AU2006200144B2 - Pipe-handling apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A pipe-handling apparatus for moving a pipe to and from a drilling floor of a drilling rig includes a main support structure, a ramp extendable between the main support structure and the drilling floor, a pipe carrier mounted on the main support structure for moving relative thereto between a lower position and an elevated position over the ramp, the carrier including a ramp end adjacent the ramp, an far end, and an elongate indentation on its upper surface to accommodate a pipe therein, a lift arm including a first end and a second end, the lift arm being pivotally connected at its first end adjacent the far end of the carrier and operable below the carrier to lift and support the carrier's far end to an elevated position, a track on the main support structure for supporting axial sliding motion of the carrier and the lift arm therealong, the track including a stop for limiting axial movement of the second end of the lift arm along the track toward the ramp, and a drive system for pulling the carrier from the lower position to ride along the ramp to an elevated position, the drive system capable of pulling the lift arm along the track until it is stopped against the stop in track and to continue pulling to cause the lift arm to be pivoted up about the stop to lift the far end of the carrier.

Description

1 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 PRAGMA ENGINEERING LTD. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Pipe-handling apparatus The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:- Pipe-Handling Apparatus Technical Field Embodiments generally relate to a pipe-handling apparatus for use in oil well operations. Background During borehole-forming and completion operations, it is necessary to make up and/or break down long strings of tubular goods such as drill pipe and casing. The string of pipe may be thousands of feet long, and it is therefore necessary to transport pipe joints (approximately 33 to 45 feet in length) from a pipe rack located away from the rig up to the rig floor. When being tripped out of the hole, the string of pipe is broken down into separate joints and returned to the pipe rack. The handling of oilwell pipe is one of the most dangerous jobs on a drilling rig. Some of the pipe joints weigh thousands of pounds, and it is difficult to move the pipe from a horizontal position below and away from the rig into a vertical position overlying hole center in the rig. It would be desirable to have made available a pipe-handling apparatus that is useful for transporting pipe between the pipe rack and the rig floor with little danger of the pipe or the pipe racking apparatus falling and injuring property and personnel. It would, alternately or in addition, be desirable if the apparatus could position the pipe at an inclined location with an end, for example the box end, of the pipe overhanging the rig floor in ready access to the elevators. Alternately or in addition, it would also be desirable to provide a pipe-handling apparatus that reduces the requirements for manual handling. Such an apparatus is the subject of the present invention. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Summary Some embodiments relate to a pipe handling apparatus for conveying pipe joints to and from a drilling rig floor, comprising: a ramp interconnecting a main support structure with the drilling rig floor; a pipe carrier having a ramp end adjacent the ramp, a far end opposite the ramp end, and an elongate indentation defined by opposing ramped side surfaces and configured to receive a pipe joint; and a drive system configured to move the pipe carrier between a lower position and an elevated position; wherein the drive system includes a winch, a cable extending between the winch and the pipe carrier, and a lift arm pivotally coupled adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier; 2 wherein the main support structure includes a track positioned in a longitudinally extending, upwardly opening recess configured to accommodate the pipe carrier; wherein the pipe carrier and the lift arm are configured to ride along the track during elevation and lowering of the pipe carrier; wherein the ramp is configured to accept and support the ramp end of the pipe carrier, and includes an upper end having a bearing surface configured to support movement of the pipe carrier thereover; and wherein the winch is operable to pull the cable, thereby elevating the pipe carrier from the lower position towards the elevated position as the pipe carrier moves along the ramp, including to continue to pull the pipe carrier up over an upper end of the ramp such that the pipe carrier is extended over the drilling rig floor as the lift arm, through its pivotal coupling with the pipe carrier, pivots upwards to lift the far end of the pipe carrier. Some embodiments relate to a pipe handling apparatus for conveying pipe joints to and from a drilling rig floor, comprising: a ramp interconnecting a main support structure with the drilling rig floor; a pipe carrier having a ramp end adjacent the ramp, a far end opposite the ramp end, and an elongate indentation defined by opposing ramped side surfaces and configured to receive a pipe joint; a drive system configured to move the pipe carrier between a lower position and an elevated position; a pipe-dumping apparatus that includes a plurality of kickers located at spaced apart locations along the pipe carrier; a catwalk positioned adjacent the pipe carrier; and a pipe indexing apparatus that includes a plurality of indexers located at spaced apart locations along the catwalk; 3 wherein the drive system includes a winch, a cable extending between the winch and the pipe carrier, and a lift arm pivotally coupled adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier; wherein the main support structure includes a track positioned in a longitudinally extending, upwardly opening recess configured to accommodate the pipe carrier; wherein the pipe carrier and the lift arm are configured to ride along the track during elevation and lowering of the pipe carrier; wherein the ramp is configured to accept and support the ramp end of the pipe carrier, and includes an upper end having a bearing surface configured to support movement of the pipe carrier thereover; wherein the winch is operable to pull the cable, thereby elevating the pipe carrier from the lower position towards the elevated position as the pipe carrier moves along the ramp, including to continue to pull the pipe carrier up over an upper end of the ramp such that the pipe carrier is extended over the drilling rig floor as the lift arm, through its pivotal coupling with the pipe carrier, pivots upwards to lift the far end of pipe carrier; wherein the pipe carrier further includes a pipe stop member configured to support the pipe joint in the elongate indentation and thereby prevent the pipe joint from sliding down the pipe carrier when the pipe carrier is positioned in the elevated position; wherein the pipe stop member is driven by an endless cable for movement along the pipe carrier; wherein the pipe stop member includes a pipe engagement device configured to engage the pipe joint and, when the pipe joint is positioned in the pipe carrier, to move the pipe joint axially with the pipe stop member; wherein each of the plurality of kickers is mounted in a recess of one of the opposing ramped side surfaces of the elongate indentation, each of the plurality of kickers has an upper surface coinciding with or recessed below one of the opposing ramped side surfaces of the elongate indentation, each of the plurality of kickers is connected to a drive that is operable to move the kicker to protrude above the corresponding one of the 4 opposing ramped side surfaces of the elongate indentation, and each of the plurality of kickers is mounted on a pivot pin and is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder that is coupled to the pipe carrier; wherein each of the plurality of indexers includes a body having an end that