Patent Description:
Pipe handling apparatus are known for moving heavy pipes from a lower surface to an elevated surface and vice versa. Such heavy pipes can include components of a drill string, casing and other types of pipe and elongate tubulars that are used in forming and completing an oil and/or gas well.

During drilling or completion operations, the pipe is moved in two ways: (i) vertically, between the lower surface, which is typically the ground floor of a drilling rig or a completion rig, to an elevated operational floor upon the rig; and, (ii) rotationally, whereby the pipes move between a substantially-horizontal storage orientation to a substantially-vertical operational orientation, for insertion or extraction from the well below the operational floor of the rig.

These heavy pipes can weight upwards of about <NUM>,<NUM> pounds (one pound is equivalent to about <NUM> kilograms) and due to the typical round shape, the pipes must be handled carefully to avoid losing control of the pipe and causing catastrophic accidents. Some examples of known pipe handling apparatus are described in <CIT>), considered the closest prior art, and further in; <CIT>); <CIT>); <CIT>); <CIT>); <CIT>]); and <CIT>).

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a pipe handling apparatus for use with an oil and gas well rig. The pipe handling apparatus comprising a base, an elongate door, a pipe carrier and a lift member. The base that is supportable by a first surface. The elongate door comprises a first end and a second end and is pivotally connected to the base at the second end. The elongate door is pivotally moveable about the second end between a collapsed position and an extended position. When the elongate door is in the extended position the first end is positionable to abut an operational floor of a rig. The pipe carrier comprises a first end and a second end that is supported by the base and that is configured to receive and support an elongate pipe. The lift member is supported by the base and is pivotally connected at a first end to the pipe carrier and pivotally connected at a second end to the base by a collapsible extension. The lift member is moveable along the base towards and away from the second end of the elongate door. When the lift member moves towards the second end of the elongate door, the collapsible extension collapses forming a pivot point and causing the first end of the lift member to moves upwardly and arcuately towards the elongate door.

Without being bound by any particular theory, the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure may provide the benefits of a lift arm that is connected at one end to the base and at the other to the pipe carrier. These connections may provide increased stability of the carrier arm as contrasted with other known pipe handler assemblies that are susceptible to being shifted backwards in their track if something disrupts the pipe carrier at or near the operational floor of the rig. For example, in known pipe handlers the pipe carrier can be accidentally pushed upwards, backwards, sideways or any combination thereof, and this can cause the lift member to move and collapse. This collapse can cause control of the pipe being carried to be lost and it is known source of accidents related to the use of pipe handlers. Furthermore, by having a collapsible extension at one end of the lift arm may decreases the incidence of the lift arm not properly abutting the base in order to properly pivot and raise the opposite end. This is referred to as "missing the pocket" and it can be caused by any number of reasons, such as user error or debris collecting within the base. If the lift member misses the pocket, this too causes the lift member and the pipe carrier to collapse and control of the pipe being carried to be lost.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a pipe handling apparatus for use with an oil and gas well rig. The pipe handling apparatus comprises a base, an elongate door, a pipe carrier and a lift member. The base is supportable by a first surface. The elongate door comprises a first end and a second end and is pivotally connected to the base at the second end. The elongate door is pivotally moveable about the second end between a collapsed position and an extended position. When the elongate door is in the extended position the first end is positionable to abut an operational floor of a rig. The pipe carrier is supported by the base and comprises a first end and a second end that is supported by the elongated door and that is configured to receive and support an elongate pipe. The second end comprising a bearing surface that is moveable along the elongate door. The lift member is supported by the base and the lift member is pivotally connected at a first end to the pipe carrier and pivotally connected at a second end to the base. The lift member is also moveable along the base towards and away from the second end of the elongate door. When the lift member moves towards the second end of the elongate door, the lift member moves upwardly and arcuately for elevating the second end of the pipe carrier towards and not past the first end of the elongate door.

