Abstract:
An active, smartpipe stand (apparatus and method) for feeding and receiving pipe in a horizontal orientation to and from a pipe handling apparatus has a first pipe-lifting mechanism, a second pipe-lifting mechanism, and a pipe-rotating mechanism positioned between the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms. The bottom of the first pipe-lifting mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom of the second pipe-lifting mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom of the pipe-rotating mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. Individual tubulars are unloaded, prepared, staged and sequenced, assembled and presented for delivery from horizontal to vertical. The pipe stand is positioned under the boom of the pipe handling apparatus when the apparatus is in the first position. The pipe stand extends within the skid structure.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to pipe stands for pipe handling apparatus. Particularly, the present invention relates to pipe stands that deliver pipe, casing, and other tubulars to a pipe handling apparatus. Additionally, the present invention relates to pipe stands that receive and store pipe, casing and other tubulars from a pipe handling apparatus. 
     2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98 
     Drill rigs have utilized several methods for transferring tubular members from a pipe rack adjacent to the drill floor to a position above the drill floor or the well bore for connection to a previously transferred tubular or tubular string. The term “pipe” as used herein includes all forms of tubulars, such as drill pipes, drill collars, casings, liners, bottom hole assemblies (BHA), and other types of tubular known in the art. 
     Conventionally, drill rigs have utilized a combination of rig cranes and traveling systems for transferring a tubular from the pipe rack to a vertical position above the center of the well. The obvious disadvantage with the prior art systems is that there is a significant manual involvement in attaching the pipe elevators to the tubular and moving the pipe from the drill rack to the rotary table at the well head. This manual transfer operation in the vicinity of workers is potentially dangerous and has caused numerous injuries in drilling operations. Further, the hoisting system allows the tubular to contact the catwalk or other portions of the rig as the tubular is transferred from the pipe rack to the drill floor. This can damage the tubular and may affect the integrity of the connections between successive tubulars of a tubular string in the well. 
     In the past, various devices have been created which mechanically move a pipe from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation such that the vertically-oriented pipe can be installed into the well bore. Typically, these devices have utilized several interconnected arms that are associated with a boom. In order to move the pipe, a succession of individual movements of the levers, arms and other components of the boom must be performed in a coordinated manner in order to achieve the desired result. Typically a wide variety of hydraulic actuators are connected to each of the components so as to carry out the prescribed movement. A complex control mechanism is connected to each of these actuators so as to achieve the desired movement. Advanced programming is required of the controller in order to properly coordinate the movements in order to achieve this desired result. 
     Unfortunately, with such systems, the hydraulic actuators, along with other components, can become worn with time. Furthermore, the hydraulic integrity of each of the actuators can become compromised over time. As such, small variations in each of the actuators can occur. These variations, as they occur, can make the complex mechanism rather inaccurate. The failure of one hydraulic component can exacerbate the problems associated with the alignment of the pipe in a vertical orientation. Adjustments of the programming are often necessary so as to continue to achieve the desired results. Fundamentally, the more hydraulic actuators that are incorporated into such a system, the more likely it is to have errors, inaccuracies and deviations in the desired delivery profile of the tubular. Typically, very experienced and knowledgeable operators are required so as to carry out this pipe movement operation. This adds significantly to the cost associated with pipe delivery. Thus, there is a need for pipe delivery systems that are less complicated and that can operate accurately without costly personnel. 
     In the past, pipe handling apparatus have not been used for the installation of casing. The problem associated with casing is that the threads of the casing are formed on an inner wall and on an outer wall at the ends of each of the casing sections. Whenever these threads are formed, the relatively thin wall thickness of the casing is further minimized. Additionally, great precision is required so as to properly thread the threads of one casing section within the threads of an adjacent casing section. The amount of accuracy required for the delivery of the casing by a pipe handling apparatus, in the past, has not been sufficient so as to achieve the desired degree of accuracy for the installation of the casing sections in their threaded connection. The improper installation of one casing section upon another casing section can potentially damage the threads associated with such casing sections. Additionally, in the past, the pipe handling apparatus could potentially damage the thin-walled casing sections during the delivery. As such, a need has developed to adapt a pipe handling apparatus so as to achieve the desired amount of accuracy for the installation of casing sections. 
     It is also desirable to be able to grip casing or pipe positioned on a rack adjacent a drilling well, move the same into vertical orientation over the well bore, and thereafter lower the same onto a drill string suspended in the well bore. 
