Pipe handling apparatus

Abstract

A pipe handling apparatus includes a support base extending longitudinally and disposable proximate a pipe handling rig. A lifting base is movably attached to the support base. The apparatus has means for moving the lifting base longitudinally along the support base, an intermediate support frame coupled to the lifting base and a vertical lifting device coupled between the intermediate support frame and the lifting base. The vertical lifting device is configured such that through an entire lift motion thereof, the intermediate support frame remains in a same plane as the lifting base. A pipe handling channel is pivotally coupled at one end to the intermediate support frame. Means for elevating the other end of the pipe handling channel are coupled to the intermediate support frame and the pipe handling channel.

1 . A pipe handling apparatus, comprising:
 a support base extending longitudinally and disposable proximate a pipe handling rig;   a lifting base movably attached to the support base;   means for moving the lifting base longitudinally along the support base   an intermediate support frame coupled to the lifting base;   a vertical lifting device coupled between the intermediate support frame and the lifting base such that through an entire lift motion thereof, the intermediate support frame remains in a same plane as the lifting base;   a pipe handling channel pivotally coupled at one end to the intermediate support frame, the pipe handling channel rotatable disposed within the intermediate support frame to enable rotation of the pipe handling channel with reference to its longitudinal axis with respect to the intermediate support frame;   a lock selectively disengageable when the vertical lifting device is fully retracted such that longitudinal rotation of the pipe channel is enabled only when the vertical lifting device is fully retracted; and   means for elevating the other end of the pipe handling channel.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means for moving the lifting base comprises an hydraulic cylinder. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the vertical lifting device comprises a pair of scissor arms on each side of the lifting track and intermediate support frame, and an hydraulic cylinder to move the scissors arms along the lifting track. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means for elevating comprises an hydraulic cylinder. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising pipe handing device to move segments of pipe between the pipe handling channel and a storage rack. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the pipe handling device comprises a plurality of L-shaped arms each coupled to a respective hydraulic cylinder, each cylinder coupled at one end to the lifting base.