Without being bound by any particular theory, the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure may provide the benefits of a pipe carrier that is always physically constrained, or captured, at all times during the movement of the pipe carrier. The first end of the pipe carrier has a bearing surface that is in contact with the elongate door at during all movements, and it cannot move beyond the first end of the elongate door. The lift arm is also connected to the pipe carrier. The capturing of the pipe carrier during all movements may also address safety issues that can arise, as in known pipe handlers, when the pipe carrier moves beyond the second end of the elongate door towards the operational floor of the rig. This opens up the potential for the pipe carrier to be moved by accident, upwardly, backwardly or sideways, each of which can cause the control over the pipe being carried to be lost.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a pipe handling apparatus for use with an oil and gas well rig. The pipe handling apparatus comprising a base, a power section, an elongate door, a pipe carrier and a cable. The base is supportable by a first surface. The base comprises a first end and a second end and is configured to house an actuator that comprises a first shiv connected thereto. The actuator is configured to move between a contracted position and an extended position. The power section is configured to move the actuator between the contracted position and the extended position. The elongate door comprises a first end and a second end and is pivotally connected to the base at the second end. The elongate door is pivotally moveable about the second end between a collapsed position and an extended position. When the elongate door is in the extended position, the first end is positionable to abut an operational floor of a rig. The elongate door further comprises a second shiv positioned proximal the second end and a third shiv positioned proximal the first end. The pipe carrier comprises a first end and a second end and is configured to receive and support an elongate pipe. The cable is connected at a first end to the base and is connected at a second end to the carrier arm. The cable also extends about a portion of the first shiv, about a portion of the second shiv and about a portion of the third shiv. When the actuator moves towards the extended position, under control of the power section, the cable travels about at least a portion of the first shiv, at least a portion of the second shiv and at least a portion of the third shiv to cause the second end of the pipe carrier to move upwardly towards the first end of the elongate door.

Without being bound by any particular theory, the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure may provide the benefits of a mechanical advantage gained by having a cable that travels through one or more shivs under the power of an actuator. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the power section is a hydraulic power section that is configured to hold the pipe carrier in a loaded position (i.e. not resting against another suitable support structure) without losing substantial amount of power.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a pipe handling apparatus for use with an oil and gas well rig. The pipe handling apparatus comprises a base, an elongate door, a coupler, a first actuator, a second actuator and a power section. The base is supportable by a first surface. The elongate door comprises a first end and a second end and that is pivotally connected to the base at the second end. The elongate door is pivotally moveable about the second end between a collapsed position and an extended position. When the elongate door is in the extended position, the first end is positionable to abut an operational floor of a rig. The coupler is positioned between the base and the second end. The first actuator is operatively coupled to a first end of the coupler and the elongate door. The second actuator is operatively coupled to a second end of the coupler and the base. The power section is configured to move the first actuator and the second actuator each between a contracted position and an extended position. Movement of the first actuator moves the elongate door through a first portion of between the collapsed position and the extended position and wherein movement of the second actuator moves the elongate door through a second portion of the between the collapsed position and the extended position.

Without being bound by any particular theory, the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mechanism for moving the elongate door by applying forces proximal the pivot point in a very controlled manner. This may be beneficial because the elongate door is very heavy and, in some embodiments it can be modular and have different lengths for use with rigs that have operational floors at different heights above the base. Modifying the length of the elongate door can change the position of the elongate door's center of gravity. As such, the combination of the first actuator, the second actuator and the coupler may provide the operator greater control over the conditions for moving the elongate door.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an adjustable object handler, which is also referred to as a pipe handler assembly or a catwalk, and methods of moving objects to and from an elevated platform. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in the oil drilling and rigging industries, and other appropriate industries to assist with the handling of large, heavy objects, such as a wellbore tubular, which is generally referred to herein as a length of pipe. Non-limiting examples of the applicable lengths of pipe include a joint of drilling pipe, a joint of wellbore completion tubular, a joint of well-intervention tubular, a section of wellbore casing, tubular couplers and other wellbore tubulars, as appreciated by those skilled in the art. The handling of the wellbore tubular includes, but is not limited to raising and lowering the wellbore tubular from a lower position to an elevated platforms. In some embodiments of the present disclosure the elevated platform can be part of an oil and gas rig, such as a drilling rig or a completions rig (for example: a snubbing rig or a well intervention rig or as otherwise understood by those skilled in the art). The embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a mobile pipe handling apparatus that is capable of transferring at least one length of pipe from a generally horizontal storage-position below the elevated platform to a near vertical-position above the elevated platform. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a modular pipe handling apparatus that can be modified, with minor adjustments, to facilitate use with elevated platforms of different heights. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the catwalk may be automatically controlled, such that operating personnel may control the system remotely through electronically controlled systems, such as electronic motors, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems or combinations thereof.

