Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and gripping tubing and/or bar stock for various applications. The apparatus comprises a frame; a pair of juxtaposed, inwardly facing guides, adjustably mounted on the frame; a pulley rotatably mounted on the frame at each end of the each guide; an endless, flexible guide belt surrounding each guide and being mounted on the pulley; a removable shoe removably mounted on each guide; a motor for driving the pulley so that the guide belts are rotated; wherein the tubing or bar stock inserted into one end of the apparatus is positioned and gripped by frictional engagement with the guide belts, and both the guides and the removable shoes are adjustable to accommodate tubing or bar stock having different outside diameters.

Abstract: A single tensioner is used to tension a double belt. A spring biased, swinging primary arm has a secondary arm freely pivoted to the end thereof. One idler pulley on the secondary arm pushes on a run of one of the belts, while another idler pulley pulls on a run of the second belt. Thus, the two idler pulleys can tension both belts simultaneously, and the free pivoting of the secondary arm relative to the primary arm as the primary arm swings compensates for differential belt stretch.