Abstract: A fish bucket, for keeping fish alive once they are caught, is disclosed. The bucket includes an inner and outer cylinder having insulation between them. It also includes an air pump and a manifold for circulating air through water placed in the inner cylinder. The bucket further includes a pair of tubes which supply the water with the substances to create a proper environment for fish.

Abstract: A water distribution system for use between a water source and a livewell in a boat, capable of use with a boat in either moving or stationary states in the water source, and including means for operating the water distribution system in any one of three modes: a recirculate-only mode, a dual fill and recirculate mode, and a drain without refilling mode. Means are also provided, by utilization of an apparatus achieving tactile feedback, for apprising the operator of when the system is operating properly in a drip-tight, recirculation-only mode.

Abstract: A combination dry bait container and aerator apparatus which is adaptable to an inside wall of a commercially available, off-the-shelf, thermally insulated chest-type coolers. The apparatus includes a plastic molded insert having several small compartments formed therein, wherein each compartment opens only to the top thereof. The apparatus is adapted to be received into the reservoir of the insulated cooler and is selectively attachable to one of the side walls thereof. A battery-powered aeration pump is disposed in one of the small compartments defined in the insert and is coupled in air flow communication with the reservoir of the cooler containing water and live bait, such as minnows and leeches. The aeration pump supplies air to the water and thereby aerates the water to ensure the longevity of the live bait. The present invention also shields the live bait from extreme environments such as direct sunlight, or extreme and sub-zero temperature conditions.

Abstract: A portable bait or minnow bucket comprises an inner bucket for holding bait designed to fit within an insulated receptacle. Two pumps, one AC and the other DC, are located in a water-proof enclosure in the receptacle. A vent tube provides air to the pumps. Upon actuation, the selected pump provides air through a nozzle in the receptacle and air bubbles rise through openings in the bottom of the bucket to aerate the water when the bucket is within the receptacle. The bucket, when removed from the receptacle, will float in the water.

Abstract: A system is used to remove the solid waste and gases excreted by a fish after being caught and deposited in water supported by a container and has a body. A filtering apparatus that removes the solid waste and gases excreted by the fish is connected to the body. A pumping device is connected to the body for continuously circulating the water supported within the container through the filter apparatus. If desired, an aerating device may be connected to said body for mixing air with the circulating water to provide oxygen to the fish supported in the container.

Abstract: An improved bait tank or bag which can maintain bait over a prolong period by injecting water in a circular motion in the upper portion of the tank and withdrawing it near the bottom. The flow of water in this manner flushes scales, feces and other debris out of the tank or bag. It also eliminates bubbles, which are harmful to bait. The water level in the tank or bag is adjusted by an extension of the outlet pipe which rises to the desired level of the water in the tank or bag. Interior fill pipes are eliminated, leaving an unobstructed smooth surface on the interior of the tank or bag.

Abstract: Apparatus for aerating water includes a water accelerator generally in the form of a propeller, and a motor for rotating the accelerator. An airway delivers small amounts of air to an onlet on a water intake side of the accelerator. Rotation of the accelerator draws air from the airway outlet and disperses the air into the water. The accelerator and the airway outlet are preferably located in a housing having a water inlet for supplying water to the intake side of the accelerator, and a water outlet providing for the exhaust of aerated water leaving the accelerator.

Abstract: A live well for fish, bait well and ice chest attachment for a boat has an elongated container having a bait container formed therein and having a separate insulated ice chest formed therein. The elongated container has a cross-section of the approximate cross-section of a fishing boat and has a plurality of straps fixedly attached to each end of the elongated container. A hook bracket is attached to the other end of each of said plurality of straps and shaped to hook over each side of a boat gunnel. Each of the plurality of straps has a loop on one end and is located in an opening on one end portion of the container and a rigid rod inside the container extends through each loop. A pair of separate handles can be attached to the gunnel hooks for handling the boat attachment.

Abstract: A leak-tight rotatable plug valve for controlling water flow to and from a fish livewell in a fishing boat. The valve body has opposite ends connected with an inlet hose for fresh water intake and a drain hose extending from the livewell drain. A pump inlet passage in the valve body intersects with the valve flow passage and mounts a pump having its discharge connected with a supply hose leading to the livewell. When the valve is open, fresh water can be pumped to fill the livewell when the pump is active and the livewell can be drained when the pump is inactive. When the valve is closed, the pump recirculates water through the drain hose and supply hose to avoid stagnation and provide aeration for the livewell.