     Various patents have issued relating to pipe handling apparatus. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,177,944, issued on Apr. 13, 1965 to R. N. Knights, describes a racking mechanism for earth boring equipment that provides for horizontal storage of pipe lengths on one side of and clear of the derrick. This is achieved by means of a transport arm which is pivoted toward the base of the derrick for swing movement in a vertical plane. The outer end of the arm works between a substantially vertical position in which it can accept a pipe length from, or deliver a pipe length to, a station in the derrick, and a substantially horizontal portion in which the arm can deliver a pipe length to, or accept a pipe length from, a station associated with storage means on one side of the derrick. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,507, issued on Sep. 2, 1969 to E. L. Alexander et al., teaches a portable rotary pipe handling system. This system includes a mast pivotally mounted and movable between a reclining transport position to a desired position at the site drilling operations which may be at any angle up to vertical. The mast has guides for a traveling mechanism that includes a block movable up and down the mast through operation of cables reeved from the traveling block over crown block pulleys into a drawwork. A power drill drive is carried by the traveling block. An elevator for drill pipe is carried by an arm swingably mounted relative to the power unit. Power tongs, slips and slip bushings are supported adjacent the lower end of the mast and adapted to have a drill pipe extend therethrough from a drive bushing connected to a power drive whereby the drill pipe is extended in the direction of the hole to be drilled. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,633,771, issued on Jan. 11, 1972 to Woolslayer et al., discloses an apparatus for moving drill pipe into and out of an oil well derrick. A stand of pipe is gripped by a strongback which is pivotally mounted to one end of a boom. The boom swings the strongback over the rotary table thereby vertically aligning the pipe stand with the drill string. When both adding pipe to and removing pipe from the drill string, all vertical movement of the pipe is accomplished by the elevator suspended from the traveling block. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,122, issued on Jan. 14, 1975 to L. C. Cernosek, describes an apparatus for transferring a tubular member, such as a pipe, from a storage area to an oil well drilling platform. The positioning apparatus includes a pipe positioner mounted on a platform for moving the pipe to a release position whereby the pipe can be released to be lowered to a submerged position. A load means is operably attached or associated with the platform and positioning means in order to move the pipe in a stored position to a transfer position in which the pipe is transferred to the positioner. The positioner includes a tower having pivotally mounted thereon a pipe track with a plurality of pipe clamp assemblies which are adapted to receive a pipe length. The pipe track is pivotally movable by hydraulic power means or gear means between a transfer position in which pipe is moved into the plurality of clamp assemblies and the release position in which the pipe is released for movement to a submerged position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,986,619, issued on Oct. 19, 1976 to Woolslayer et al., shows a pipe handling apparatus for an oil well drilling derrick. In this apparatus, the inner end of the boom is pivotally supported on a horizontal axis in front of a well. A clamping means is pivotally connected to the outer end of the boom on an axis parallel to the horizontal axis at one end. The clamping means allows the free end of the drill pipe to swing across the boom as the outer end of the boom is raised or lowered. A line is connected at one end with the traveling block that raises and lowers the elevators and at the other end to the boom so as to pass around sheaves. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,684, issued on Oct. 30, 1979 to C. Jenkins, shows a floor level pipe handling apparatus which is mounted on the floor of an oil well derrick suitable structure. This apparatus includes a support that is rockable on an axis perpendicular to the centerline of a well being drilled. One end of an arm is pivotally mounted on the support on an axis transverse to the centerline of the well. The opposite end of the arm carries a pair of shoes having laterally opening pipe-receiving seats facing away from the arm. The free end of the arm can be swung toward and away from the well centerline and the arm support can be rocked to swing the arm laterally. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,666, issued on Sep. 13, 1983 to C. A. Willis, shows self-centering tongs and a transfer arm for a drilling apparatus. The clamps of the transfer arm are resiliently mounted to the transfer arm so as to provide limited axial movement of the clamps and thereby of a clamped downhole tubular. A pair of automatic, self-centering, hydraulic tongs is provided for making up and breaking out threaded connections of tubulars. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,629, issued on Oct. 4, 1983 to C. A. Willis, teaches a lifting apparatus for downhole tubulars. This lifting apparatus includes two rotatably mounted clamps which are rotatable between a side-loading position so as to facilitate the loading and unloading in the horizontal position, and a central position, in which a clamped tubular is aligned with the drilling axis when the boom is in the vertical position. An automatic hydraulic sequencing circuit is provided to automatically rotate the clamps into the side-loading position whenever the boom is pivoted with a downhole tubular positioned in the clamp. In this position, the clamped tubular is aligned with a safety plate mounted on the boom to prevent a clamped tubular from slipping from the clamps. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,492,501, issued on Jan. 8, 1985 to K. M. Haney, provides a platform positioning system for a drilling operation which includes a support structure and a transfer arm pivotally connected to the support structure to rotate about a first axis. This platform positioning system includes a platform which is pivotally connected to the support structure to rotate about a second axis, and a rod which is mounted between the transfer arm and the platform. The position of the arm and platform axes and the length of the rod are selected such that the transfer arm automatically and progressively raises the platform to the raised position by means of the rod as the transfer arm moves to the raised position. The transfer arm automatically and progressively lowers the platform to the lowered position by means of the rod as the transfer arm moves to the lowered position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,066, issued on Jun. 17, 1986 to Nelmark et al., provides an apparatus for handling drill pipes and used in association with blast holes. This system allows a drill pipe to be more easily connected and disconnected to a drill string in a hole being drilled at an angle. A receptacle is formed at the lower end of the carrier that has hydraulically operated doors secured by a hydraulically operated lock. A gate near the upper end is pneumatically operated in response to the hydraulic operation of the receptacle lock. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,230, issued on Apr. 18, 1989 to P. Slettedal, teaches a pipe handling apparatus which is adapted for automated drilling operations. Drill pipes are manipulated between substantially horizontal and vertical positions. The apparatus is used with a top mounted drilling device which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. The apparatus utilizes a strongback provided with clamps to hold and manipulate pipes. The strongback is rotatably connected to the same axis as the drilling device. The strongback moves up or down with the drilling device. A brace unit is attached to the strongback to be rotatable about a second axis. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,604, issued on May 30, 1989 to Brittain et al., provides a pipe moving apparatus and method for moving casing or pipe from a horizontal position adjacent a well to a vertical position over the well bore. The machine includes a boom movable between a lowered position and a raised position by a hydraulic ram. A strongback grips the pipe and holds the same until the pipe is vertically positioned. Thereafter, a hydraulic ram on the strongback is actuated thereby lowering the pipe or casing onto the string suspended in the wellbore and the additional pipe or casing joint is threaded thereto. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,581, issued on Nov. 24, 1987H. L. Adair, provides a method for positioning a transfer arm for the movement of drill pipe. A drilling mast and a transfer arm are mounted at a first axis adjacent the mast to move between a lowered position near ground level and an upper position aligned with the mast. A reaction point anchor is fixed with respect to the drilling mast and spaced from the first axis. A fixed length link is pivotally mounted to the transfer arm at a second axis, spaced from the first axis, and a first single stage cylinder is pivotally mounted at one end to the distal end of the link and at the other end to the transfer arm. A second single stage hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted at one end to the distal end of the link and at the other end to the reaction point. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,414, issued on Jul. 26, 1988 to C. A. Willis, provides a drilling machine which includes a drilling superstructure skid which defines two spaced-apart parallel skid runners and a platform. The platform supports a drawworks mounted on a drawworks skid and a pipe boom is mounted on a pipe boom skid sized to fit between the skid runners of the drilling substructure skid. The drilling substructure skid supports four legs which, in turn, support a drilling platform on which is mounted a lower mast section. The pipe boom skid mounts a pipe boom as well as a boom linkage, a motor and a hydraulic pump adapted to power the pipe boom linkage. Mechanical position locks hold the upper skid in relative position over the lower skid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,454, issued on Oct. 17, 1995 to R. S. Sorokan, describes a pipe handling method which is used to move tubulars used from a horizontal position on a pipe rack adjacent the wellbore to a vertical position over the wall center. This method utilizes bicep and forearm assemblies and a gripper head for attachment to the tubular. The path of the tubular being moved is close to the conventional path of the tubular utilizing known cable transfer techniques so as to allow access to the drill floor through the V-door of the drill rig. U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,807 describes apparatus for carrying out the method of U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,454. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,573, issued on Aug. 26, 2003 to H. W. F. Day, teaches a pipe handling system for an offshore structure. The pipe handling system transfers the pipes from a horizontal pipe rack adjacent to the drill floor to a vertical orientation in a set-back area of the drill floor where the drill string is made up for lowering downhole. The cantilevered drill floor is utilized with the pipe handling system so as to save platform space. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,414, issued on Mar. 16, 2004 to Simpson et al., describes a tubular transfer system for moving pipe between a substantial horizontal position on the catwalk and a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry. Bundles of individual tubulars are moved to a process area where a stand make-up/break-out machine makes up the tubular stands. The bucking machine aligns and stabs the connections and makes up the connection to the correct torque. The tubular stand is then transferred from the machine to a stand storage area. A trolley is moved into position over the pick-up area to retrieve the stands. The stands are clamped to the trolley and the trolley is moved from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry. A vertical pipe-racking machine transfers the stands to the traveling equipment. The traveling equipment makes up the stand connection and the stand is run into the hole. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,614, issued on Aug. 24, 2004 to M. S. Oser, shows another system and method for transferring pipe. A pipe shuttle is used for moving a pipe joint into a first position and then lifting upwardly toward an upper second position. 
     To address the needs of a desired pipe handling apparatus, the present inventor filed U.S. application Ser. No. 11/923,451 on Oct. 24, 2007, which discloses a pipe handling apparatus that has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion. The gripper has a stab frame affixed to an end of the arm, and grippers affixed to the side of the stab frame opposite the arm. The pipe handling apparatus in this previous patent application is uniquely capable of delivering individual tubulars including very large and heavy “risers” as well as assemblies (stands) of tubulars to the well center on the rig floor with sufficient precision to stab and connect the individual tubular or stand to the “stump” of the drillstring (or riser assembly) without human intervention, or a hand-off to or further guidance by another machine in the rig or derrick. This capability means that the crowded, critical path activities concentrated around the well center on the rig floor can be moved away, resulting in safer, more productive, more consistent handling of tubulars, which is a fundamental process in the construction of wells. To support the capabilities of the pipe handling apparatus in this previous patent application, a smart, active pipe stand apparatus and method is required. Such an apparatus and method has been invented and is described below. 
     When pipe is fed to the pipe handling apparatus of the above-identified patent application, the pipe is in a horizontal position. Typically, pipe is stored near a pipe handling apparatus. For the above pipe handling apparatus, pipe must be stored in the horizontal position so as to feed to the pipe handling apparatus in the horizontal position. Manually feeding the pipe in the horizontal orientation takes time, and injuries can occur to personnel feeding the pipe to the apparatus. The pipe or pipe assembly can range from thirty to ninety-six feet in length, thus the pipe can be very heavy. Personnel must be experienced in handling the pipe to feed the apparatus, and experienced personnel increase the cost of operation of the apparatus. Thus, there is a need for an apparatus and method that automatically assembles various tubulars into stands and feeds pipe assemblies (stands) to the pipe handling apparatus and receives pipe from the apparatus in a quick and cost-effective manner. 
     The pipe handling apparatus can move up to three thirty-two-foot sections of pipe connected together at once. The thirty-two-foot sections are stored in a pipe rack in a horizontal orientation. Thus, there is a need to connect and disconnect pipe sections before they are fed to the pipe handling apparatus and after they are received from the pipe handling apparatus. 
     It is an object of the present invention to assemble and feed pipe stands to a pipe handling apparatus when the pipe is in a horizontal orientation. 
     It is another object of the present invention to make and break pipe connections in a horizontal orientation before the pipe is fed to, and after a pipe is received from, a pipe handling apparatus. 
     It is another object of the present invention to receive pipe from a pipe handling apparatus when the pipe is in a horizontal orientation. 
     It is another object of the present invention to automate the feeding and receiving of pipe from a pipe handling apparatus. 
     It is another object of the present invention to move pipe between a pipe stand and a drill string. 
