Abstract: A split bearing generally includes first and second bearing halves each having complementary partial shaft receiving portions, wherein the first and second bearing halves are substantially identically configured. The split bearing further includes means for releasably coupling the first and second bearing halves together, such that when coupled, the complementary partial shaft receiving portions of the first and second bearing halves define a center bearing thru-hole for receiving a shaft, and when decoupled, the first and second bearing halves can be removed from the shaft.

Abstract: A split bearing generally includes first and second bearing halves each having complementary partial shaft receiving portions, wherein the first and second bearing halves are substantially identically configured. The split bearing further includes means for releasably coupling the first and second bearing halves together, such that when coupled, the complementary partial shaft receiving portions of the first and second bearing halves define a center bearing thru-hole for receiving a shaft, and when decoupled, the first and second bearing halves can be removed from the shaft.

Abstract: A split bearing generally includes first and second bearing halves each having complementary partial shaft receiving portions, wherein the first and second bearing halves are substantially identically configured. The split bearing further includes fasteners for releasably coupling the first and second bearing halves together, such that when coupled, the complementary partial shaft receiving portions of the first and second bearing halves define a center bearing thru-hole for receiving a shaft, and when decoupled, the first and second bearing halves can be removed from the shaft.

Abstract: A tensioning device (10) is provided. The tensioning device (10) includes a housing (15) and a first pulley (16) removably coupled to the housing for selective positioning of the first pulley (16) relative to a second pulley (16) to adjust tension associated with a drive element (18) extending between the first and second pulleys (16).

Abstract: A split bearing generally includes first and second bearing halves each having complementary partial shaft receiving portions, wherein the first and second bearing halves are substantially identically configured. The split bearing further includes means for releasably coupling the first and second bearing halves together, such that when coupled, the complementary partial shaft receiving portions of the first and second bearing halves define a center bearing thru-hole for receiving a shaft, and when decoupled, the first and second bearing halves can be removed from the shaft.

Abstract: A tensioning device (10) is provided. The tensioning device (10) includes a housing (15) and a first pulley (16) removably coupled to the housing for selective positioning of the first pulley (16) relative to a second pulley (16) to adjust tension associated with a drive element (18) extending between the first and second pulleys (16).

Abstract: A tensioning device for a drive system having a flexible drive element mounted on at least one driven member, the tensioning device including a first tensioning member having a first side, a second side, and a first contact surface for contacting the drive element and a second tensioning member having a first side, a second side, and a second contact surface for contacting the drive element. The tensioning members are secured to the first and second ends of an elongated connecting member, positioning the members in a spaced relationship to one another so that the contact surfaces of the tensioning members are in opposing disposition facing one another. The tensioning members are spaced apart so as to permit the first and second runs of the drive element to pass between the tensioning member contact surfaces.

Abstract: A tensioning device (10) for a conventional drive system, which includes pulleys (not shown) interconnected by a flexible drive element (12), includes a frame assembly (20), upper left and right contact rollers (22) and (24), and lower left and right contact rollers (26) and (28). The frame assembly (20) includes proximal and distal frame sidewalls (38) and (40) which are rectangular in shape. Each contact roller (22), (24), (26), and (28) engages the flexible drive element (12) and forms a U-shaped channel (30) with a bottom circumferential surface (22) and vertical sidewalls (34). The contact rollers (22), (24), (26), and (28) rotatably attach to bearing axles (72), (74), (76), and (78) which connect the contact rollers to the frame sidewalls through their respective positional locating apertures (42), (44), (46), and (48).

Abstract: A free floating tensioning device (10) for a conventional drive system that contains upper and lower stationary guide members (16) and (18) that are located on the outer edges of the upper and lower runs of the drive element (15) and bias the runs inwardly towards each other. The inwardly facing surfaces of the stationary guide member (16) and (18) are configured to form U-shaped channels (20) each with a bottom surface (22) and substantially vertical sidewalls (24). The guide members further includes two contact rollers (30) which are mounted within the U-shaped channels (20) to rollably engage the flexible drive element (15). Upper and lower spring clips (36) and (38) are secured to the outer surfaces of the stationary guide members (16) and (18).

Abstract: A free-floating tensioning device having motion damping capabilities and gyroscopic action stabilizing capabilities for use in a drive system having a flexible drive element is disclosed. The tensioning device includes a tensioning assembly along with a damping member and/or a stabilizing member. The tensioning assembly has first and second tensioning members, each having a contact surface that contacts the drive elements, and a positioning component for securing the tensioning members a selected distance away from one another in order to apply a suitable tensioning force to the drive element. The damping member is connected to the tensioning assembly and is suitable for damping the vibration and oscillation of the tensioning device during operation. The damping member includes a damping material.

Abstract: A tensioning device (10) for a flexible drive element (16), the tensioning device comprising a first tensioning member (40) having a first contact surface (58), and a second tensioning member (140) having a second contact surface (158). Straps (34, 36) and positioning devices (42, 44, 142, 144) secure the first and second tensioning members a selected distance away from one another. In one arrangement, the positioning devices form a ratchet-like mechanism arranged such that the force required to move the tensioning members toward one another is smaller than the force required to move the tensioning members away from one another. The tensioning device may be operated without any members securing the tensioning device with respect to the sprockets.