<FIG> depicts one embodiment of a pipe handling apparatus <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the pipe handling apparatus <NUM> can be positioned adjacent an oil and gas rig, such as a drilling rig or a completions rig (not shown). The pipe handling apparatus <NUM> can be made of various materials provided the materials comprise the necessary strength properties to support sections of pipe that can weight upwards of <NUM>,<NUM> pounds. In general, the components of the pipe apparatus <NUM> are contrasted of metal, metal alloys or combinations thereof. In order to reduce the weight of the components of the pipe handling apparatus <NUM>, various weight saving features may be incorporated, such as weight saving apertures throughout each component (as shown in the figures). The person skilled in the art will appreciate that components of the pipe handling apparatus <NUM> are generally symmetrical about the midline. As such, the discussion below will generally describe one side of each component with the understanding that such a description is equally applicable to the opposite side of the component being described, unless otherwise indicated herein below.

As shown at least in <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> comprises the components of a base <NUM>, an elongate door <NUM>, a pipe carrier <NUM> and a lift assembly <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The pipe handling apparatus <NUM> can move between a collapsed position (<FIG>), one or more intermediate positions (as shown at least in <FIG> and <FIG>) and an extended position (as shown at least in <FIG> and <FIG>). As utilized herein, the term "stroke" refers to a partial or complete movement of one or more components of the pipe handling apparatus <NUM> with respect to another component. For example, as the pipe handling apparatus moves from the collapsed position, the elongate door <NUM> pivotally moves through a portion of a stroke to one or more intermediate positions (compare <FIG> with <FIG>) and through a further portion of the stroke from the intermediate position to the extended position (compared <FIG> with <FIG>). As the components of the pipe handling apparatus <NUM> move through various positions, a length of pipe (not shown) can be moved from a substantially horizontal position upon the pipe carrier <NUM> proximal to the base <NUM> to the fully extended position (as shown at least in <FIG> and <FIG>). When the length of pipe is moved from the substantially horizontal position proximal to the base <NUM>, as the pipe handling apparatus <NUM> moves through to the extended position, the length of pipe is moved upwardly to become proximal to an upper operational floor of a rig (not shown). From this position, the length of pipe is moved by further components of the rig (not shown) to occupy a substantially vertical position for insertion into the wellbore below rig (not shown). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the movement and functions of the pipe handling apparatus <NUM> can be operated in reverse so as to lower the length of pipe from the elevated position upon the pipe carrier <NUM> (when the pipe handling apparatus <NUM> is in the extended position) to a substantially horizontal position proximal to the base <NUM>. While the discussion below describes the movement of the pipe handling apparatus <NUM> from the collapsed position to the extended position, for moving the length of pipe from the substantially horizontal position to proximal to the operational floor of the rig, the person skilled in the art will appreciate the reverse movements of the pipe handling apparatus <NUM>.

The base <NUM> can be supported directly on a surface (not shown) such as the ground or a lower floor of the rig. The base <NUM> defines a first end 10A and a second end 10B, which together define a longitudinal axis of the base <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure the base <NUM> may be elongate along the longitudinal axis; however, this is not necessary. The base <NUM> is configured to receive a length of pipe. The base <NUM> comprises at least one pipe rack arm <NUM>. The non-limiting example shown in <FIG> depicts three arms 12A, 12B and 12C; however, more or less pipe rack arms <NUM> may be utilized. The pipe rack arms <NUM> are configured to cooperate with a pipe indexer system to receive a length of pipe, typically from a longitudinal side of the base <NUM> and to direct the length of pipe to rest upon the pipe carrier <NUM>.

