Pivotal rigid vortex shield

A pivotal rigid vortex shield supported upon a supporting apparatus, comprising:

• a vortex destroying body having a rigid, generally planar grate which in an operational configuration is generally parallel to a surface of a liquid being treated;
• a support affixing said vortex destroying body to said supporting apparatus, said support having
• a horizontal support bar comprising at least two cross arches and
• at least one vertical pivot and locking member affixed to at least one of said at least two cross arches;
• and
• a pintle about which said vortex destroying body is configured to rotate relative to said support.

In combination, a propeller-type aerator and a pivotal rigid vortex shield,

• said propeller-type aerator having:
• a propeller adapted to impel a liquid;
• a motor driving said propeller;
• an air source configured to introduce air into said liquid;
• and
• a support system configured to support at least said motor and said propeller relative to said liquid;
• said pivotal rigid vortex shield comprising:
• a rigid, generally planar vortex destroying body;
• a support affixing said vortex destroying body to said support system, said support having a horizontal support bar comprising at least two cross arches and at least one vertical pivot and locking member affixed to at least one of said at least two cross arches;
• said at least one vertical pivot and locking member having a first vertical pivot and locking member, a second vertical pivot and locking member, and a top arch affixed on a first position to said first vertical pivot and locking member and on a second position distal to said first position to said second vertical pivot and locking member;
• a pintle defining a pivotal axis about which said support and said vortex destroying body are configured to rotate;
• and
• at least one selective lock having an operational configuration preventing a rotation of said vortex destroying body about said pivotal axis and having a service configuration permitting said vortex destroying body to rotate about said pivotal axis.