is configured to be flush with or recessed below an upper surface of the catwalk, and the body of the indexer is coupled to a hydraulic cylinder that is operable to raise the body relative to the catwalk such that the end of the body protrudes above the upper surface of the catwalk; and wherein the pipe indexing apparatus includes a plurality of stop pins positioned adjacent a pipe rack that is positioned adjacent the catwalk. Some embodiments relate to a pipe handling apparatus for conveying pipe joints to and from a drilling rig floor, comprising: a ramp interconnecting a main support structure with the drilling rig floor; a pipe carrier having a ramp end adjacent the ramp, a far end opposite the ramp end, and an elongate indentation defined by opposing ramped side surfaces and configured to receive a pipe joint; and a drive system configured to move the pipe carrier between a lower position and an elevated position; wherein the drive system includes a winch, a cable extending between the winch and the pipe carrier, and a lift arm pivotally coupled adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier; wherein the main support structure includes a track positioned in a longitudinally extending recess configured to accommodate the pipe carrier; wherein the pipe carrier and the lift arm are configured to ride along the track during elevation and lowering of the pipe carrier; 4a wherein the ramp is configured to accept and support the ramp end of the pipe carrier, and includes an upper end having a bearing surface configured to support movement of the pipe carrier thereover; wherein the winch is operable to pull the cable to elevate the pipe carrier from the lower position towards the elevated position as the pipe carrier moves along the ramp; and wherein the winch is operable to pull the pipe carrier up over the bearing surface of the ramp such that the pipe carrier is extended over the drilling rig floor simultaneously with the lift arm rotating to lift the far end of pipe carrier. Some embodiments relate to a pipe handling apparatus for conveying pipe joints to and from a drilling rig floor, comprising: a ramp interconnecting a main support structure with the drilling rig floor; a pipe carrier having a ramp end adjacent the ramp, a far end opposite the ramp end, and an elongate indentation defined by opposing ramped side surfaces and configured to receive a pipe joint; a catwalk positioned adjacent the pipe carrier; a pipe indexing apparatus that includes a plurality of indexers located at spaced apart locations along the catwalk; and a drive system configured to move the pipe carrier between a lower position and an elevated position; wherein the drive system includes a winch, a cable extending between the winch and the pipe carrier, and a lift arm pivotally coupled adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier; wherein the main support structure includes a track positioned in a longitudinally extending, upwardly opening recess configured to accommodate the pipe carrier; wherein the pipe carrier and the lift arm are configured to ride along the track during elevation and lowering of the pipe carrier; 4b wherein the ramp is configured to accept and support the ramp end of the pipe carrier, and includes an upper end having a bearing surface configured to support movement of the pipe carrier thereover; wherein the winch is operable to pull the cable, thereby elevating the pipe carrier from the lower position towards the elevated position as the pipe carrier moves along the ramp, including to continue to pull the pipe carrier up over an upper end of the ramp such that pipe carrier is extended over the drilling rig floor as the lift arm, through its pivotal coupling with the pipe carrier, pivots upwards to lift the far end of pipe carrier; wherein the pipe indexing apparatus includes a plurality of stop pins positioned adjacent a pipe rack that is positioned adjacent the catwalk; wherein the plurality of stop pins are releasably mountable in corresponding positions on the catwalk that overlap the operational area traced by the plurality of indexers by a distance substantially equal to the pipe joint's diameter; and wherein a back surface of an outboard end of each of the plurality of indexers includes a tongue that extends down and is configured to prevent a next adjacent pipe joint from rolling toward the elongate indentation until at least one of the plurality of indexers is retracted, at which time the next adjacent pipe joint is free to roll to against at least one of the plurality of stop pins while the initial pipe joint rolls down the at least one of the plurality of indexers, across the catwalk, and into the elongate indentation. Some embodiments relate to a method of conveying pipe joints to and from a drilling rig floor, which comprises: operating a drive system to move a pipe carrier between a lower position near a main support structure and an elevated position approximate the drilling rig floor; wherein the drive system includes a winch, a cable extending between the winch and the pipe carrier, and a lift arm pivotally coupled adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier; 4c wherein the pipe carrier comprises a ramp end adjacent a ramp, a far end opposite the ramp end, and an elongate indentation defined by opposing ramped side surfaces and configured to receive a pipe joint; wherein the ramp interconnects a main support structure with the drilling rig floor; operating a winch to pull a cable, thereby elevating the pipe carrier from the lower position towards the elevated position as the pipe carrier moves along the ramp, including to continue to pull the pipe carrier up over an upper end of the ramp such that the pipe carrier is extended over the drilling rig floor as the lift arm, through its pivotal coupling with the pipe carrier, pivots upwards to lift the far end of the pipe carrier. wherein the main support structure includes a track positioned in a longitudinally extending, upwardly opening recess configured to accommodate the pipe carrier; wherein the pipe carrier and the lift arm are configured to ride along the track during elevation and lowering of the pipe carrier; wherein the ramp is configured to accept and support the ramp end of the pipe carrier, and includes an upper end having a bearing surface configured to support movement of the pipe carrier thereover. Some embodiments relate to a pipe-handling apparatus for moving a pipe to and from a drilling floor of a drilling rig, the pipe handling apparatus comprising: a main support structure, a ramp extendable between the main support structure and the drilling floor, a carrier mounted on the main support structure for moving relative thereto between a lower position and an elevated position over the ramp, the carrier including a ramp end adjacent the ramp, an opposite end, and an elongate indentation on its upper surface to accommodate a pipe therein, a lift arm including a first end and a second end, the lift arm being pivotally connected at its first end adjacent the opposite end of the carrier and operable below the carrier to lift and support the carrier's opposite end to an elevated position, a track on the main support structure for supporting axial sliding motion of the 4d carrier and the lift arm therealong, the track including a stop for limiting axial movement of the second end of the lift arm along the track toward the ramp, and a drive system for pulling the carrier from the lower position to ride along the ramp to an elevated position, the drive system capable of pulling the lift arm along the track until it is stopped against the stop in the track and to continue pulling to cause the lift arm to be pivoted about the stop. It is to be understood that other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various embodiments are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, different embodiments and several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of these embodiments. Accordingly the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. Brief Description of the