Abstract: A cooling device is provided for aerated water recycled to live wells for fish. A separate ice chest is provided with a cooling coil through which water from a separate live well may be circulated to be cooled and then aerated when the cooled water is returned to the live well. The life of fish in the live well is prolonged by the combined cooling and aeration. A protective baffle supports the cooling coil against a wall of the ice chest to secure the coil from a central part of the ice chest which may be used for a storage area to cool beverage cans and the like. The protective baffle is designed to provide circulation of ice water to the coil while blocking off the coil from the central storage area.

Abstract: A bucket-type shaped container including a removable top and downwardly facing suction cups is provided for disposition within and suction cup support from the bottom of a reservoir containing water and bait. The side walls of the container include a large number of water inlet openings formed therein and a flexible panel of filtering material is formed into generally cylindrical configuration and snugly telescoped within the container. A flexible resilient panel member is flexed into generally cylindrical configuration with overlapped ends and is telescoped into the cylindrical filter panel and includes openings formed therethrough registered with the container wall openings, the flexible panel member exerting an outward biasing force on the filter panel.

Abstract: A water circulation and aerating device for live bait containers comprises a housing removably installed in existing bait containers which has apertures in the lower portion to prevent live bait from passing therethrough while allowing passage of water into the housing when the water level within the bait container rises. An intake conduit extends through the upper portion of the housing and has one end extending into the water in the bait container and a hose at the other end extending remote from the housing and a distance beneath the surface of the body of water being fished. An exterior pump at the remote end of the intake hose pumps cool water from beneath the surface of the body of water into the bait container. A venturi tube on the intake conduit mixes air into the water being pumped into the bait container. An interior pump within the housing becomes operative upon the water entering the housing reaching a predetermined level to pump the water back into the body of water being fished.

Abstract: A bait container in the form of a foamed plastic chest and lid is disclosed. A solar cell assembly is positioned on the lid; conductors extend to the lid to metal foil contact strips on the nether side of the lid. A pair of matching metal strips for contact purposes is located on the upper peripheral lip of the chest. The metal contacts connect with conductors to a motor and the motor connects with a pump to remove pump from the chest, to pump the water through a feedline and into a header to be sprayed into the chest.

Abstract: Improvements in the use of solar cell panels with respect to certain fishing equipment; providing solar cell panel power for aerators used in water containing live bait held in bait buckets or containers; a solar cell panel or panels mounted on, in or in conjunction with top closure members of live bait containers for fishing wherein the position of the top can be adjusted from horizontal to receive maximum solar energy by tilting the top closure and properly positioning the live bait container with respect to the position of the sun; live fishing bait containers utilizing an aerator therein for the water receiving the live bait inside the container wherein the aerator is alternately driveable by a solar cell panel incorporated into the top closure member of the bait container or a separate battery, said battery being rechargeable and also rechargeable from energy provided by the solar cell panel array.

Abstract: An improved bait tank which can maintain bait over a prolong period by injecting water in a circular motion in the upper portion of the tank and withdrawing it near the bottom. The flow of water in this manner flushes scales, feces and other debris out of the tank. It also eliminates bubbles, which are harmful to bait. The water level in the tank is adjusted by an extension of the outlet pipe which rises to the desired level of the water in the tank. Interior fill pipes are eliminated, leaving an unobstructed smooth surface on the interior of the tank.

Abstract: A distribution system for filling a baitwell in a boat includes a low pressure pump and a dual check valve. The fluid flow into the system is divided so that the pressure on the pump is reduced, thus enabling the use of an inexpensive pump. The check valve permits the influx of fresh water without the need for recirculating the existing water in the baitwell and also prevents backflow from the baitwell.

Abstract: A portable bait tank for keeping fish and fish bait alive includes a circular storage chamber surrounding an aerator. The height of the aerator is less than the height of the storage chamber and the operating level of the water in the storage chamber is above the top of the aerator so water flows over the top of the aerator and is aerated as it cascades to the bottom of the aerator. A pump in the bottom of the aerator returns the aerated water to the storage chamber tangentially to induce and maintain a circular path for the flow of freshly aerated water in the storage chamber to provide maximum oxygen to the fish.