     It is another object of the present invention to decrease the time required to move a pipe between a pipe stand and a drill string. 
     It is another object to increase safety of personnel near the pipe stand. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can deliver tubulars from a horizontal to a vertical position. 
     It is an object of the present invention to translate a pipe with the grippers of a pipe handling apparatus. 
     It is another object of the present invention to move pipe without the use of an oil derrick. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that allows relatively unskilled workers to carry out tubular handling activities. 
     It is another object to reduce the number of workers needed to conduct pipe handling activities. 
     It is another object to shift individual tubulars from side to side, up and down, and longitudinally, utilizing a series of buffer stations, to facilitate sequencing of individual tubulars into assemblies (stands), and sequencing stands into the drillstring to respond to changes in the required drillstring, replace worn or defective tubulars or assemblies, “off-line”, that is without impacting the critical path operation of adding or removing stands from the drillstring on the drillfloor 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a pipe stand for feeding and receiving pipe in a horizontal orientation to and from a pipe handling apparatus. The pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a main rotating structural member pivotally interconnected to the frame, the main rotating structural member being movable between a first position and a second position, a lever assembly pivotally connected to the main rotating structural member where the lever assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to a second portion, an arm pivotally having an end connected to the first portion of the lever assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a link pivotally connected to the second portion of the lever assembly so that the link pivots at an end of the second portion opposite of the first portion so as to move relative to the movement of the main rotating structural member between the first and second positions, a brace having an end pivotally connected to the main rotating structural member and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm, a stab frame positioned adjacent the arm below the racking and deployment device, and a plurality of tongs translatably positioned on the stab frame. The support bracket of the device connects to the arm. The rod connects to the arm. 
     The pipe stand has a first pipe-lifting mechanism, a second pipe-lifting mechanism, and a pipe-rotating mechanism positioned between the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms. The bottom of the first pipe-lifting mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom of the second pipe-lifting mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom of the pipe-rotating mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The pipe stand is positioned under the boom of the pipe handling apparatus when the apparatus is in the first position. The pipe stand extends within the skid structure. 
     The first lifting mechanism comprises a central beam, a first roller member connected to an end of the central beam, a second roller member connected to an opposite end of the central beam, a first pivot rod pivotally connected adjacent the end of the central beam, a second pivot rod pivotally connected adjacent the opposite end of the central beam, and a piston-and-cylinder assembly pivotally connected adjacent the opposite end of the central beam. The first roller member has a first spinner attached to an end thereof and a second spinner attached to an opposite end thereof. The second roller member has a first spinner attached to an end thereof and a second spinner attached to an opposite end thereof. The first pivot rod has a pair of pivot rods. One of the pivot rods of the first pivot rod is connected to a side of the central beam and another of the pivot rods of the first pivot rod is connected to an opposite side of the central beam. The second pivot rod has a pair of pivot rods. One of the pivot rods of the second pivot rod is connected to a side of the central beam and another of the pivot rods of the second pivot rod is connected to an opposite side of the central beam. The piston-and-cylinder assembly comprises a pair of piston-and-cylinder assemblies. One of the piston-and-cylinder assemblies of the pair is connected to a side of the central beam and another of the piston and cylinder assemblies of the pair is connected to an opposite side of the central beam. The first and second roller members can be slidable relative to the central beam. 
     The second lifting mechanism comprises a central beam, a first roller member connected to an end of the central beam, a second roller member connected to an opposite end of the central beam, a first pivot rod pivotally connected adjacent the end of the central beam, a second pivot rod pivotally connected adjacent the opposite end of the central beam, and a piston-and-cylinder assembly pivotally connected adjacent the opposite end of the central beam. The first roller member has a spinner attached thereto. The second roller member has a spinner attached thereto. The first pivot rod has a pair of pivot rods. One of the pivot rods of the first pivot rod is connected to a side of the central beam and another of the pivot rods of the first pivot rod is connected to an opposite side of the central beam. The second pivot rod has a pair of pivot rods. One of the pivot rods of the second pivot rod is connected to a side of the central beam and another of the pivot rods of the second pivot rod is connected to an opposite side of the central beam. The piston-and-cylinder assembly comprises a pair of piston-and-cylinder assemblies. One of the piston-and-cylinder assemblies of the pair is connected to a side of the central beam and another of the piston and cylinder assemblies of the pair is connected to an opposite side of the central beam. The first and second roller members can be slidable relative to the central beam. 
     The pipe-rotating mechanism comprises a gripper and a spinner member positioned adjacent the gripper. The gripper grips a first pipe section while the spinner member rotates a second pipe section so as to make or break a connection between the first and second pipe sections. 
     The first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms each have an upward position where pipe is transferred to and from a pipe rack and to and from a pipe handling apparatus, and a lower position where the connection between the first and second pipe sections is made and broken. 
     The pipe, and each of the first and second pipe sections can be a length of approximately thirty feet to approximately ninety feet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a side elevational view of the pipe handling apparatus in the first position and the pipe in the horizontal orientation. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side elevational view of the pipe handling apparatus in an intermediate position. 
         FIG. 3  shows a side elevational view of the pipe handling apparatus in the second position and the pipe in the vertical orientation. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side elevational view of the pipe stand. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the pipe stand used with a pipe handling apparatus, with the pipe stand in the upward position. 
         FIG. 6  shows another perspective view of the pipe stand used with a pipe handling apparatus, with the pipe stand in the lower position. 