Drawings Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views, various embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in detail in the figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pipe-handling apparatus, illustrated in combination with a rig floor and a pipe rack, the apparatus being in a lower position; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pipe-handling apparatus of Figure 1, in another stage of operation moving between a lower position and a fully elevated position; 4e Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pipe-handling apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, in another stage of operation elevated and extending over a rig floor; Figure 4 is a side elevation of a pipe-handling apparatus with a catwalk cut away to show the carrier in position corresponding to that of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side elevation of a pipe-handling apparatus with a catwalk cut away to show the carrier in position corresponding to that of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a side elevation of a pipe-handling apparatus corresponding to a position of Figure 3; Figure 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of a carrier useful in a pipe-handling apparatus in a position as shown in Figure 3; Figure 8 is another perspective view of the carrier of Figure 7; Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a pipe control system useful in a pipe handling apparatus; Figure 10 is another view of the pipe control system of Figure 9 in another stage of operation; Figure 1 is another view of a pipe control system of Figure 9 in another stage of operation; and Figure 12 is a sectional view along line 1-1 of Figure 9. 4f Detailed Description The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments contemplated by the inventor. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In Figures I to 3 there is shown a pipe-handling apparatus 10 for conveying pipe from a ground-supported pipe rack 1I onto the floor 12 of a drilling rig 14. 4g Pipe-handling apparatus 10 includes, as main components, a ramp 15 and a main support structure 16 that may include one or more catwalks 38, 39 and a moveable pipe carrier 22. Main support structure 16 may be mounted on a ground surface 13 and ramp 15 interconnects main support structure 16 of the apparatus with floor 12 of the drilling rig. 5 Pipe racks 11 can be positioned adjacent the main support structure to hold a supply, or receive, pipe joints 20. Pipe joints 20 are passed between the drilling rig and the pipe racks by pipe carrier 22, the details of which will be more fully disclosed hereinafter. Pipe-handling apparatus 10 includes a drive system for moving pipe carrier between a 10 lower position (Figures 1 and 4), a transitional position (Figures 2 and 5) and an elevated position (Figures 3 and 6). In the following discussion, the term "ramp end" is the end of the pipe carrier adjacent the ramp, while the "far end" of the pipe carrier is the end opposite to the ramp end. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive system may be based on a cable-drive including, for example, a winch that may provide high-speed operation. 15 In the illustrated embodiment, spaced-apart cables 24 are roved about upper sheaves 25 and each cable includes a marginal end 24a wound about a winch drum 29 and an opposed cable end 24b attached to pipe caier 22, A plurality of cables 24 may be used for redundancy, but of course one cable could be used if desired. .20 The drive system further includes a carrier far end elevation assembly including a lift arm 30 journaled at 31 adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier. Carrier 22 and lift arm 30 ride along a track 34 on main structure 16 during elevation and lowering of carrier 22, for example as may be facilitated by rollers 32, 33 or friction reducing surfaces on the parts. The track extends axially along the long axis of main support structure and provides a d-!5 support surface, as may be provided by a pair of elongate flanges, so that the assembly of the carrier and lift arm can move along the track toward and away from the ramp. The rollers may be flanged to facilitate centering thereof on track 34. 5 Lift arm 30 may take various forms. In the illustrated embodiment, the lift arm includes a pair of side beams of fixed length connected by cross members, but other forms may be useful such as one center beam, a pair of separate beams, or one or more hydraulic cylinders. Track 34 may be positioned in a longitudinally extending, upwardly opening recess 35 for accommodating the pipe carrier 22 with its upper surface substantially flush with catwalks 38, 39. (0 Ramp 15 is formed to accept and support the ramp end of carrier 22 as it moves thereover through its various operational positions relative to the rig floor. In the illustrated embodiment, ramp 15 includes parallel, spaced-apart, open ended track members 40 and 41 that may be connected by a web 47 or other means to hold them in spaced apart configuration. Ramp 15 further includes an upper end 50 including a bearing surface 1: capable of supporting movement of carrier thereover. The lower ramp end of pipe carrier 22 includes opposed rollers 48. The rollers can ride into track members 40, 41 through their open ends and are received in low-friction relationship within the opposed track members 40 and 41, when carrier 22 rides along ramp 15. An underside 22a of carrier is formed to ride over upper end 50, when rollers 48 exit the upper open ends of track 2O members 40, 41, thus allowing further extension of the carrier over the drill floor. The side edges of upper end 50 can be raised relative to the bearing surface to maintain centering of the carrier on the ramp as it rides thereover. To move the carrier between the lower position and the elevated position, winch 29 can ;5 be operated to pull on cables 24, which in turn pull on the carrier. From the position of Figure 4, where carrier 22 is positioned in recess 35, this pulling force lifts the ramp end of the carrier out of the recess and moves rollers 48 onto ramp 15, which enter tracks 40, 41. Continued pulling force by the winch pulls carrier 22 and link arm 30 along track 34 6 until the end of the lift arm, for example rollers 32, are stopped, as by dropping into a pocket 34a in the track, as shown in Figure 5. When this occurs with continued pulling force by winch 29, lift arm 30, through its journaled connection at 31 and from a pivot created by the end of the lift arm pivoting against their stopped position (i.e. rollers 32 in pocket 34a), swings pivotally up to lift the far end of pipe carrier 22 from the lower position through an arc vertically upward and horizontally toward the rig structure, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6. Cables 24 may be connected to the underside of pipe carrier 22 a distance D from the carrier's ramp end to permit the carrier to be pulled forward by the cables over upper end 50 of ramp. In the illustrated embodiment, cables 24 are 10 connected to carrier at a point 47a that is spaced distance D from the ramp end which is greater than the distance D' that ramp is desired to be pulled past upper end 50 of the ramp. Thus, winch 29 can create a pulling force to raise carrier 22 upwardly from structure 16 and extend the carrier past the ramp over the drill floor. '45 In one embodiment, illustrated in Figure 12, carrier 22 may include a plurality of connection points 47a, 47b onto which cables 24 may be connected. Since cable life may be limited by travel about sheaves, cable life may be extendable by changing from one connection point, for example 47a, to another connection point, for example point 47b, so that two different areas along the cable may be driven over sheaves 25 during periods of 20 the cable operational life. Carier 22 includes an upper surface area thereof formed in a configuration so that a pipe joint 20 received therein gravitates to a lowermost, centrally located, cradled position, as illustrated by the various drawings. In particular, the carrier upper surface includes an ~2 elongate indentation or trough defined by ramped side surfaces 51, 51'. Carrier 22 carries a pipe stop member 52 that acts to support a pipe joint positioned on the carrier, for example to prevent it from sliding down carrier 22 when it is in the elevated position of Figures 3 and 6. 