Abstract: A container for water to maintain fish within the container in a live condition. The container is of water impermeable construction, and includes a drain valve adjacent the bottom, and water inlet and outlet openings positioned in the side walls of the container. The container is adapted to be placed within a receptacle, which can be provided in the hull of a boat, the receptacle having corresponding water inlet and outlet openings positioned opposite the respective openings in the container so that water that enters the receptacle through the water inlet flows into the container, and excess water flows through the water outlet, so that fresh water is circulated through the container. The container can be removed for transporting the fish, or it can be used for weighing the fish after the water has been drained therefrom through the drain valve.

Abstract: A container for maintaining live bait comprising a central bait holding portion, a readily accessible bait holding portion and a continual source of fresh water compatible with the natural environment of the bait which is supplied to the central bait holding portion and the readily accessible bait holding portion. The central holding portion can have any general configuration and the readily accessible portion is shaped to generally resemble a circular concave trough with a central aperture therethrough. The aperture allows bait to be manually transferred by net or scoop from the central portion to the readily accessible portion in small quantities for baiting hooks or chumming. Valve and tubing provides water to the central portion and selectively to the readily accessible portion. An over flow tube maintains the proper water level within the container.

Abstract: An aerator for distributing air bubbles in the water of a bait-bucket or aquarium includes a porous hose having a wall in which a multiplicity of relatively small, in transverse cross-section, irregularly shaped, labyrinth-type channel provide many through-the-wall air-seepage passageways allowing air bubbles to enter the water. A small battery powered or A.C. pump is used to supply air to the hose.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus for replenishing the supply of fresh water to a bait well or bucket of a waterborne vessel, and more particularly to a housing removably connectable to a bracket on the exterior of the transom of a motor-powered fishing boat, said housing having a depending ram water pickup extending generally below the bottom surface of the craft, said pickup enclosing an aperture in the housing for conveying a forced flow of water from the exterior of said housing to the bait well or bait bucket of the boat while the boat is moving across the water. A small "silent-type" electric water pump is associated with the housing for selectively supplying the live bait well with a supply of fresh water from the body of water being fished from while the boat is at rest.

Abstract: An insulated aerated live bait bucket is disclosed comprising a container for water formed from a bottom wall and a side wall with a bottom wall having an aperture therein for the admission of air into the water, an insulated liner which fits within the side wall and atop the bottom wall of the container with an opening therein which is in alignment with the aperture and the bottom wall of the container and the structure for removably holding the liner within the container. In one embodiment the holding structure is formed from a plurality of hooked clips. In another embodiment the holding structure is formed from a skirted washer. In addition an improved arrangement of the aeration system is disclosed.

Abstract: An aerated live well consisting of a double walled vessel where the inner chamber formed by the walls can be filled with ice for the purposes of cooling the water in the vessel, and/or the inner chamber can be filled with pressurized air via an air pump, having a wide mouth inlet into the inner chamber through which the ice can be added, for the purposes of generating a reservoir of air which is diffused into the water in the vessel; where the combination of diffused air and cooling ice serves to substantially extend the life expectancy of the bait contained in the said aerated live well.

Abstract: A water distribution system for directing water flow between a live well in a fishing boat and a water source, such as a lake. The water distribution system includes a flow directing valve which has two operating conditions. In the first operating condition a plurality of check valves automatically direct the water flow to selectively keep the live well empty or to empty water from the live well. In a second operating condition the valve enables the selective filling of the live well, the maintenance of the water level in the live well and the recirculation of the water along with the input of fresh water to the live well. In the second operating condition these functions are carried out automatically without operator intervention, regardless of whether the boat is stationary or moving.

Abstract: A self-contained aerated live bait bucket having a base extension below the bottom of the bucket which together with a base plate at the lower end of the base extension forms a cavity in which is mounted a battery, an electrical motor and an air pump energized by the battery through a switch which is also mounted in the cavity. Air is supplied from the air pump to the water in the bucket by way of a check valve through an aperture in the bottom of the bucket.

