Split hub assembly

A split hub assembly, comprising:

• a. a pair of sprocket segments that form a split sprocket that is rotatable about a radial axis thereof, the split sprocket having a first side, an opposed second side, and an engaging surface and defining a sprocket bore having a longitudinal axis which is coaxial with the radial axis of the split sprocket and extending therethrough from the first side to the second side, the sprocket bore having a diameter and being axially tapered from the first side to the second side so that the diameter of the sprocket bore adjacent the first side is larger than the diameter of the sprocket bore adjacent the second side;
• b. means for connecting the sprocket segments to each other to form the split sprocket;
• c. a pair of hub segments that form a split hub that is rotatable about a radial axis thereof, the split hub having an external surface and defining a hub bore therethrough having a longitudinal axis which is coaxial with the radial axis of the split hub, the hub bore being of a size to be disposed around a shaft so that the split hub maintains a constant radial position relative to the shaft, at least a portion of the external surface of the split hub being of a size that is tapered to be complementarily received within the taper of the sprocket bore, the external surface having a wide end and an opposite narrow end;
• and
• d. means for coupling the hub segments to each other to form the split hub and for coupling the split sprocket to the split hub so that the tapered sprocket bore matingly engages the tapered portion of the hub, whereby the split sprocket is securely connected to the split hub, and wherein the first side of the split sprocket is adjacent the wide end of the external surface of the split hub.