7 With reference also to Figure 12, pipe stop member 52 can also be formed to act as a push device to abut against the pipe and push it axially along carrier 22. For example, pipe stop member 52 can be formed to ride along a slot 53 formed between surfaces 51, 51'. In the illustrated embodiment, pipe stop member 52 is driven by an endless cable 54 5 for movement along the carrier. Pipe stop member 52 includes a slide 55 formed to engage and ride at least along a length of slot 53. Cable 54 connects to slide below the upper surface of the carrier. A sheave 56 and winch 57 drive cable 54 to pull on slide 55, and thereby pipe stop member 52, to move along the carrier. Winch 57 may have a centering V-shaped drum profile to maintain cable 54 in a centered position during 1o operation. Pipe stop member 52 can, in addition if desired, include a pipe pull feature. In such an embodiment, the pipe stop member can include a pipe engagement device that engages a pipe, when the pipe is positioned in carrier, to move the pipe axially with the stop 1S member. A pipe engagement device can take various forms. It may be useful to form the pipe engagement device to be operable to engage a pipe or release a pipe automatically with operation of the slider, rather than requiring manual operation of the device. In one embodiment shown in Figure 12, a pipe engagement device includes an arm 59 connected to pipe stop member 52 that can be driven between a position latching over a pipe and a .2O position retracted from engagement with a pipe. The arm is driven between these latching and retracted positions automatically by movement of the pipe stop member. In the illustrated embodiment, pipe stop member 52 is mounted on a sleeve 60 that is engaged, but slidably moveable between stops 61a on a drive cable attachment member 61. Arm 59 is connected via pivotal connections 62 and a brace arms 63a, 63b to both a5 sleeve 60 and member 61. Relative movement sleeve 60 and member 61, therefore drives pivotal movement of the arm. As will be appreciated, the weight of a pipe on stop 52 and sleeve 60 to be held in place while member 61 moves first relative to and within 8 sleeve 60 when puUed by cable 54. Stops 61a limit relative movement of member 61 within the sleeve and will eventually cause movement of member 61 to be transmitted to sleeve 60. When member 61 is moved along direction A relative to sleeve 60, arm 59 will be retracted, arrow A1, and alternately, when member 61 is moved along direction B '6 relative to sleeve 60, arm 59 will be brought around, arrow B1, and, if a pipe is positioned in carrier, latched over the pipe. The configuration of the stop, the sleeve and the arm with the drive system of cable 54 can be arranged so that movement in direction A can cause the pipe stop member 52 to move toward ramp end (in a pushing configuration) and movement in direction B can cause stop member 52 to move along the 10 carrier toward the carrier's far end, which is the direction in which pipe pulling would be most useful. Such an arrangement may be useful where pipes are handled that are of insufficient weight to move easily by gravity along the carrier. Alternately, or in addition, such an arrangement may be useful where it is necessary to move a pipe along the trough to be better positioned, for example, relative to pipe-handling apparatus. Without arm 59 the carrier may have to be elevated to slide the pipe by gravity. In one embodiment, connections 62 may be removable so that arm 59 can be removed from pipe stop member 52 if it is not needed in any particular operation. In the illustrated embodiment, return 59a is removably connected by connection 64 that permits the return to be removed from the end of the arm and, if desired, inverted and stored out of an 20 operational position. Arm 59 can be sized such that return 59a is spaced from stop member 52 to engage under the change in diameter at the end of a pipe joint connection. Return 59a can include a rounded or angular notch 59b to fit over the cylindrical outer surface of a pipe. Opposed, parallel catwalks 38 and 39, may serve to impart additional structural rigidity into the main structure for adequately supporting the elevated pipe carrier therefrom and provide surfaces over which the pipe joints may be moved to load or dump from carrier 9 22. Catwalks 38, 39 can be formed in various ways. In some embodiments, only one catwalk may be provided or the catwalks may be eliminated altogether. Ramp 15 may be hinged to main support structure 16 through, for example, a bearing 45 ci that elevates the axial centerline of the spaced-apart hinge pins, one of which is seen at 42, an amount to enable the ramp to be folded back onto catwalks 39 and 38 if desired, thereby enabling the entire pipe-handling apparatus to be folded into a compact package for transporting to the next drilling site. Carrier 22 and main support structure 16 may be formed of main beams, for example beams 22b and 16b, and cross members, for example 10 22c, 16c, so that these components can house the drive systems and other subsystems, so that these subsystems may be protected therewithin and the overall pipe-handling apparatus may be substantially self contained. The apparatus may be skid mounted to facilitate transport. 15 Movement of pipe sections 20 between the pipe rack and the carrier can be quite dangerous and there may be a risk of a pipe actually falling off the carrier, while it is in transition or while it is elevated. Thus, a present pipe-handling apparatus may include any of various components of a pipe control system. In the illustrated embodiments, a pipe control system is shown including a pipe-dumping apparatus, an indexing apparatus, 20O and a lateral stop gate apparatus. A pipe control system may include any or all of these or other features, as desired. Looking to the details of Figures 7 to 11, a pipe-dumping apparatus is shown including kickers 68 and 68'located at spaced-apart locations along pipe carrier 22. Kickers 68, 68' can take various forms and modes of operation. Kickers 68 operate on one side surface 51 of the carrier, while kickers 68' operate on the other 51'. In the illustrated embodiment, each kicker is mounted in a recess 71 and has an upper surface 70 formed to coincide generally with or be recessed below the V-shaped, the upper surface of the 10 carrier indentation formed by surfaces 51, 51', Upper surface 70 is formed on a body 71 connected to a drive (cannot be seen clearly). The drive may be actuated to move kicker surface 70 to protrude above surface 51, 51'in which it is mounted to thereby abut against a pipe positioned in the indentation. Thus, a pipe in the carrier can be rolled out of 5 the carrier away from the kicker. The kickers on one side, for example all kickers 68, may be operated in unison such that they together act on a pipe while the other kickers, for example 68' remain inactive. When a pipe is being loaded to carier, the surfaces 70 of all of the kickers remain flush with or recessed below the surfaces 51, 51' to avoid interference with pipe loading. As an example, in one embodiment, the drive includes O pivot pins and hydraulic cylinders for the kickers. For example, the kickers are mounted on pivot pins and actuated by a hydraulic cylinder mounted into the beams of the carrier. When the cylinder is retracted, the kicker is pulled upwards and out around its pivot point. When they are deactivated, the kickers are returned flush with ramped surfaces 51, 51' so the stop member 52 can pass smoothly over them. A pipe control system may further include a pipe indexing apparatus, including for example indexers 75, 75' located at spaced-apart locations along cat walks 38, 39. Indexers 75, 75' can take various forms and modes of operation, but act to urge movement of the