Abstract: A single opening is formed in a central portion of a susceptor of a vapor phase epitaxial growth system. Consequently, any dopant diffused off outwardly from the back surface of a wafer during an epitaxial growth process can be exhausted through the opening to the beneath side with respect to the susceptor. As a result, it may become difficult for auto-doping to be induced, even with no protective film formed on a back surface of the wafer. Uniformity in a dopant concentration in the surface may be improved and thus a resistivity may be made uniform. Further, since a temperature of the back surface of the wafer is measured through the opening, a heating temperature can be controlled stably, thus allowing a precise temperature control thereof. Consequently, the epitaxial film as well as the distribution of its resistivity may be made uniform across the entire wafer.

Abstract: A pallet truck is provided comprising a steerable unit; a fork carriage; a set of forks coupled to the fork carriage; and a tray non-removably coupled to one of the fork carriage and the forks. The tray is movable between a workpiece-receiving position where the tray rests on the forks and a stowed position where the tray is disengaged from the forks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling large concrete retaining wall blocks and the like. The blocks are cast in a form with the front face down, a lifting loop extending from a rear face and with grooves extending in sides from a rear face to adjacent the front face. A spear hook is secured to one of two fork lift tines to extend to one side of the tine away from the other tine. The spear hook engages the lifting loop on the block for lifting the block from the form and for rolling the block into an upright position. The fork lift tines then engage the side grooves from the rear of the block for lifting and moving the blocks and for stacking the blocks to construct a retaining wall.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart collection vehicle is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, and storing various types of carts and carriers. The vehicle may additionally include hydraulic lifters, lights, a slip clutch, an extendable carrying arm, carrying boom, a carrying ram, secondary support rods, rear cart retrieval, holding pins, holding bumps, holding numbs, roll bars, a windshield, an operator weather cover, removable cover, doors, side windows, and back window, and/or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a cart trailer includes a floor, side rails, loading ramp, holding pin, trailer hitch, and chain lock connector. An improved method of collecting shopping carts is disclosed wherein a shopping cart collection vehicle is used to pickup the shopping carts and return them to the store.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading platform (2,3) for displacing goods, comprising a support frame for goods (8) and at least one double roller device (7,9) arranged in longitudinal direction, wherein the double roller device comprises a number of first roller elements (9) situated at regular mutual distances and having a rolling surface (15), and a number of second roller elements (7) situated above the first roller elements and having a rolling surface (15), and wherein the rolling surface of the first roller elements lies against the rolling surface of the second roller elements, characterised in that the roller elements engage movably on the frame in vertical direction.

Abstract: Impact cushions are mounted to the upright arms of the mast at the horizontal lifting arms of a fork lift truck. The cushions are molded monolithic bodies, each having a flat mounting surface for engagement with the upright arm of the mast, a semi-cylindrical load engaging surface opposed to the flat mounting surface for engaging pallets and/or loads carried by the fork, and parallel flanges straddling the flat mounting surface for aligning the mounting surface to the mast.

Abstract: In a slid fork comprising a base portion 4, a middle portion 6, and a top portion 8, a driving motor 20 rotates sprockets 22, 24 to drive chains 26, 36, respectively, at different speeds. The middle portion 6 is fixed to the chain 26, while the top portion 8 is fixed to the chain 36. The chains 26, 36 are driven using a predetermined speed and stroke ratios. No sprockets are provided at a leading end of the middle portion. Therefore, no dust is raised from shelves.

Abstract: A frame apparatus which is positionable on the tines of a forklift which includes a pair of lower feet portion, having an upper flat surface, and having an opening therethrough in which the forklift tines remain fully inserted therein so that the frame work is fully positioned on the tines of the forklift. There is further included a rear wall portion, which rests against the forklift which can be secured thereto. Further there is provided a pair of sidewalls extending a distance out from the rear wall, in parallel relation to the pair of foot members, so as to define a first large opening into which a load such as a drum or container may be placed, first and second bar members positioned between the rear portion and each of the wall members, which when in a first down position, define a small opening therebetween to accommodate a smaller container, and when in a second up position define the larger space to accommodate the larger container between the wall members.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and a printing method capable of preventing stacks of printed sheets from falling apart which can occur when continuously printing stacks of sheets of different sheet sizes. A printing press is controlled to suspend printing for removal of printed sheets, to change the storage destination of the printed sheets or to change printing order, based on a result of sequential or simultaneous comparisons between print sizes of a plurality of print data and a previously determined permissible limit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to secure and protect slings for lifting and moving odd-shaped or heavy loads suspended from the tine or tines of a conventional forklift truck by means of a clamp designed and sized to fit over the forklift tine and to be located along and secured to the tine by means of a setscrew, said clamp having rounded sides to prevent damage to the sling used to lift the load by the forklift tine or tines, and pins and a removable cover plate to retain the sling on the clamp, and with removable “hairpin” or cotter-type retainer springs to restrain the cover plate.