As shown at least in <FIG>, the base <NUM> can be operatively coupled to and support the elongate arm <NUM> by at least by a coupler <NUM>, for example a triangle linker. The elongate door <NUM>, which can also be referred to as a V door, has a first end 20A and a second end 20B, together which define an elongate longitudinal axis of the elongate door <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the elongate door <NUM> in a first intermediate position which it occupies by a pivoting movement about a pivot assembly <NUM> (shown at least in in <FIG>) that is positioned between the second end 10B of the base <NUM> and the second end 20B of the elongate door <NUM>. <FIG> shows the elongate door <NUM> in a fully extended position where the first end 20A is positionable to abut a portion of the upper operational floor of the rig. Also shown in <FIG>, the pipe carrier <NUM> has begun to move along the elongate door <NUM>, as described further below. As shown in <FIG> the lift member <NUM> is supporting underneath the pipe carrier <NUM>. <FIG> show different views of the pipe assembly <NUM> with the elongate door <NUM> in the extended position and the pipe carrier <NUM> and the lift member <NUM> in an intermediate position. As will be described herein further below, an actuator, shiv and cable system may be used to move the pipe carrier <NUM> towards and away from the first end 20A of the elongate door <NUM>. As this occurs, the lift member <NUM> supports the pipe carrier <NUM> from below.

As shown at least in <FIG>, the pipe carrier <NUM> comprises a first end 30A and a second end 30B, which together define a longitudinal axis of the pipe carrier <NUM>. The pipe carrier <NUM> may also comprise a skate assembly <NUM> that is positioned proximal to the first end 30A of the pipe carrier <NUM>. As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the skate assembly <NUM> can slidably move along the longitudinal axis of the pipe carrier <NUM> and it is configured to receive and releasably secure an end of the length of pipe. The skate assembly <NUM> may restrict longitudinal movement of the length of pipe as is it moved upon the pipe carrier from proximal to the base <NUM> to proximal to the first end 20A of the elongate door <NUM> in the extended position.

As shown in <FIG>, the elongate door <NUM> may be constructed to two bodies 20C and 20D that are connected to each other by cross members (not shown) and that define a guide channel 20E therebetween. The guide channel 20E may further comprise a floor that is defined by cross-members that extend between interior, lateral walls of the bodies 20C and 20D. The guide channel 20E is configured to receive a portion of the pipe carrier <NUM> therein and to restrict lateral movement of the pipe carrier <NUM> as the pipe carrier <NUM> moves along (upwardly or downwardly) the elongated door <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second end 30B of the pipe carrier <NUM> comprises a first bearing surface 38A that is positioned to bear against at least the floor of the guide channel 20E when the pipe carrier <NUM> is moving along the elongate door <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure the bearing surface 38A may include one or more rotatable members, such as wheels or rollers, to facilitate movement of the pipe carrier <NUM> along the guide channel 20E. Also a shown in <FIG>, the pipe carrier <NUM> may further comprise a carrier extension <NUM> that extends from the second end 30B of the pipe carrier <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure the carrier extension <NUM> may be pivotally connected to the second end 30B, for example at a pivot point <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the carrier extension <NUM> may comprise a second bearing surface 38B that are positioned to bear against at least the floor of the guide channel 20E when the pipe carrier <NUM> is moving along the elongate door <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second bearing surface 38B may include one or more rotatable members, such as wheels or rollers, to facilitate movement of the pipe carrier <NUM> along the guide channel 20E. <FIG> shows the second end of the pipe carrier <NUM> with the carrier extender <NUM> acting as the second bearing surface 38B when the pipe carrier <NUM> is captured within the carrier groove 20E proximal the first end 20A of the elongate door <NUM>. <FIG> shows a zoomed view of section M in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the pipe carrier <NUM> held at and not past the first end 10A of the elongate door <NUM> with the carrier extension <NUM> no longer bearing against the elongate door <NUM>. Furthermore, the first bearing surface 38A is abutting a portion of the first end 20A of the elongate door <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> are partial cut away views of <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively. <FIG> shows the second shoulder <NUM> of the pipe carrier <NUM> abutting the first shoulder <NUM> of the elongate door <NUM> for preventing further movement of the pipe carrier <NUM> beyond the first end 20A of the elongate door <NUM>. <FIG> shows the pivot point <NUM> about which the carrier extension <NUM> may pivot relative to the second end 30B of the pipe carrier <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the first end 20A of the elongate door <NUM> as comprising a first shoulder <NUM>. As will be discussed further below, the first should <NUM> can cooperate with a second shoulder <NUM> to act as a stop and to maintain capture of the pipe carrier <NUM> within the guide channel 25E (see <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first end 10A of the base <NUM> is configured to house a power system <NUM>. The power section <NUM> is configured to receive input commands from an operator and to translate those commands into sending move commands to various components of the pipe handler apparatus <NUM>. The user commands may be in the form of electronic signals that are translated into move commands by a controller unit <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure the controller unit <NUM> can translate the electronic command signals from the user into hydraulic commands that are communicated through one or more hydraulic circuits of the pipe handler apparatus <NUM>. For example the power system <NUM> may further comprise a motor <NUM> that is operatively connected to a hydraulic drive unit <NUM>. The hydraulic drive unit <NUM> is in fluid communication with a reservoir <NUM> of hydraulic fluid that the hydraulic drive unit <NUM> can control the flow of the hydraulic fluid to and from the reservoir <NUM> by controlling the position of one or more hydraulic valves <NUM>. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the power system <NUM> can operate in a similar fashion as known programmable logic controller controlled hydraulic drive systems. Examples of some components that can be moved by the power system <NUM> include: pivoting the elongate door <NUM> about the pivot system <NUM>; the safety bars <NUM>; the pipe rack arms <NUM>, the components of the pipe kicker system and the actuator, shiv and cable system (as described further herein below).