pipes along the catwalks into or out of the carrier. A pipe indexing Ao apparatus, can therefore replace manual operators such that personnel need not be in this dangerous area. In the illustrated embodiment, indexers 75 operate on one catwalk 38, while indexers 75' operate on the other. In the illustrated embodiment, each indexer has an upper surface 76 formed to be flush with or recessed below its catwalk upper surface. Upper surface 76 is formed on a body 77 connected to a drive mechanism 78 that permits 26 at least one end of each indexer to be raised to protrude above the catwalk surface. A drive mechanism for the indexers can include hydraulic cylinders to drive each end of each indexer, which when activated push an end of the indexer up along guides. An indexer may, therefore, abut against and move a pipe positioned on the catwalk. As will 11 be appreciated, the end of the indexer that is protruded above the catwalk surface will determine in which direction the pipe will roll. Thus, the indexers on one side of the carrier can be selected to operate to either move pipes into or away from the carrier or both, since in most operations the pipes will be moved to and from the pipe racks on both 6 sides of the carrier repeatedly. The indexers on one side, for example all indexers 75, may be operated in unison, as by use of connected plumbing for the hydraulic cylinders, such that they together act to control pipe movement. In one embodiment, shown in Figure 7, the pipe indexing apparatus can include stop pins 10 80 positioned adjacent a pipe rack carrying the supply of pipe joints. Stop pins 80 can be mountable, possibly releasably mountable, in a position on the catwalk overlapping the operational area traced by indexers, such as indexers 75'in the illustrated embodiment, by approximately one pipe diameter. Pins 80 can be formed to hold back the supply of pipe joints, as by coordinated tilting of pipe rack 1I and selecting the height of pins 80, so that 15 pipe joints on the rack tend to roll against pins 80 and, therefore, be in a position to be acted upon by the indexers. In this pipe indexing apparatus, the drive 78 is selected to permit the upper surfaces of the indexers to be raised a suitable height with respect to pins 80 to lift a pipe, or allow a pipe to roll, over the pins. In one embodiment, the pipes stored on a sloped pipe rack can roll up against pins 80 and indexers 75'can then lift the ,o first most pipe over the pins. The back surface of the outboard end of the indexers can include a tongue 77a that extends down and prevents the next adjacent pipe joint from rolling forward under the elevated indexer. When the indexer is retracted, the next available pipe is free to roll up against the pins. Meanwhile the first pipe has rolled down the indexer, across the catwalk and into the carrier trough. A pipe control system may further include a lateral stop gate apparatus, that acts to prevent accidental lateral movement of a pipe out of the carrier indentation either during movement of the carrier (Figure 7) or during loading of a pipe (Figure 9). The lateral 12 stop pin apparatus can take various forms and modes of operation, but includes a structure on the carrier, the structure being moveable between a position protruding above the upper surface of the carrier (to prevent a pipe rolling therepast over the upper surface of the carrier) and a position out of the way of rolling movement of pipes over the 5~ surface of the carrier, which may be, for example, recessed in apertures or slots in the upper surface or may be positioned at the side of the carrier. The structure may be, for example, one or more elongate or short walls, a plurality of pins, posts, etc. To act against rolling of an elongate member such as a pipe joint 20, it will be appreciated that the gate structure may be needed at at least a plurality of spaced apart position along the 10 carrier. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral stop gate apparatus includes raisable pins 84, 84' located at spaced-apart locations along pipe carrier on either side of its elongate indentation. Pins 84 operate on one side of carrier 22, while pins 84' operate on the other. In the illustrated embodiment, each pin is positioned in an aperture 86 opening from carrier upper surface and is formed to be moveable by a drive 87 between a position 1 flush with (or recessed below) the carrier upper surface (shown by pins 84 in Figure 9) and a position protruding above the upper surface of the carrier (shown by pins 84' in Figure 9). In one embodiment, pins 84, 84' are raised by a hydraulic cylinder with a linkage arrangement providing mechanical advantage. The linkage allows a short stroke, compact cylinder to be used to raise the pins. When the pins are protruding on the upper ;o surface of the carrier, a pipe joint 20 cannot easily roll thempast. As such, the pins can be raised or lowered to control against movement of a pipe. For example, during pipe loading, as shown in Figure 9, the pins on one side can be lowered to allowed entry of a pipe therepast while the pins 84' on the other side are raised to prevent a pipe from rolling though the indentation and off the carrier. As another example, when moving the ,G carrier or when it is elevated over the drilling floor, as shown in Figure 7, the pins 84, 84' on both sides of the carrier can be raised to prevent all lateral movement of the pipe off the carrier. Pins 84, 84' can be positioned adjacent sloped surfaces 51, 51' so that any pipe butting against them will tend to fall back into the carrier indentation formed by the 13 sloped surfaces. The pins on one side, for example all pins 84, may be operated in unison such that they together act to control pipe movement. The pipe-handling apparatus may be controlled for operation of the various components 5 and features thereof. It may be desirable to provide a control system that operates through programmed features to intelligently guide operations. This reduces the need for constant manual supervision and reduces the possibility of operator error. For example with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the controller may be programmed to accept a command such as "load" for loading a pipe to the carrier, wherein the controller 10 ensures that pins 84 are raised, pins 84' are recessed and indexers 75'lift a pipe over pins 80. Additionally or alternately, the controller may operate to control the speed of operations, for example of winch 29, so that the apparatus operates with consideration to efficiency and safety. For example, in response to a command "carrier lift" the winch may be operated to raise the carrier first with a soft start and then quickly to bring the IS' carrier to a position adjacent the upper end of ramp 15, but when the controller determines that the ramp 15 is adjacent the drilling floor, the controller may act to automatically slow the winch to slowly bring the carrier in over the rig floor to a final position. The controller may include a wireless transmitter, such as a hand held panel or joystick transmitter box, for transmitting operator commands. Such a transmitter may e2O include all of the necessary switches and control manipulators to start the motor, and run all functions so that a person controlling the pipe-handling apparatus may be remote from the apparatus, for example on the rig floor or in a rig control booth. A wireless receiver may be used to receive the transmitted signals and relay them to a connected computer. The computer may support software designed to interpret the requests from the 25 transmitter and control all of the functions of the apparatus. For apparatus control, there may also be an operator interface screen to indicate machine status and error conditions. To monitor winch 29 operation, a rotational encoder may be used that tracks rotation of the winch drum and converts that to distance moved by the cable and, thereby, the carrier. 