Abstract: A standby aquarium pump is disclosed which contains a direct current power supply and relay means which will automatically connect this power supply to start the standby pump when alternating current power is interrupted causing the AC powered pump to stop operating. An alternate embodiment provides rectified alternating current as the normal power supply and the direct current power as a standby or auxiliary power source. A rotary direct current motor is employed to drive a reciprocating piston type air pump using an operating rod eccentrically mounted in a flywheel mounted on the motor drive shaft. Electric shock hazard is reduced by containing all 120 volt alternating current connections in a separate housing secured to the main housing. Thus, the main housing can safely be opened to install or replace the batteries by the user who will be exposed only to the low voltage direct current elements.

Abstract: A portable, insulated bait container for maintaining a variety of live bait types in a plurality of bait compartments. The container includes a pivotal carrying handle and a close fitting top for mounting over each of the provided compartments. At least one of the compartments being water filled and adjacent to which a life support compartment containing a battery operated aerator is included along with circuitry for automatically at selected times aerating the contained water. Alternatively, switch means permit manual operation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a new and novel device for oxygenating water containing apparatus for sustaining life of live bait contained in said water containing apparatus. The device consists of an aspiration bulb connected to a hollow tube which is affixed to a wire framed net. When the bulb is compressed, is forced through and out of the tube and by design, is forced to pass over the wire framed mesh net which disburses the air flow over a larger area and the water containing apparatus.

Abstract: An improved bait holding apparatus for fishing including a housing having a first container disposed therein and a second container disposed within the first container. A light source is connected to the housing and the light therefrom is directed towards a side of the first and second containers. Since the sidewalls of the containers are constructed of transparent or translucent materials, the light shines on the bait and also shines out of the top of the containers for facilitating the baiting of a hook. A second light source is connected to the housing for illuminating the area outside of the container and an aeration pump is provided for selectively replenishing the air in water containing live minnows or the like. A mechanism is also provided for easily using power from the battery of a boat or automobile as a substitute for portable batteries disposed within the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus with a unique venturi construction and restriction structure, a liquid intake conduit and mixing chamber is provided for mixing virtually any liquid with any gas, and is particularly designed for efficient aeration of water, such as for use with aquariums and home aquaculture systems. The relative placement of different portions of the apparatus and relative sizes of the component parts are found to be a factor in improving efficiency. One embodiment, combining the unique restriction structure with a rough-edged ring inside the apparatus, is designed for excellent operation efficiency at liquid circulation pressures previously thought to be too low for incorporation of an aerating or intermixing device. The need for an additional intermixing pump is thereby eliminated and a high percentage of gas is dissolved in the liquid, compared to other similar use devices.

Abstract: A live bait container that is adapted to float in water with a majority of the container in submerged condition and which is also adapted to maintain fishing bait in live condition when removed from the water. The structure of the container promotes internal circulation of water when floating and retention of a substantial volume of water to keep the bait alive when the container is removed from the water. A valve at the bottom of the container, an aeration tube and air supply cooperate to provide bait preserving water circulation and aeration while in and out of the water.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating finely divided particulate gas bubbles in a liquid. The apparatus includes an outer body with a hollow shaft and a cavity defining means carried by the shaft. The shaft is apertured for communication with a gas supply and the cavity is apertured for communication with a liquid supply. The outer body also carried an inner body which includes a shaft and a plurality of vanes. The shaft of the inner body is journaled for rotation within the hollow shaft of the outer body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a live bait well for a fishing vessel which occupies normally unusable space on the stern by being conveniently located beneath the main fisherman's chair. The bait well is comprised of a circular tub body with a segmented closable see-through top and having a concentric sleeve passing through the tub body to define an annular water compartment so that the entire assembly can be set in place to encircle the upright fisherman's chair support pedestal which is secured to the deck. Sea water is fed into the bottom of the tub body from remotely located pumps located in the machinery space below the main deck. The sea water is fed into the tub body in such a fashion that a unidirectional current is established in a circular pattern between the sleeve and the outer tub body wall.