Abstract: A block holding device for holding a plurality of concrete blocks in a uniform manner as the blocks are made on a block maker. The device comprises a support that includes a planar elongated member having a ninety degree bend therein such that a first portion and a second portion are defined. The elongated member has an inner surface and an outer surface with respect to the bend. A plurality of brackets is attached to the inner surface of the second portion. Each of the brackets has a W-shaped configuration. A first layer of blocks may be stacked on the brackets in a first direction and a second layer of blocks stacked in a second direction such that the blocks are supported in a stacked orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for firm handling of disc-shaped objects with a concentric bore, such as compact discs CD comprises a conic-ended rod-shaped body to be inserted in the bore of the CD stack and a finger-like gripper slides the topmost disk in the semi-groove provided on rod-shaped body and holding it in firmly during the placing process.

Abstract: A fork lift rack that includes a first beam, a second beam and at least two spacer elements which fix the first and second beams at a distance from and substantially parallel to each other is taught. The load-bearing fork members can be mounted on the first and second beams. The fork members can be displaced along the length of the beams. The fork members have first and second legs that extend in separate vertical planes. The fork members are designed such that the distance between the first legs is greater than the distance between the second legs when the two forks are mounted in place on the rack. The spacer elements have fastening devices which are intended to releaseably fasten the fork lift rack to a lift mechanism, the upper beam has a web and a flange which are joined to each other at an angle &agr; different from 90°. The upper beam is joined to each spacer element via the web. The web is directed away from the lower beam.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods, apparatus and systems for retrofitting existing containers for use with vehicles having lifting forks for elevating and maneuvering such containers, and retrofitting the vehicle forks, as well as constructing new equipment to include the invention. An apparatus according to the invention includes a liner formed from a vibration absorbing material for insertion into a pocket associated with a container. Alternatively to or in conjunction with the liner, either a glove formed from a vibration absorbing material can be inserted over a lifting fork on a fork bearing, lifting apparatus, or a rail formed from a vibration absorbing material can be fitted to at least a portion of a lifting fork on the fork bearing, lifting apparatus. The invention is also directed to methods relating to the use and incorporation of the apparatus, and systems incorporating more than one component thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a displacement device mountable on a fork lift rack for allowing displacement of a lift member in a substantially vertical direction. The displacement device has a body with at least one elongated opening having its longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, a pin moveably received in the opening, and at least one coupler for connecting to the fork lift rack. A coupler of the fork lift member can be connected to the pin. Accordingly, the lift members can be inserted under an object that is placed on an inclined surface without having to tip the entire fork lift rack.

Abstract: A controlled material transport system (MTS) for carrying materials to and from workstations, test equipment, and processing and assembly tools in a common facility. The present invention includes a rigid robot vehicle mountable to a passive track system, which can be routed to service all processing tools on the factory floor. The robot vehicle includes a hoist assembly and gripper assembly, which together perform such functions as picking up magazines, placing magazines, and loading magazines into the processing tools. The hoist assembly is capable of functioning in an operational envelope, which includes any target location within a 3-axis Cartesian coordinate system, to the extent of the range of motion of the hoist assembly. The hoist assembly also provides rigid and controlled z-axis travel, while being compact when retracted. The gripper assembly facilitates loading of the magazines, especially chute style magazines, which are commonly found on many existing processing tools.