14 The controller may include feedback safety mechanisms or systems. For example, in one embodiment, main support structure 16 includes a detection beam system in communication with the controller. Detection beam system is selected to monitor the main support structure 16 and feedback to the controller a shutdown signal should the ~ detection beam sense problematic movement on the main support structure, for example movement other than that of pipes rolling and systems normally operating. For example, the detection beam system may include a plurality of emitters 90 and a corresponding plurality of receivers 92 mounted about the structure, for example, over catwalks 38, 39 that generate and monitor a curtain of signals 94, such as light beams. A detection beam 10 system such as this may be used to ensure that the pipe-handling apparatus cannot operate, at least through certain steps, when a person is sensed on the catwalks, as by breaking the curtain of signals 94. The controller may also record cable operational hours and provide an alert to the 15~ apparatus operator when it is desired to move cables from one connection point to another, for example from connection point 47a to connection point 47b, as previously described, or to replace the cables as required. In operation, the apparatus is delivered to a drilling site and positioned adjacent a drilling )o rig. Ramp 15 may be unfolded into an operative position, such as in Figure 1, set against the rig so that upper end is adjacent the rig floor. The ramp may be allowed to rest freely on the rig substructure drilling floor. In this way, the ramp may float with the rig, as may be useful to accommodate height changes of the rig as may occur during normal rig operations. In one embodiment, safety chains (not shown) may be secured between the 2$ ramp and the rig to avoid a problem should support structure 16 get bumped. The pipe handling apparatus may, if desired, be constructed to best work with the rig, as by selection of the lengths of any of the ramp, the carrier or the lift arm, with consideration 15 as to various parameters such as the nature of pipe to be handled, the height of the rig, etc. Pipe racks 11 are attached on either side of the main structure 16 so that new pipe to be E used can be placed on one side of the apparatus while pipe which comes out of the hole can be placed on the rack on the opposed side of the structure. When the drilling operation commences, drill pipe, or other tubular goods, are rolled from the pipe rack and into the carrier. The racks can be tilted so that the tubulars roll by gravity against pins 80 and are acted upon by pipe indexers 75. The pins 84, 84'of a lateral stop gate apparatus 10 may be operated to control lateral movement of the tubular with respect to carrier 22, during loading and during movement of carrier 22. A motor and pump energizes winch 29 that pulls the cables 24, thereby elevating the pipe carrier from the position of Figure 1 into the positions of Figures 2 and 3, as described 15 previously. The apparatus for operation may also include a controller, instrumentation or features for operational feedback, power supplies, motor control switchgear, hydraulic power pack with hydraulic reservoir, etc., as will be appreciated. Carrier 22 moves along ramp 15 with rollers 48 moving along tracks 40, 41. When the 20 carrier reaches the upper open ends of the tracks, the cables continue to pull the carrier up over upper end 50 of the ramp. As such, carrier 22 is extended over floor 12 towards the hole center. During or after the carrier is moved over floor 12, pipe stop member 52 can be actuated to slide the pipe axially along the carrier to enhance access or movement of the pipe. These actions position the end of a tubular in close proximity to the elevators or other rig components. The lengths, heights and configuration of the components of the pipe-handling apparatus can be selected such that the end of the pipe carrier is brought to a position above drilling floor 12 that is convenient for pipe handling. This tubular can then be used by incorporation into the drill string, casing string, etc. Alternately or in 16 addition, arm 59 can be retracted from engagement with the tubular being handled, as by movement of pipe stop member 52. To move the carier off the drill floor, the winch 29 can be reversed to generate slack in 5 cables 24. Winch 29 is caused to play out the cable in a controlled manner allowing gravity to retract the carrier and lift arm back into their retracted, lower position. If further tubulars are required to be moved from the racks 11 to the drill floor, another pipe joint can be loaded and elevated to the drill floor. The winch 29 can be of a high speed rating so that the pipe can be brought to the drill floor rapidly to correspond with 10 preferred tripping operations. In one embodiment, the time to lift or retract may be around 10 to 60 seconds. To keep up with a tripping and laying down process, the time to lift or retract may be less than 30 seconds and generally less than 20 seconds, When the time comes to remove a pipe string from the hole, the string may be broken out 15 by disconnecting the tubular joints and placing an end thereof on the pipe carrier 22 until an advancing end thereof abuts against pipe stop member 52. As the pipe is lowered onto the carrier or prior thereto, pipe stop member 52 can be reversed along the carrier to a position just behind that where the pipe would stop when being lowered onto the carrier by the blocks and elevator in the derrick. The ramped surfaces of the trough act to guide 2o the pipe along the carrier and pins 84, 84' may be elevated as a safety precaution. Just prior to releasing the elevators the pipe stop is moved forward to support the end of the pipe so that it doesn't slide back uncontrolled. Once the elevators are removed, the pipe is controllably allowed to slide back or is pulled back by the pipe stop member 52 so that the entire pipe is on the carrier. Arm 59 can be operated to engage a pipe introduced onto .5 carrier 22 and pull it back. If arm 59 is connected to pipe stop member 52 in an operative manner, it may be oriented to engage over or retract from a pipe on the carrier, depending on the operation to be completed. This may be achieved by driving cable 54. 17 Thereafter, pipe carrier 22 is retracted into recess 35 of main structure 16 whereupon pins 84, 84' are lowered and the automatic pipe dumping apparatus, including either kickers 68 or kickers 68', causes the joint of pipe to move out of the elongated indentation of the carrier. Indexers 75 or 75' may be actuated to move the pipe across the catwalks onto either of pipe racks 11, as desired. Pipe stop 52 and/or arm 59 can be operated to reposition a pipe at any time. When it is time to relocate the pipe-handling apparatus, ramp 15 may be folded about hinge pin 42 and the entire apparatus may be transported to the next drill site where it is again erected in the manner described above. During transport of the apparatus, the pipe racks may be folded 900 adjacent the main support structure. The racks may be supported on integral shipping hooks integrated into the side of the main support structure. The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments. Various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Generally, embodiments are not intended to be limited to only the particular embodiments shown herein. For example, although various features of embodiments including for example, various carrier movement mechanisms, various pipe stop arrangements and various components of pipe control systems including, for example, a pipe feed indexing apparatus and a lateral stop gate apparatus, it is to be understood that any or all of these features alone or in combination may be installed to a pipe-handling apparatus and such protection is or may be sought. Furthermore, the protection is to be afforded the full scope consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular, such as by use of the article "a" or "an" is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more". All 18 structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the elements of the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. 19

