HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE PIPE PICK-UP AND LAYDOWN MACHINE

摘要

The present invention provides a pipe-handling machine (100) for picking upand laying down pipe, such as at a rig site. The machine first comprises threeelongated and nested truss members. First, a trestle (200) is provided;second, a trough carrier (300) is received within the trestle; and third, atrough (400) is slidably received within the trough carrier. The machine nextcomprises an inclined ramp (500). A lower end of the ramp is pivotallyconnected to the trestle, while an upper end of the ramp extends upward to therig floor. The length of the ramp is adjustable to accommodate rig floors ofvarying heights. A trestle transport mechanism (550) selectively moves a frontend of the trestle upwards along the ramp, thereby delivering a joint of pipeto the rig floor. The trough may optionally be moved along the trough carrierand out over the rig floor to aid in delivery. Features (310) may optionallybe incorporated to reduce the angle of approach of the joint of pipe relativeto the rig floor after the trestle transport mechanism is actuated.