         FIG. 7  shows a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the pipe stand. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a side elevational view of a pipe handling apparatus  10  in the first position, with a pipe  18  positioned in a generally horizontal orientation. The pipe  18  is delivered to the apparatus  10  in a position below the main rotating structural member  16 . In particular, the pipe  18  can be loaded upon the skid  12  in a location generally adjacent to the grippers  30  and  32  associated with the stab frame  26 . The apparatus  10  thus facilitates the easy delivery of the pipe  18  to the grippers  30  and  32 . The grippers  30  and  32  grip the outer surface of the pipe  18  when the pipe  18  is in the horizontal orientation. 
     In  FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the main rotating structural member  16  resides above the pipe  18  and in generally parallel relationship to the top surface of the skid  12 . The lever assembly  22  is suitably pivoted so that the arm  24  extends through the interior of the framework of the main rotating structural member  16  and such that the grippers  30  and  32  engage the pipe  18 . The brace  36  resides in connection with the small framework of the main rotating structural member  16  and also is pivotally connected to the arm  24 . The link  34  will reside below the main rotating structural member  16  generally adjacent to the upper surface of the skid  12  and is connected to the second portion  50  of the lever assembly  22  below the main rotating structural member  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown the pipe handling apparatus  10  in an intermediate position. The main rotating structural member  16  has rotated to an intermediate position between the first position seen in  FIG. 1  and a second position seen in  FIG. 3  below. The main rotating structural member  16  thus rotates the pipe  18  from the horizontal orientation to an intermediate orientation. Additionally, the main rotating structural member  16  has pivoted about point  42  from the first position to the intermediate position. The hydraulic actuators  56  and  58  urge the main rotating structural member  16  angularly upwardly away from the top surface of the skid  12 . This causes the link  34  to have a pulling force on the pivotal connection  68  of the second portion  50  of the lever assembly  22 . This causes the first portion  48  of the lever assembly  22  to move upwardly thereby causing the arm  24 , in combination with the brace  36 , to lift the stab frame  26  further upwardly and draw the pipe  18  completely through the interior of the main rotating structural member  16 . As can be seen, the relative size and relation of the various components of the present invention achieve the movement of the pipe  18  without the need for separate hydraulic actuators. 
     The apparatus  10  is positioned next to an oil derrick  104 . The derrick  104  is a structural framework  106  typical of oil derricks that have V-doors  108  on the sides thereof. 
     In  FIG. 2 , the pipe handling apparatus  10  is mounted on a skid  12  that is supported upon the bed  14  of a vehicle, such as a truck. The lever assembly  22  is pivotally connected to the main rotating structural member  16 . An arm  24  is pivotally connected to an end of the lever assembly  22  opposite the main rotating structural member  16 . A stab frame  26  is fixedly connected to an end of the arm  24  opposite the lever assembly  22 . Grippers  30  and  32  are translatably attached to the stab frame  26 . A link  34  has one end pivotally connected to the skid  12  and an opposite end pivotally connected to the end of the lever assembly  22  opposite the arm  24 . A brace  36  is pivotally connected to the main rotating structural member  16  and also pivotally connected to the arm  24  between the lever assembly  22  and the stab frame  26 . 
     The main rotating structural member  16  is a structural framework of struts, cross members and beams. In particular, the main rotating structural member  16  is configured so as to have an open interior such that the pipe  18  passes through the interior thereof as the apparatus  10  moves the pipe  18  between the horizontal and vertical orientations. The end  38  of the main rotating structural member  16  should be strongly reinforced so as to provide the necessary structural integrity to the main rotating structural member  16 . A lug  40  extends outwardly from one side of the main rotating structural member  16 . This lug  40  is suitable for pivotable connection to the lever assembly  22 . The main rotating structural member  16  is pivotally connected at the opposite end  42  to a location on the skid  12 . The pivotable connection at end  42  of the main rotating structural member  16  is located in offset relationship and above the pivotable connection  44  of the link  34  with the skid  12 . A small frame member  46  extends outwardly from the side of the main rotating structural member  16  opposite the link  34 . This frame assembly  46  has a pivotable connection with the brace  36 . 
     The lever assembly  22  includes a first portion  48  and a second portion  50 . The first portion  48  extends at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion  50 . The link  34  is pivotally connected to the end of the second portion  50  opposite the first portion  48 . The arm  24  is pivotally connected to the end of the first portion  48  opposite the second portion  50 . The lug  40  of the main rotating structural member  16  is pivotally connected in an area generally between the first portion  48  and the second portion  50 . This unique arrangement of the lever assembly  22  facilitates the ability of the present invention to carry out the movement of the pipe  18  between the horizontal orientation and the vertical orientation. The arm  24  has an end pivotally connected to the end of the first portion  48  of the lever assembly  22 . 
     The oil derrick  104  shown in  FIG. 2  has V-door  108  and a V-door  110 . V-door  110  faces the pipe handling apparatus  10 . The arrow shown in  FIG. 2  points to the top of the V-door  110 . The pipe handling apparatus  10  moves the pipe  18  through V-door  110  according to the disclosed method. The stab frame  26  has grippers  30  and  32  translatable along the length of the stab frame  26 . The translation of the grippers  30  and  32  allows the pipe  18  to be properly moved through the V-door  110  of the oil derrick  104 . The grippers  30  and  32  are in the nature of conventional grippers which can open and close so as to engage the outer surface of the pipe  18 . As used herein, grippers can be a gripper, a tong, a spinner, or any other pipe-grasping device. 