Abstract: A lift truck attachment for handling loads comprises a main frame assembly for attachment to an elevator of a lift truck and a lower slide assembly. The lower slide assembly includes an elongated sliding element for performing a reciprocal motion relative to the main frame assembly. A bottom slide cross tube is furnished and has an elongated structure extending substantially perpendicular to the elongated sliding element. An elongated pusher plate is attached to the bottom slide cross tube and extends substantially parallel to the elongated sliding element. A first shear plate has a first hole and is attached to an end of the bottom side cross tube. A second shear plate has a second hole and is rotatably attached to the first shear plate with a rotation axis disposed substantially parallel to the elongated sliding element. The first hole and the second hole have the same distance from the rotation axis. A threaded safety bolt penetrates through the first hole and through the second hole.

Abstract: A lifting device comprising: a substantially horizontally extending support forming a support surface, comprising at least two support elements, such as, for instance, two prongs of a fork, for supporting a stack, a lifting member, movably connected to the support elements and displaceable in a vertical plane, a connecting device for movably connecting the support elements to the lifting member. The connecting device comprises: first members for, during picking up or putting down of the stack, moving a support element freely relative to the lifting member through an at least small distance relative to the lifting member in substantially vertical, upward direction; second members for freely rotating a support element through an at least small angle about an axis perpendicular to the vertical plane, the second members allowing free rotation only when, during picking up or putting down of the stack, the support element has been moved upwardly.

Abstract: A protective device for the free end of a tine of a forklift truck, in which a polymeric body is adapted to accommodate the end edge of a forklift truck tine. This protective device includes a forward end region that operatively obscures the end edge of the associated tine and a rearward extending portion that is adopted for securing the protective device to a forklift truck tine by bonding, fasteners, or in any other suitable manner.

Abstract: A protective device for the free end of a tine of a forklift truck, in which a polymeric body is adapted to accommodate the end edge of a forklift truck tine. This protective device includes a forward end region that operatively obscures the end edge of the associated tine and a rearward extending portion that is adopted for securing the protective device to a forklift truck tine by bonding, fasteners, or in any other suitable manner.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tobacco bale splitting apparatus for splitting a bale of compressed tobacco having a plurality of generally parallel tobacco leaves having stems. The present application also relates to a method of splitting a tobacco bale.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart collection vehicle, system, adapter, or device is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, and storing various types of carts, carriers, or the like. The vehicle may additionally include hydraulic lifters, lights, a slip clutch, an extendable carrying arm, carrying boom, a carrying ram, secondary support rods, rear cart retrieval, holding pins, holding bumps, holding numbs, rollbars, a windshield, an operator weather cover, removable cover, doors, side windows, and back window, and/or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a cart trailer includes a floor, side rails, loading ramp, holding pin, trailer hitch, and chain lock connector. An improved method of collecting shopping carts is disclosed wherein a shopping cart collection vehicle is used to pickup the shopping carts and return them to the store.

Abstract: The system is for use in a front loader assembly for refuse vehicles, which include two spaced fork members which are secured to a cross-member, which in turn are supported by lift arms which move the load supported on the forks into the refuse truck. The system includes flexure beams which are formed by cutout portions in a sensing portion of each fork. The flexure beams are located symmetrically about a centerline of a sensing section of each fork, and alternate between two different lengths, with the flexure beams of each length being in alignment. Three sets of long cutout portions and 3 sets of short cutout portions are included, in addition to a central pair of cutout portions on which the strain gauges are mounted. The sensing section of the fork is configured to provide the necessary stiffness with the plurality of flexure beams therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for attaching an additional set of forks or some other apparatus to a carriage without having to remove the existing tines.

Abstract: A lift truck sideshifting carriage has an upper transverse slide guide with an upwardly-protruding first lip for slidably supporting an upper transversely-extending slide of a sideshifting frame. The sideshifting frame has a second upwardly-protruding lip for supporting the load-handling implement of the lift truck. The slide guide has a transversely-extending reinforcing portion which protrudes forwardly from beneath a forwardly-facing surface of the first lip, and extends throughout at least a major portion of the transverse length of the slide guide. A sideshifting motor, for moving the sideshifting frame transversely with respect to the slide, is mounted to the slide guide externally beneath the reinforcing portion of the slide guide. The forwardly-protruding reinforcing portion of the slide guide and the upwardly-protruding first lip of the slide guide are formed monolithically and homogeneously as a single member.

