Pipe handling device

Abstract

A pipe handling device for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine. A pipe handling device includes a magazine for storing pipe sections and a pipe handling assembly to transport pipe sections between the magazine and the drilling machine. In one embodiment, pipe sections are stored in the magazine randomly. Pipe sections are positioned in the magazine using a vertical lift positioned beneath the magazine and having a plurality of notches. As the vertical lift is raised, the lift contacts the pipe sections in the magazine and positions the pipe sections for release through a discharge opening.

1 . A pipe handling device for storing and transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal directional drilling machine, the pipe handling device comprising: 
 a magazine adapted to store a plurality of pipe sections in a random manner proximate the drilling machine, the magazine having a discharge opening through which pipe sections are passed;    a pipe handling assembly adapted to transport at least one pipe section between the magazine and the drilling machine; and    at least one vertical lift comprising a lift frame having a plurality of pipe positioning notches;    wherein the vertical lift positions the pipe sections in the magazine for passage through the discharge opening.    
     
     
         2 . The pipe handling device of  claim 1  wherein the magazine comprises a frame having an inclined surface such that the pipe sections are passively guided to the discharge opening.  
     
     
         3 . The pipe handling device of  claim 1  wherein the diameter of each of the plurality of pipe positioning notches matches the diameter of a particular pipe section.  
     
     
         4 . The pipe handling device of  claim 1  wherein the vertical lift further comprises an actuator adapted to raise and lower the lift frame.  
     
     
         5 . The pipe handling device of  claim 1  wherein the pipe handling assembly comprises a transport member adapted to receive a pipe section and shuttle linearly the pipe section to and from the drilling machine.  
     
     
         6 . The pipe handling device of  claim 1  wherein the pipe handling assembly comprises a transport member adapted to receive a pipe section and transport the pipe section to and from the drilling machine through an arcuate path.