     The link  34  is an elongate member that extends from the pivotable connection  44  to the pivotable connection  68  of the second portion  50  of the lever assembly  22 . The link  34  is non-extensible and extends generally adjacent to the opposite side from the main rotating structural member  16  from that of the arm  24 . The link  34  will generally move relative to the movement of the main rotating structural member  16 . The brace  36  is pivotally connected to the small framework  46  associated with main rotating structural member  16  and is also pivotally connected at a location along the arm  24  between the ends thereof. Brace  36  provides structural support to the arm  24  and also facilitates the desired movement of the arm  24  during the movement of the pipe  18  between the horizontal orientation and the vertical orientation. 
     Actuators  56  and  58  are illustrated as having one end connected to the skid  12  and an opposite end connected to the main rotating structural member  16  in a location above the end  42 . When the actuators  56  and  58  are activated, they will pivot the main rotating structural member  16  upwardly from the horizontal orientation ultimately to a position beyond vertical so as to cause the pipe  18  to achieve a vertical orientation. Within the concept of the present invention, a single hydraulic actuator can be utilized instead of the pair of hydraulic actuators  56  and  58 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The drill string  20  is illustrated as having pipe  62  extending upwardly so as to have an end above the drill floor  64 . When the pipe  18  is in its vertical orientation, the translatable movement of the grippers  30  and  32  can be utilized so as to cause the end of the pipe  18  to engage with the box of the pipe  62 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , the general movement of the pipe  18  is illustrated by line  66 . Line  70  illustrates the movement of the pivot point  68  of the connection between the lever assembly  22  and the link  34 . Line  72  illustrates the movement of the pivotable connection  40  between the main rotating structural member  16  and the lever assembly  22 . The coordinated movement of each of the non-extensible members of the apparatus  10  is achieved with proper sizing and angular relationships. In essence, apparatus  10  provides a four-bar link between the various components. As a result, the movement of the pipe  18  between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation can be achieved purely through the mechanics associated with the various components. As can be seen, only a single hydraulic actuator may be necessary so as to achieve this desired movement. There does not need to be coordinated movement of hydraulic actuators. The hydraulic actuators are only used for the pivoting of the main rotating structural member  16 . Because the skid  12  is located on the bed of a vehicle  14 , the vehicle  14  can be maneuvered into place so as to properly align with the centerline of the pipe  62  of the drill string  20 . Once the proper alignment is achieved by the vehicle  14 , the apparatus  10  can be operated so as to effectively move the pipe to its desired position. The grippers  30  and  32  allow the pipe  18  to be moved upwardly and downwardly for the proper stabbing of the pipe  62 . The apparatus  10  is adaptable to various lengths of pipe  18 , especially pipe of ninety-foot length. 
     In  FIG. 2 , the grippers  32  and  30  are engaged with the pipe  18 . The lever assembly  22  pivots so that pipe  18  passes through the interior of the framework of the main rotating structural member  16 . Also, the arm  24  associated with stab frame  26  serves to move the stab frame  26  through the interior of the main rotating structural member  16 . The brace  36  pulls on the first portion  48  of lever assembly  22  so as cause this motion to occur. The link  34  pulls on the end of the second portion  50  of the lever assembly  22  so as to draw the first portion  48  upwardly and to cause the movement of the stab frame  26 . The hydraulic actuators  56  and  58  have been operated so as to urge the main rotating structural member  16  pivotally upwardly away from the first position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a side elevational view of the apparatus  10  in the second position, with the pipe  18  in the vertical orientation. As can be seen, the pipe  18  is positioned directly above the underlying pipe  62  on the drill string  20 . The main rotating structural member  16  has articulated from the intermediate position to the second position. The main rotating structural member  16  is articulated to the second position after the grippers  30  and  32  translate along stab frame  26 . The further upward pivotal movement of the main rotating structural member  16  to the second position is caused by the hydraulic cylinders  56  and  58 . This causes the link  34  to rotate and draw the end of the second portion  50  of the lever assembly  22  downwardly. The lever assembly  22  rotates about the pivot point  40  such that the first portion  48  of the lever assembly  22  has a pivot  72  at its upper end. The brace  36  is now rotated in a position so as to provide support for the arm  24  in this upper position. If any further precise movement is required between the bottom end  80  of the pipe  18  and the upper end  82  of pipe  62 , then the vehicle  14  can be moved slightly so as to achieve further precise movement. In the manner described hereinbefore, the drill pipe  18  has achieved a completely vertical orientation by virtue of the interrelationship of the various components of the present invention and without the need for complex control mechanisms and hydraulics. When the apparatus  10  is in the second position, the grippers  30  and  32  translate along the side of the stab frame  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a side elevational view of the preferred pipe stand  100  for feeding and receiving pipe in a horizontal orientation to and from a pipe handling apparatus. The pipe stand  100  has a first pipe-lifting mechanism  102 , a second pipe-lifting mechanism  142 , and a pipe-rotating mechanism  182  positioned between the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  102  and  142 . The bottom  190  of the first pipe-lifting mechanism  102  is pivotally connected to the skid  14  of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom  192  of the second pipe-lifting mechanism  142  is pivotally connected to the skid  14  of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom  188  of the pipe-rotating mechanism  182  is connected to the skid  14  of the pipe handling apparatus. 
     The first lifting mechanism  102  comprises a central beam  112 , a first roller member  114  connected to an end  118  of the central beam  112 , and a second roller member  115  connected to an opposite end  117  of the central beam  112 . The first roller member  114  has a first pivot rod  124  pivotally connected adjacent an end  116  of the first roller member  114 , a second pivot rod  130  pivotally connected adjacent the end  118  of the central beam  112 , and a piston-and-cylinder assembly  136  pivotally connected adjacent the end  118  of the central beam  112 . The first roller member  114  has a first spinner  120  adjacent the end  116  thereof and a second spinner  122  attached adjacent the end  118  of the central beam  112 . In this exemplary embodiment, the first roller member  114  and the second roller member  115  are symmetrical. The second roller member  115  has a first spinner  121  attached adjacent the opposite end  117  of the central beam  112  and a second spinner  123  adjacent an opposite end  119  thereof. The first and second roller members  114  and  115  can be slidable relative to the central beam  112 . 