Abstract: A method for blocking a pocket of a multi-pocket feed structure used to feed rods to and from a magazine of a directional drilling machine. The method includes providing a blocker at a non-blocking position, engaging the blocker with the feed structure, and extending the feed structure from beneath the magazine while the blocker engages and moves in concert with the feed structure. The method also includes disengaging the blocker from the feed structure after the feed structure has been extended, retracting the feed structure relative to the blocker until the blocker is positioned in a first blocking position in which at least one of the pockets of the feed structure is blocked, and re-engaging the blocker with the feed structure once the blocker is oriented in the first blocking position.

Abstract: A fork lift tine construction is disclosed which includes a tine (11) and a tine mounting (12). The tine mounting (12) is characterised in that it includes at least one open area (A) through which the tip of the tine may be seen when viewed from the other side of the tine mounting (12). The construction aids in visibility of the tine for a fork lift operator and therefore offers greater accuracy.

Abstract: A fork lift rack that includes a first beam, a second beam and at least two spacer elements which fix the first and second beams at a distance from and substantially parallel to each other is taught. The load-bearing fork members can be mounted on the first and second beams. The fork members can be displaced along the length of the beams. The fork members have first and second legs that extend in separate vertical planes. The fork members are designed such that the distance between the first legs is greater than the distance between the second legs when the two forks are mounted in place on the rack. The spacer elements have fastening devices which are intended to releaseably fasten the fork lift rack to a lift mechanism, the upper beam has a web and a flange which are joined to each other at an angle &agr; different from 90°. The upper beam is joined to each spacer element via the web. The web is directed away from the lower beam.

Abstract: A displacement device mountable on a fork lift rack for allowing displacement of a lift member in a substantially vertical direction is disclosed. The displacement device has a body with at least one elongated opening having its longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, a pin moveably received in the opening, and at least one coupler for connecting to the fork lift rack. A coupler of the fork lift member can be connected to the pin. Accordingly, the lift members can be inserted under an object that is placed on an inclined surface without having to tip the entire fork lift rack.

Abstract: A crane gear for the transport of web rolls with a winding core, provided with a passage hole, exhibits a support frame, which is attached to a cable and which is provided with receiving units. The support frame comprises an upper yoke carrier with legs, which point in the downward direction and whose ends are provided with hooks and from which a support rod, which is slid through the passage hole, can be suspended.

Abstract: The present application relaxes to a tobacco bale splitting apparatus for splitting a bale of compressed tobacco having a plurality of generally parallel tobacco leaves having stems The present application also relates to a method of splitting a tobacco bale.

Abstract: A system for facilitating wafer transfer comprises a susceptor unit consisting of an inner susceptor section which rests within an outer susceptor section. A vertically movable and rotatable support spider located beneath the susceptor unit can rotate into positions to engage either the inner or the outer susceptor sections. When the inner section is engaged, the support spider lifts the inner section vertically out of the outer section. When the outer section is engaged, the support spider raises and lowers the entire susceptor unit. A robotic arm end effector engaging only the lower surface of the outer edge of the wafer permits hot wafer pick-up and unloading by the inner susceptor section. Several end effectors are disclosed that minimize non-uniform thermal effect on the substrate.

Abstract: The lift fork rack includes a first beam, a second beam and at least two spacer elements which fix the first and second beams at a distance from and substantially parallel to each other. The load-bearing fork members can be mounted on the first and second beams. The fork members can be displaced along the length of the beams. The spacer elements have fastening devices which are intended to releasably fasten the lift fork rack to a lift mechanism, the upper beam has a web and a flange which are joined to each other at an angle &agr; different from 90°. The upper beam is joined to each spacer element via the web. The web is directed away from the lower beam.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a pallet jack or truck to permit an operator to load and unload pallets from the four-way side of a pallet.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart collection vehicle, system, adapter, or device is disclosed for use in collecting, transporting, and storing various types of carts, carriers, or the like. The vehicle may additionally include hydraulic lifters, lights, a slip clutch, an extendable carrying arm, carrying boom, a carrying ram, secondary support rods, rear cart retrieval, holding pins, holding bumps, holding numbs, rollbars, a windshield, an operator weather cover, removable cover, doors, side windows, and back window, and/or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a cart trailer includes a floor, side rails, loading ramp, holding pin, trailer hitch, and chain lock connector. An improved method of collecting shopping carts is disclosed wherein a shopping cart collection vehicle is used to pickup the shopping carts and return them to the store.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for a portable trailer hitch being attached to the forks of a fork lift truck or similar motorized vehicle. The device discloses an upper and lower frame member separated by spacer plates whereby the forks of the fork lift truck can be slidably inserted into slots between the upper and lower frame members. The upper frame member comprises nut and bolt tightening members or the like which secure the upper and lower frame members to the forks of the fork lift truck. Furthermore, the upper frame member comprises a channel member mounted thereon having a trailer hitch ball mounted to it.

