| CPC B65G 1/10 (2013.01) [B65G 1/137 (2013.01); B65G 2203/0283 (2013.01); B65G 2203/041 (2013.01)] | 23 Claims |
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
a body defining:
a first side surface defining a first exterior side and a first interior side;
a second side surface opposite to the first side surface and defining a second exterior side and a second interior side;
an open front area on a front side of the body;
a back side of the body opposite the front side of the body;
a first mount on the first interior side; and
a second mount on the second interior side and in a same horizontal position as the first mount;
a drive system that propels and positions the apparatus along a horizontal surface; and
a lifting system comprising one or more lifting elements with one or more retractable wheels coupled to each of the one or more lifting elements, wherein:
a back wall of the lifting system is opposite the open front area;
an overall depth of the apparatus is from the back side of the body to the front side of the body, the overall depth defined by a length of the one or more elements and the back wall of the lifting system;
when the lifting system extends substantially outside of the body to perform an object handling operation for handling an object that is external to the apparatus, the retractable wheels are in an extended position and directly contact the horizontal surface, and the object rests on the one or more retractable wheels and is positioned to not rest on the first mount and second mount; and
when the lifting system is substantially inside the body, the retractable wheels are in a retracted position, and the object rests on the first mount and the second mount of the body.
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