     The second lifting mechanism  142  comprises a central beam  152 , a first roller member  154  connected to an end  144  of the central beam  152 , a second roller member  155  connected to an opposite end  146  of the central beam  152 , a first pivot rod  164  pivotally connected adjacent the end  144  of the central beam  152 , a second pivot rod  170  pivotally connected adjacent the opposite end  146  of the central beam  152 , and a piston-and-cylinder assembly  176  pivotally connected adjacent the opposite end  146  of the central beam  152 . The first roller member  154  has a spinner  160  attached thereto. The second roller member  155  has a spinner  161  attached thereto. The first and second roller members  154  and  155  can be slidable relative to the central beam  152 . 
     The pipe-rotating mechanism  182  comprises a gripper  184  and a spinner member  186  positioned adjacent the gripper  184 . The gripper  184  grips a first pipe section while the spinner member  186  rotates a second pipe section so as to make or break a connection between the first and second pipe sections. 
     The first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  102  and  142  are shown in  FIG. 4  in an upward position where pipe is transferred to and from a pipe rack and to and from a pipe handling apparatus. The first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  102  and  142  also have a lower position where the connection between the first and second pipe sections is made and broken. The double-ended arrows shown in  FIG. 4  show the movement path of the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  102  and  142 . When in the lower position, the spinners  120 ,  122 ,  121 ,  123 ,  160 , and  161  are aligned with the gripper  184  and spinner member  186  so that pipe sections can be moved laterally along the pipe stand  100  so as to align pipe connections with the pipe-rotating mechanism  182 . Thus, the pipe-rotating mechanism  182  also includes means for laterally moving the pipe while the pipe section is resting in the pipe stand  100 . 
     Each of the pivot rods  124 ,  130 ,  164 , and  170  have a first portion extending angularly from a second portion. Both ends of each of the pivot rods  124 ,  130 ,  164 , and  170  are pivotally connected to parts of the pipe stand  100  so that the pipe stand  100  can be stabilized while the pistons of the piston-and-cylinder assemblies  136  and  176  extend and retract from the cylinders of the same. The first and second roller members  114  and  115  are laterally slidable relative to the central member  112  so as to increase and decrease the length of the roller members  114  and  115  for a given length of pipe. The first and second roller members  154  and  155  are laterally slidable relative to the central member  152  so as to increase and decrease the length of the roller members  154  and  155  for a given length of pipe. The pipe-rotating mechanism  182  of the pipe stand  100  remains stationary while the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  102  and  142  move between the upward and lower positions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a perspective view of the pipe stand  100  used with the pipe handling apparatus  10  described in  FIGS. 1-3  above, with the pipe stand  100  in the upward position. The pipe stand  100  is positioned under the boom (main rotating structural member)  16  of the pipe handling apparatus  10  when the apparatus  10  is in the first position. The pipe stand extends within the skid  14 . Casing racks  200  are placed adjacent the pipe stand  100 . Pipe racks  202  and  204  are placed adjacent the pipe stand  100  as well. The pipe  18  has a first pipe section  17  and a second pipe section  21 . Each of the first and second pipe sections  17  and  21  can be a length of approximately thirty feet to approximately ninety feet. The connection between the pipe sections  17  and  21  is made-up in  FIG. 5  because the pipe stand  100  is in the lower position. 
     The first pivot rod  124  of the first pipe-lifting mechanism  102  has a pair of pivot rods  126  and  128 . One of the pivot rods  126  of the first pivot rod  124  is connected to a side of the central beam  112  and another of the pivot rods  128  of the first pivot rod  124  is connected to an opposite side of the central beam  112 . The second pivot rod  130  of the first pipe-lifting mechanism  102  has a pair of pivot rods  132  and  134 . One of the pivot rods  132  of the second pivot rod  130  is connected to a side of the central beam  112  and another of the pivot rods  134  of the second pivot rod  130  is connected to an opposite side of the central beam  112 . The piston-and-cylinder assembly  136  comprises a pair of piston-and-cylinder assemblies  138  and  140 . One of the piston-and-cylinder assemblies  138  of the pair is connected to a side of the central beam  112  and another of the piston-and-cylinder assemblies  140  of the pair is connected to an opposite side of the central beam  112 . 
     The first pivot rod  164  of the second pipe-lifting mechanism  142  has a pair of pivot rods  166  and  168 . One of the pivot rods  166  of the first pivot rod  164  is connected to a side of the central beam  152  and another of the pivot rods  168  of the first pivot rod  164  is connected to an opposite side of the central beam  152 . The second pivot rod  170  of the second pipe-lifting mechanism  142  has a pair of pivot rods  172  and  174 . One of the pivot rods  172  of the second pivot rod  170  is connected to a side of the central beam  152  and another of the pivot rods  174  of the second pivot rod  170  is connected to an opposite side of the central beam  152 . The piston-and-cylinder assembly  176  comprises a pair of piston-and-cylinder assemblies  178  and  180 . One of the piston-and-cylinder assemblies  178  of the pair is connected to a side of the central beam  152  and another of the piston-and-cylinder assemblies  180  of the pair is connected to an opposite side of the central beam  152 . 