Abstract: A system for facilitating wafer transfer comprises a susceptor unit consisting of an inner susceptor section which rests within an outer susceptor section. A vertically movable and rotatable support spider located beneath the susceptor unit can rotate into positions to engage either the inner or the outer susceptor sections. When the inner section is engaged, the support spider lifts the inner section vertically out of the outer section. When the outer section is engaged, the support spider raises and lowers the entire susceptor unit. A fork type robotic arm end effector permits wafer pick up and unloading by the inner susceptor section.

Abstract: In an automated process for folding and unfolding a lift truck fork in response to movement of a carriage relative to a supporting mast, the lift truck fork is pivotally supported on the carriage such that under normal conditions a fork tine extends outwardly generally perpendicularly from the carriage. A latch is provided which is connected to the mast and is capable of selectively engaging the lift truck fork. When the carriage is at or near the bottom of the mast, the latch may be selectively caused to engage the lift truck fork. With the latch so engaged, raising of the carriage causes the fork tine to pivot until it lies generally parallel to the carriage. Subsequent lowering of the carriage then causes the fork tine to pivot back to its unfolded position wherein it extends generally perpendicularly from the carriage. The latch is biased to normally remain out of engagement with the lift truck fork so that once the carriage is lowered, the latch disengages from the lift truck fork.

Abstract: A pallet jack attachment to be coupled to the forks of a conventional pallet jack so as to be able to engage and drag a standard pallet on which goods are stacked out of a shipping container when the pallet is loaded sideways therewithin. The pallet jack attachment includes a pair of arms projecting rearwardly in spaced, parallel alignment with one another. Locking tabs are welded to the rear ends of the arms and sized to fit within and slide through existing slots formed in the forks of the pallet jack so that the pallet jack attachment is reliably connected to the pallet jack. A channel having a pair of gripping fingers turning upwardly therefrom is located at the front of the pallet jack attachment. When the pallet jack is driven towards the side of a pallet, the channel and gripping fingers of the attachment are correspondingly advanced inwardly thereof via an access opening in the pallet.

Abstract: The present invention is a forklift attachment device which automatically secures to the tongs of a forklift when the tongs are raised. The present invention functions to prevent a forklift load from becoming dislodged prematurely. The operative portion of the present invention is a pair of elastomer locking brakes which are positioned along the tongs of the forklift. The forks are inserted into the device. As the load is moved upwardly, levers attached to the locking brakes fall downwardly causing the locking brakes to move into operative engagement with the forks. When the load is returned to a position on the floor, the levers are returned to the starting position causing the locking brakes to release the attachment from the forks.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer carrier fork cover to prevent damage to prevent breakage of the semiconductor wafer carrier forks mounted on a robotic semiconductor wafer transfer system during preventative maintenance procedures is described. A semiconductor wafer carrier fork cover has a lower support unit. The lower support unit will fit onto the base of a robotic semiconductor wafer transfer system. An upper covering unit is integrally attached to the lower support unit and will shield the semiconductor wafer carrier forks during preventive maintenance procedures.

Abstract: A winch and rail assembly support structure is adapted to mount to a front of a vehicle. A winch is supported by the winch and rail assembly support structure. A rail assembly is configured to removably connect to the winch and rail assembly support structure. The rail assembly comprises two opposing elongated rails, each elongated rail comprising two opposing tracks, and a pulley supported at a distal end of the rails. A fork assembly comprises an elongated fork support arm configured to span between the rails, a pair of forks configured to connect to the fork support arm, and a plurality of roller wheels connected to the elongated fork support arm. A first pair of the roller wheels is configured to ride within the two opposing tracks of a first one of the rails, and a second pair of the roller wheels is configured to ride within the two opposing tracks of a second one of the rails.