As shown in <FIG>, the pivoting movement of the elongate member <NUM> relative to the second end 10B of the base <NUM> is due to the action of the pivot assembly <NUM> that comprises a pivot point <NUM>, one or more first actuators 26A, such as one or more hydraulic cylinders, that bear against a portion of the second end 20B of the elongate door <NUM> and the coupler <NUM> and one or more second actuators 26B, such as one or more hydraulic cylinders, that bear against a portion of the second end 10B of the base <NUM> and the coupler <NUM>. Either of the first actuator 26A or the second actuator 26B can extend to provide a first portion of a stroke to move the elongate door <NUM> from the collapsed position. The other actuator (i.e. either the second actuator 26B or the first actuator 26A, as the case may be) may then extend to provide the second portion of the stroke to move the elongate door from an intermediate position to the fully extended position. During the first portion and second portion of this stroke the second end 20B of the elongate door <NUM> pivots relative to the second end 10B of the base, about the pivot point <NUM>. The pivot point <NUM> can comprise a pivot connector, such as a pin, that fits within components defined of both the base <NUM> and the elongate door <NUM> for pivotably coupling (which may also be referred to as pivotally connecting) the base <NUM> and the elongate door <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the safety bars 32A and 32B on either side of the pipe carrier <NUM> and the pipe carrying groove <NUM>. The pipe carrying groove <NUM>, the safety bars 32A, 32B and the skate assembly <NUM> cooperate to restrict movement of the length of pipe that is being carried upon the pipe carrier <NUM>. The pipe carrier <NUM> may further comprise a safety bar link 32D that operatively links the rotation of the safety bars 32A, 32B on the same side of the pipe carrying groove <NUM> to allow the entry or exit of the length of pipe onto or from the pipe carrier <NUM> on either side. For example <FIG> shows the safety bars 32A, 32B as being rotated into a non-extended position.

As shown in <FIG> and as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the pipe kicker system may comprise one or more pipe index stop pins <NUM>, one or more pipe indexers <NUM> and one or more pipe kickers <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The pipe kicker system is configured to control the movement of the length of pipe on to the pipe carrier <NUM> to reside within a pipe carrier groove <NUM> of the pipe carrier <NUM>. As shown at least in <FIG>, the pipe carrier <NUM> can include at least one pair of safety bars <NUM>, with three pairs of safety bars 32A, 32B and 32C shown. As will be discussed further below, the safety bars <NUM> are rotatably coupled to each side of the pipe carrier <NUM> and when rotated into the extended position the safety bars <NUM> are configured to restrict or reduce lateral movement of the length of pipe when being moved upon the pipe carrier <NUM>. For example, the safety bars <NUM> may help maintain a position of the length of pipe within the pipe carrying groove <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the pipe handing apparatus <NUM> in the extended position, where the elongate door <NUM> is in the extended position and the pipe carrier <NUM> is held in the carrier groove 20E at the first end 20A of the elongate door <NUM> and the carrier extension <NUM> is extending past the first end 20A of the elongate door <NUM>. <FIG> shows a top plan view of the pipe handling apparatus <NUM> in the extended position and <FIG> shows a side elevation view of the pipe handling apparatus <NUM> in the extended position.

