Pipe transfer apparatus

Abstract

A pipe handling apparatus has a substantially horizontal track and a traveling base member which can travel along the length of the track. An elongate mast is provided. One end of the mast is pivotally affixed to the traveling base member, while a pipe gripper assembly is affixed to the other end of the mast. The pipe gripper includes opposing arcuate jaws which can be selectively opened and closed, as desired, around the outer circumference of a section of pipe or other tubular member. The pipe gripper can be rotated three hundred sixty (360) degrees, and can also be tilted, up or down, relative to such mast.

1 . An apparatus for handling pipe on a drilling rig comprising: 
 a. a substantially linear track having a first end and a second end; and    b. means for gripping pipe which can be selectively positioned between the first and second ends of said track.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said track is situated on the rig floor of a drilling rig.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the first end of said track is located near a wellbore, and the second end of said track is positioned near the upper end of a v-door.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus for handling pipe on a drilling rig comprising: 
 a. a substantially linear track having a first end and a second end;    b. a platform slidably received on said track, wherein said platform can travel between the first and second ends of said track; and    c. means for gripping pipe.    
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said means for gripping pipe further comprises: 
 a. a back member;    b. a first arcuate jaw pivotally attached to said back member; and    c. a second arcuate jaw pivotally attached to said back member, wherein 
 said first and second arcuate jaw members oppose each other.