Abstract: Pallet stops are provided for blades of a forklift truck. The pallet stops have elongated bodies of a predetermined length, and are easily placed on or removed from forklift blades in predetermined locations. For retrofitting existing forklift blades, the elongated bodies include magnets for removably securing the pallet stops to the blades, while for new forklift blades, the blades may have threaded openings formed in predetermined locations, and elongated pins may be selectively inserted into one of the threaded openings on each blade.

Abstract: A fork for a fork lift truck is attached to the typical mast mounted carriage by means of upper and lower hangers. Lateral adjustment of the position of the fork relative to the carriage involves engagement and release of a pin structure carried by the upper hanger. The upper hanger incorporates a pin which is vertically movable between a first position in which the pin engages slots in the upper mounting bar of the carriage and a second position in which the pin is recessed permitting lateral, relative movement between the fork and the carriage. A spring urges the pin to the first position where the pin engages slots in then carriage mounting bar. By lifting and turning the pin can be held in a second position so that the fork is slidable laterally along the carriage mounting bar.

Abstract: A lift table modified to permit user configuration to achieve a plurality of functions is provided. The lift table may be configured for any of these functions by the end user, without the use of special tools or training. In one embodiment the lift table is provided with coupling devices such as pockets, flanges, brackets, etc. which can be coupled to a plurality of standard sized or spaced attachments for multiple purposes such as pallet forklift, tilt/layover, conveyor, turntable and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for transporting a generally cylindrical package include: (a) a frame including a support device having at least one compressible support member and a pivot device for pivoting the support device about a generally vertical axis, the support device being movable along the generally vertical axis between (1) a first predetermined position spaced apart from and below an outer surface of a generally cylindrical package which is removably telescoped upon a generally horizontal member of a support at a first predetermined location and (2) a second predetermined position in which the compressible support member contacts and supports at least a portion of the outer surface of the generally cylindrical package; and (b) a carriage assembly connected to and supporting the frame, the carriage assembly including a carriage for moving the frame between (1) a first predetermined position proximate the support and (2) a second predetermined position horizontally spaced apart from the first predetermined

Abstract: The object of a device for coupling loading and unloading devices with semiconductor machines is to couple devices required for the use of SMIF technology with semiconductor processing machines in which subsequent integration of SMIF technology is not possible, wherein the charging to be carried out after coupling is highly flexible and capable of managing increasing dimensions of semiconductor wafers. An adjustable receiving element for the loading and unloading device is provided inside a movable enclosure, this receiving element being displaceable between at least two planes situated one above the other, one plane serving for charging the loading and unloading device and every other plane being used for the charging of the semiconductor machine carried out by the loading and unloading device. The enclosure has aligning and holding elements for fastening to a coupling element which is aligned with the semiconductor processing machine.

Abstract: There is provided an improved blade for a fork lift truck, the blade helping to prevent damage to pallets or other objects. The blade includes a freely rotatable member mounted at the distal end of the blade, the rotatable member being mounted to at least partially protrude beyond the distal end and the member being rotatable about an axis which is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the blade.

Abstract: A protective guard for attachment to conventional lift trucks to prevent damage to transported materials caused by the hard surfaces and edges of lift forks is provided which comprises a flexible sheet having cushioning characteristics and having a width sufficient in length to span and cover the lift forks. The protective guard further comprises hook and loop type fasteners for attaching the flexible sheet to the lift truck such that the sheet covers the potentially damaging lift forks and allows for lateral movement of the lift forks.

Abstract: A protective sheath for forklift tangs to protect plastic pallets and other structures from impact damage from contact with tang ends. The sheath extends over the tang and carries a bumper at the distal end which abuts the distal end of a tang. The bumper is formed from resilient, energy absorbing material and includes at least two transverse walls generally parallel to the tang end, with a free air space between the members. An insert bonded to the tang that extends into a corresponding sheath recess limits slippage of a pallet on the sheath. A clamp surrounding the proximal end of the sheath and the tang, between two spaced sheath ridges, securely holds the sheath and bumper onto the tang.