<FIG> shows a section of the elongate door <NUM> that, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, includes one or more connector plates <NUM>. The connector plates <NUM> are configured to releasably receive one or more connectors therethrough, for example bolts, for securing different longitudinal sections of the elongate door <NUM> together. The connector plates <NUM> may allow the length of the elongate door <NUM> to be changed so that the pipe handler apparatus <NUM> is modular and can be used with rigs that have different operational floor heights. <FIG> shows one non-limiting embodiment of an elongate door 20F that has less connector plates <NUM> and, therefore, is shorter than the elongate door <NUM> shown in the other figures.

<FIG> shows the second end 38B of the pipe carrier <NUM> as being captured within the carrier groove 20E of the elongate door <NUM> at the first end 20A thereof. In this position, the carrier extension <NUM> can extend towards the operational floor of the rig to facilitate the movement of the length of pipe from the pipe carrier to and from the operational floor. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first bearing surface 38A of the pipe carrier <NUM> is held at and not past the first end 20A of the elongate door <NUM>. This is one manner by which the pipe carrier <NUM> is captured during all movements between the collapsed position and the extended position, and vice versa.

<FIG> shows the pivot assembly <NUM> and the second end 40B of the lift member <NUM> after the first end 40A of the lift member <NUM> has moved pivotally and arcuately to support beneath the pipe carrier <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the first end of the pipe carrier 30A as comprising a third bearing surface <NUM>. The third bearing surface <NUM> bears against a portion of the base <NUM> as the pipe carrier 30A initiates its movement along the carrier groove 20E or as it completes its movement into the collapsed position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure the third bearing surface <NUM> comprises one or more rotatable members <NUM>, such as one or more wheels or rollers.

As shown at least in <FIG>, the lift member <NUM> has a first end 40A and a second end 40B, which together define a longitudinal axis of the lift member <NUM>. The lift member <NUM> is slidably and rotatably moveable within the base <NUM>. The first end 40A of the lift member <NUM> is pivotally connected proximal to the first end 30A of the pipe coupler <NUM>. The second end 40B of the lift member <NUM> is pivotally connected to the base <NUM>, proximal to the second end 10B. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lift member <NUM> may comprise an extension <NUM> (which is shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the extension <NUM> extends past the second end 40A of the lift arm <NUM> to pivotally connect with a portion of the base <NUM>, or a portion of the second end of the elongate arm 20B, or both. The extension <NUM> may be reversibly collapsible to allow for the lift member <NUM> to advance and retract away from the second end of the base 10B while the second end 40B of the lift member <NUM> is held in position by the pivotable connection of the extension <NUM>. In operation, as the pipe carrier <NUM> moves upwardly along the elongate door <NUM>, the lift member <NUM> slidably moves towards the second end 10B of the base <NUM> and this causes the extension to collapse, thus shortening the overall length of the lift member <NUM>. When the lift member <NUM> has travelled as far as it can along the base <NUM> towards the second end 10B, for example because there is no further play to collapse, then the second end of the lift assembly 40B forms a pivot point with the second end 10B or the second end 20B. As shown in <FIG>, the extension <NUM> may define a shoulder <NUM> that prevents further collapsing of the lift member <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lift member <NUM> and the extension <NUM> are arranged in a nested configuration so that when the lift member <NUM> slides towards the second end of the elongate door, at least a portion of the extension <NUM> is received within the second end 40B, or vice versa. In other words, the extension <NUM> and the second end 40B may be in a telescopic arrangement to allow the lift member <NUM> to be reversibly collapsible. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other mechanisms or materials can be employed to provide the reversible collapsibility of the lift member <NUM>.

Because the first end of the lift member 40A is pivotally connected to the first end 30A of the pipe carrier <NUM>, the first end of the lift member 40A is lifted upwardly, in a pivoting and arcuate fashion to a position that supports the pipe carrier <NUM> when it is held in the extended position. This is another manner by which embodiments of the present may provide full capture of the pipe carrier <NUM> as it moves up and down the elongate door <NUM>. Furthermore, when the pipe carrier <NUM> is held at and not past the first end 20A, the longitudinal axis of the lift member <NUM> can be at an angle α that is less than <NUM> degrees (i.e. less than vertical), which may also contribute towards the capture of the of pipe carrier <NUM> within the carrier groove 20E (<FIG>).

