Patent ID: 7021880

Claim:
A pipe handling apparatus for presenting sections of pipe to a raised derrick work floor comprising: a longitudinally extending base having a proximal end and a distal end, operable in a generally horizontal position, having a longitudinal cavity between said proximal and distal ends; guide track means extending along said longitudinal cavity; longitudinally extending boom means having a proximal end and a distal end adapted for nestable positioning in said cavity, said distal end adapted to be guided along said cavity by said guide track means, said boom means further having a longitudinally extending trough for receiving at least one section of pipe therein, said trough having first and second opposite sides; arm means coupled to said boom means for raising said proximal end of said boom means out of said cavity whereby said distal end of said boom means is adapted to glide along said guide track means towards said floor as said proximal end of said boom means is raised upwards and forwards to a position proximate said floor for the purpose of presenting said at least one section of pipe to said floor; and carriage means slidably coupled to said boom means moveable longitudinally along said boom means for moving said pipe longitudinally along said trough, said carriage means comprising a base member, having a distal end and a proximal end and laterally extending across said trough between first and second opposite sides and slidably coupled to said boom means for longitudinal movement along said boom means; and pipe engaging means for engaging said at least one section of pipe to assist movement of said pipe longitudinally along said trough, said pipe engaging means comprising a rigid plate member secured to said base member in proximity to the distal end thereof for contacting said pipe, said rigid plate member comprising damage reduction means for reducing damage to said at least one section of pipe.