Abstract: An aerator device for maintaining a high level of oxygen in live bait storage containers is disclosed. The aerator device comprises a cover for the container on which is mounted a suitable drive motor. The shaft of the motor extends downwardly through the cover and carries at its lower end an impeller which is driven by the motor at a high rate of speed to vigorously stir and aerate the water in the container. The upper portion of the shaft is enclosed by a housing which depends from the cover and extends down below the water level in the container. The lower end of the shaft and the impeller are surrounded by a relatively stiff screen having openings large enough to allow the free circulation of water, but small enough to prevent bait from reaching the impeller. Air inlets are provided on the cover and on the shaft housing to admit air to the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A bait tank adapted to supply a continuous flow of water through a storage tank having live fish stored therein, said fish being used as fishing bait, wherein the tank is formed having a cylindrical wall defining a storage compartment for unobstructed water circulation therein, an angular channel being vertically formed in the annular wall with inlet openings spaced vertically therein to introduce water in a direction generally parallel to the circular inner side of the tank. Oppositely disposed to the inlet channel is an outlet system including an adjustable gate valve to control the height of the water within the tank, and including a drain gate to allow the tank to be emptied.

Abstract: A simple self-aerating container for small marine life which requires no power. The aeration rate is easily adjusted continuously and remains constant once set. At low flow rates, the container can be aerated over night, and the high flow rates can be used when there are a larger number of small marine life in the container, or when it is desirable to have them very active. The aerator consists of a tank with a hand pump, a simple pressure regulator, and a unique mass (air) flow regulator. The tank is also equipped with a spring loaded safety valve and a valve for filling the tank at a service station.

Abstract: A forced aerating apparatus for an inboard live well positioned within a fishing boat. The apparatus includes a water pipe having an intake end positioned outwardly of the boat below the water line. The water pipe has a discharge end positioned within the boat adjacent the well for supplying water thereto. A water aerator is provided on the discharge end of the water pipe. A water pump is mounted exteriorly of the well and is connected to the water pipe for selectively pumping water from outside the boat through the water aerator during the periods that the boat is not traveling through the water. Water is automatically supplied to the live well when the boat is traveling through the water. The apparatus also includes means for powering the pump.

Abstract: A portable container having a cylindrical body provided with a bottom plate and a top cover. The body has a cut-out at its lower portion which is covered by an outer flexible wall partially movable relative to the body. Upon the separation of the outer wall from the container wall, access is allowed to the interior of the container through the cut-out, and when the outer wall is not separated from the container wall a hermetically sealed condition is provided. The cover plate for the container element has at least one plug which is used to inject oxygen into the body and means is provided to allow drainage.

Abstract: An upstanding generally cylindrical body is provided and includes upper and lower vertically spaced closure walls extending and sealingly secured across the lower end portion of the body. An upwardly opening water receptacle is defined above the upper closure wall and a closed airtight chamber is defined within the body between the upper and lower closure walls. An inverted U-shaped tube has one end thereof secured downwardly through the upper closure wall and the other end has a reverse bend formed therein and includes an upwardly directed terminal end having a tubular valve body supported therefrom.

Abstract: A high speed open fishing boat construction has a hull portion, a top liner portion joined to said hull portion, and a fish live well assembly formed integral with the top liner portion and positioned so that its center of gravity is located on the longitudinal centerline of the top liner portion. The improvement comprises a common water inlet-outlet located in the rear of the hull portion, an aerator connected in the live well assembly for spraying water therein, a pipeline system connecting the inlet-outlet port with the aerator, and a remotely controlled cut-off control valve connected in the pipeline system for opening and closing water flow through the inlet-outlet port.

Abstract: An upstanding generally cylindrical body is provided and includes upper and lower vertically spaced closure walls extending and sealingly secured across the lower end portion of the body. An upwardly opening water receptacle is defined above the upper closure wall and a closed airtight chamber is defined within the body between the upper and lower closure walls. A tubular valve body is supported from and opens through the upper closure wall and has a valve element shiftably supported from the valve body for movement between open and closed positions. A support member is threadedly engaged with the end of the sleeve opening upwardly through the upper closure wall and includes an abutment portion selectively engageable with the valve element to variably displace the latter away from a closed position toward an open position for variably controlling the venting of air from the airtight chamber through the tubular valve body into the receptacle and aerating water disposed therein.