US 5,011,372 A · Aeration apparatus for pond

Abstract

A high volume aeration device comprises a motor and propeller tube suspended in a pond by a float. A propeller on the motor shaft and inside the propeller tube creates a generally hollow water output stream that rises out of the propeller tube. A diffuser plate is longitudinally slidable inside the hollow water output stream. The water output stream strikes the diffuser plate and locates it at an equilibrium location whereat the force of the water output stream on the diffuser plate periphery equals the weight of the diffuser plate. If the propeller cavitates, the reduced water output stream causes the diffuser plate to fall toward the propeller and redirect the water output stream to the propeller. The redirected water output stream reloads the propeller and enables the aeration device to resume full output without outside intervention after the cause of the cavitation has been eliminated. The aeration device further comprises a weed guard that prevents motor shaft entanglement with weeds or the like, and a perforated cap that directs the water output stream into a high vertical column having a predetermined pattern.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A device for aerating water comprising:

a. an electric motor having an output shaft for rotating about a generally vertical axis;
b. a propeller tube having a lower end and an upper end and a central axis;
c. bracket means for joining the propeller tube to the motor;
d. float means connected to the propeller tube for suspending the device in a body of water;
e. a propeller mounted to the motor shaft and surrounded by the lower end of the propeller tube, the propeller creating an output stream of water within the propeller tube when the motor shaft rotates;
f. a diffuser plate;
g. extension means attached to the motor shaft for retaining the diffuser plate in the propeller tube and in the path of the water output stream;
and
h. cap means mounted to the propeller tube upper end for directing the output stream of water from the propeller into a generally vertical column.

6 more elements

An aeration device comprising:

a. a propeller tube generally submerged in a pond and having a central axis;
b. a motor fastened to the propeller tube and having an output shaft with a generally vertical longitudinal axis;
c. a propeller mounted to the motor shaft for rotation therewith to create a water output stream;
d. diffuser means mounted to the motor shaft for sliding longitudinally inside the propeller tube in response to the creation of the water output stream;
and
e. a cap mounted to the propeller tube, the cap having at least one opening therethrough for directing the water output stream into a generally vertical column outside of the propeller tube.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Aeration apparatus for pond

Life of this patent

Aeration apparatus for pond

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22