Together at least <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> depict aspects of the actuator, shiv and cable system that is employed to move the pipe carrier <NUM> along the elongate door <NUM>. <FIG> shows at least one actuator <NUM> that is reversibly extendible within a housing of the base <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can move substantially along the longitudinal axis of the base <NUM>. Fixed at an end of the actuator <NUM> that is closest to the first end 10A, is a first shiv <NUM> (note that <FIG> and <FIG> are partial cut away views and that is why only one shiv is depicted). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the actuator <NUM> is a hydraulic cylinder that is part of the power system <NUM>'s hydraulic circuit. Whereby the flow of hydraulic fluid into the cylinder causes the actuator <NUM> to extend and move the first shiv <NUM> towards the first end 10A of the base <NUM>. <FIG> shows the actuator <NUM> in a non-extended position (compressed position) and <FIG> shows the same view with the actuator <NUM> extended, hence the first shiv <NUM> is no longer in view.

<FIG> shows a set of second shivs <NUM> that are positioned proximal the second end 10B of the base <NUM>. <FIG> shows a third shiv <NUM> that is positioned proximal the first end of the elongate door <NUM>. A cable <NUM> is fixed at one end a cable fixing point <NUM> on the base <NUM> and at an opposite end at cable fixing point <NUM> on the pipe carrier <NUM> (see <FIG>). Between the two fixing points <NUM>, <NUM>, the cable <NUM> extends at least partially about the first shiv <NUM> (at one end of the actuator <NUM>), at least partially about the second shiv <NUM> (proximal the second end 10B) and at least partially about the second shiv <NUM>. So that when the actuator <NUM> extends, the cable <NUM> pulls the pipe carrier <NUM> to move - in this case upwardly along the elongate door <NUM>. If the actuator <NUM> is moved towards the non-extended position, the cable <NUM> will allow the pipe carrier <NUM> (under the force of gravity, its own weight) to move - in this case downwardly - along the elongate door <NUM>. As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the first shiv <NUM>, the second shiv <NUM> and the third shiv <NUM> can each be two or more shivs positioned as described above.

Claim 1:
A pipe handling apparatus (<NUM>) for use with an oil and gas well rig, the pipe handling apparatus comprising:
(a) a base (<NUM>) that is supportable by a first surface;
(b) an elongate door (<NUM>) with a first end (20A) and a second end (20B) and that is pivotally connected to the base (<NUM>) at the second end (20B), the elongate door (<NUM>) is pivotally moveable about the second end (20B) between a collapsed position and an extended position, when in the extended position the first end (20A) is positionable to abut an operational floor of a rig, the elongate door (<NUM>) defining a guide channel (20E) that extends between the first end (20A) and the second end (20B) and the elongate door (<NUM>) comprising a first shoulder (<NUM>) proximal the first end (20A);
(c) a pipe carrier (<NUM>) with a first end (30A) that is supported by the base (<NUM>), and a second end (30B) that is supported by the elongated door (<NUM>), and that is configured to receive and support an elongate pipe, the second end (30B) comprising a bearing surface (38A) that is moveable along the guide channel (20E) which is configured to receive a portion of the pipe carrier (<NUM>) therein and to restrict lateral movement of the pipe carrier (<NUM>), the second end (30B) comprising a second shoulder (<NUM>); and
(d) a lift member (<NUM>) that is supported by the base (<NUM>) and the lift member (<NUM>) is pivotally connected at a first end (40A) to the pipe carrier and pivotally connected at a second end (40B) to the base (<NUM>) and the lift member (<NUM>) is moveable along the base (<NUM>) towards and away from the second end (20B) of the elongate door (<NUM>), wherein the lift member (<NUM>) is configured such that as it moves towards the second end (20B) of the elongate door (<NUM>), the lift member (<NUM>) moves upwardly and arcuately and, the second end (30B) of the pipe carrier (<NUM>) is elevated towards the first end (20A) of the elongate door (<NUM>), and, the first shoulder (<NUM>) and the second shoulder (<NUM>) are configured to abut, preventing movement of the pipe carrier (<NUM>) beyond the first end (20A) of the elongate door (<NUM>).