     When the pipe stand  100  is in the upward position as is shown in  FIG. 5 , the pipe  18  is positioned above the pipe-rotating mechanism  182 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown another perspective view of the pipe stand  100  used with a pipe handling apparatus  10 , with the pipe stand  100  in the lower position. In the lower position, the pipe  18  is within the pipe-rotating mechanism  182 . The gripper  184  of the pipe-rotating mechanism  182  grips the first pipe section  17  while the spinner member  186  rotates the second pipe section  21  so as to make or break the connection between the first and second pipe sections  17  and  21  of the pipe  18 . The first pipe-lifting mechanism  102  and second pipe lifting-mechanism  142  are in the lower position and support the length of the pipe  18  while the pipe-rotating mechanism  182  makes or breaks the pipe connection. Particularly, the first pipe-lifting mechanism  102  supports the first pipe section  17  and the second pipe-lifting mechanism  142  supports the second pipe section  21 . If two joints are to be made up, having a third pipe section, the jointed section is shifted away from the rig and the third section is brought up. 
     When the pipe connection between the first and second pipe sections  17  and  21  is made or broken as desired by the pipe-rotating mechanism  182 , the pipe  18  is moved laterally on the spinners of the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  102  and  142 . If the pipe connection is made, the pipe  18  is laterally moved so that the pipe stand  100  can receive another section from the casing rack  200  or pipe racks  202  and  204  to add to the pipe  18 . If the pipe connection is broken, the pipe  18  is laterally moved so that one of the first or second pipe sections  17  and  21  can be moved to the casing rack  200  or the pipe racks  202  and  204  for storage. The pipe-rotating mechanism  182  has the ability to move the pipe  18  laterally. The first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  102  and  142  can also includes moves for laterally moving the pipe  18 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a side elevational view of another preferred pipe stand  300  for feeding and receiving pipe in a horizontal orientation to and from a pipe handling apparatus. The pipe stand  300  has a first pipe-lifting mechanism  302 , a second pipe-lifting mechanism  342 , and a pipe-rotating mechanism  382  positioned between the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  302  and  342 . The bottom  390  of the first pipe-lifting mechanism  302  is pivotally connected to the skid  14  of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom  392  of the second pipe-lifting mechanism  342  is pivotally connected to the skid  14  of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom  388  of the pipe-rotating mechanism  382  is connected to the skid  14  of the pipe handling apparatus. 
     The first lifting mechanism  302  comprises a first roller member  314  and a second roller member  315 , each of the roller members having first pivot rods  324 ,  334 , second pivot rods  330 ,  340  and piston-and-cylinder assemblies  336 ,  326 . Each of the pivot rods  324 ,  330 ,  334 ,  340  connects an end and an opposite end of each of the first and second roller members  314 ,  315  to the skid  14 . The piston-and-cylinder assemblies  336 ,  326  connect from the pivotal connection between the roller members  314 ,  315  and the second pivot rods  330 ,  340  to the pivotal connection between the skid  14  and the first pivot rods  324 ,  334 . 
     The first roller member  314  has a first spinner  320  adjacent an end thereof and a second spinner  322  attached adjacent an opposite end thereof. The second roller member  315  has a first spinner  321  attached adjacent an end thereof and a second spinner  323  adjacent an opposite end thereof. 
     The second lifting mechanism  342  comprises first roller member  354 , the first roller member including a first pivot rod  364 , a second pivot rod  370  and a piston-and-cylinder assembly  366 . Each of the pivot rods  364 ,  370  connects an end and an opposite end of the first roller member  354  to the skid  14 . The piston-and-cylinder assembly  366  connects from the pivotal connection between the first roller member  354  and the second pivot rod  370  to the pivotal connection between the skid  14  and the first pivot rod  364 . 
     The pipe-rotating mechanism  382  comprises a gripper  384  and a spinner member  386  positioned adjacent the gripper  384 . The gripper  384  grips a first pipe section while the spinner member  386  rotates a second pipe section so as to make or break a connection between the first and second pipe sections. 
     The first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  302  and  342  are shown in  FIG. 7  in an upward position where pipe is transferred to and from a pipe rack and to and from a pipe handling apparatus. The first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  302  and  342  also have a lower position where the connection between the first and second pipe sections is made and broken. The double-ended arrows shown in  FIG. 7  show the movement path of the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  302  and  342 . When in the lower position, the spinners  320 ,  322 ,  321 ,  323 ,  360 , and  361  are aligned with the gripper  384  and spinner member  386  so that pipe sections can be moved laterally along the pipe stand  300  so as to align pipe connections with the pipe-rotating mechanism  382 . Thus, the pipe-rotating mechanism  382  also includes means for laterally moving the pipe while the pipe section is resting in the pipe stand  300 . 
     Each of the pivot rods  324 ,  330 ,  334 ,  340 ,  364 , and  370  has a first portion extending angularly from a second portion. Both ends of each of the pivot rods  324 ,  330 ,  334 ,  340 ,  364 , and  370  are pivotally connected to parts of the pipe stand  300  so that the pipe stand  300  can be stabilized while the pistons of the piston-and-cylinder assemblies  336 ,  326  and  366  extend and retract from the cylinders of the same. The first and second roller members  314  and  315  of the first pipe lifting mechanism  302  are laterally slidable so as to increase and decrease the length of the roller members  314  and  315  for a given length of pipe. The first roller member  354  of the second lifting mechanism is laterally slidable so as to accommodate a given length of pipe. The pipe-rotating mechanism  382  of the pipe stand  300  remains stationary while the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms  302  and  342  move between the upward and lower positions. 
     The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should be limited only by the disclosed specification.