Claims (21)

1. A pipe handling apparatus for conveying pipe joints to and from a drilling rig floor, comprising: 5 a ramp interconnecting a main support structure with the drilling rig floor; a pipe carrier having a ramp end adjacent the ramp, a far end opposite the ramp end, and an elongate indentation defined by opposing ramped side surfaces and configured to receive a pipe joint; and a drive system configured to move the pipe carrier between a lower position and 10 an elevated position; wherein the drive system includes a winch, a cable extending between the winch and the pipe carrier, and a lift arm pivotally coupled adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier; wherein the main support structure includes a track positioned in a 15 longitudinally extending, upwardly opening recess configured to accommodate the pipe carrier; wherein the pipe carrier and the lift arm are configured to ride along the track during elevation and lowering of the pipe carrier; wherein the ramp is configured to accept and support the ramp end of the pipe carrier, 20 and includes an upper end having a bearing surface configured to support movement of the pipe carrier thereover; and wherein the winch is operable to pull the cable, thereby elevating the pipe carrier from the lower position towards the elevated position as the pipe carrier moves along the ramp, including to continue to pull the pipe carrier up over an upper end of 25 the ramp such that the pipe carrier is extended over the drilling rig floor as the lift arm, through its pivotal coupling with the pipe carrier, pivots upwards to lift the far end of the pipe carrier.

2. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pipe carrier is a single 30 piece, non-telescopic pipe carrier that further includes a pipe stop member configured to support the pipe joint in the elongate indentation and thereby prevent the pipe joint from sliding down the pipe carrier when the pipe carrier is positioned in the elevated position. 20

3. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pipe stop member is further configured to abut against the pipe joint and push the pipe joint axially along the pipe carrier. 5

4. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the pipe stop member is driven by an endless cable for movement along the pipe carrier.

5. The pipe handling apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pipe stop member includes a pipe engagement device configured to engage the pipe joint and, 10 when the pipe joint is positioned in the pipe carrier, to move the pipe joint axially with the pipe stop member.

6. The pipe handling apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ramp is hinged to the main support structure through a bearing such that the ramp is operable to 15 be folded relative to the pipe carrier.

7. The pipe handling apparatus of any one of claims I to 6, further comprising a pipe-dumping apparatus including a plurality of kickers located at spaced-apart locations along the pipe carrier. 20

8. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of kickers includes a first kicker operating on a first one of the opposing ramped side surfaces of the elongate indentation and a second kicker operating on a second one of the opposing ramped side surfaces of the elongate indentation. 25

9. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of kickers is mounted in a recess of one of the opposing ramped side surfaces of the elongate indentation, and each of the plurality of kickers has an upper surface coinciding with or recessed below one of the opposing ramped side surfaces of the 30 elongate indentation when the kicker is retracted; wherein each of the plurality of kickers is connected to a drive that is operable to move the kicker to protrude above the corresponding one of the opposing ramped side surfaces of the elongate indentation; wherein each of the plurality of kickers is mounted on a pivot pin and is actuated 35 by a hydraulic cylinder that is coupled to the pipe carrier; or a combination thereof. 21

10. The pipe handling apparatus of any one of claims I to 9, further comprising a catwalk positioned adjacent the pipe carrier. 5

11. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pipe indexing apparatus that includes a plurality of indexers located at spaced-apart locations along the catwalk.

12. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of 10 indexers includes a body having an end that is configured to be flush with or recessed below an upper surface of the catwalk, wherein the body of the indexer is coupled to a hydraulic cylinder that is operable to raise the body relative to the catwalk such that the end of the body protrudes above the upper surface of the catwalk. 15

13. The pipe handling apparatus of claim I I or claim 12, wherein the pipe indexing apparatus includes a plurality of stop pins positioned adjacent a pipe rack that is positioned adjacent the catwalk.

14. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of stop pins are 20 releasably mountable in corresponding positions on the catwalk that overlap the operational area traced by the plurality of indexers by a distance substantially equal to the pipe joint's diameter.

15. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein a back surface of an 25 outboard end of each of the plurality of indexers includes a tongue that extends down and is configured to prevent a next adjacent pipe joint from rolling toward the elongate indentation until at least one of the plurality of indexers is retracted, at which time the next adjacent pipe joint is free to roll to against at least one of the plurality of stop pins while the initial pipe joint rolls down the at least one of the plurality of indexers, across 30 the catwalk, and into the elongate indentation.

16. The pipe handling apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a programmable controller configured to control actuation of the drive system. 35

17. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 16, wherein the controller includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit operator commands. 22

18. A pipe handling apparatus for conveying pipe joints to and from a drilling rig floor, comprising: a ramp interconnecting a main support structure with the drilling rig floor; 5 a pipe carrier having a ramp end adjacent the ramp, a far end opposite the ramp end, and an elongate indentation defined by opposing ramped side surfaces and configured to receive a pipe joint; a drive system configured to move the pipe carrier between a lower position and an elevated position; 10 a pipe-dumping apparatus that includes a plurality of kickers located at spaced apart locations along the pipe carrier; a catwalk positioned adjacent the pipe carrier; and a pipe indexing apparatus that includes a plurality of indexers located at spaced apart locations along the catwalk; 15 wherein the drive system includes a winch, a cable extending between the winch and the pipe carrier, and a lift arm pivotally coupled adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier; wherein the main support structure includes a track positioned in a longitudinally extending, upwardly opening recess configured to accommodate the pipe 20 carrier; wherein the pipe carrier and the lift arm are configured to ride along the track during elevation and lowering of the pipe carrier; wherein the ramp is configured to accept and support the ramp end of the pipe carrier, and includes an upper end having a bearing surface configured to support 25 movement of the pipe carrier thereover; wherein the winch is operable to pull the cable, thereby elevating the pipe carrier from the lower position towards the elevated position as the pipe carrier moves along the ramp, including to continue to pull the pipe carrier up over an upper end of the ramp such that the pipe carrier is extended over the drilling rig floor as the lift arm, 30 through its pivotal coupling with the pipe carrier, pivots upwards to lift the far end of pipe carrier; wherein the pipe carrier further includes a pipe stop member configured to support the pipe joint in the elongate indentation and thereby prevent the pipe joint from sliding down the pipe carrier when the pipe carrier is positioned in the elevated 35 position; 23 wherein the pipe stop member is driven by an endless cable for movement along the pipe carrier; wherein the pipe stop member includes a pipe engagement device configured to engage the pipe joint and, when the pipe joint is positioned in the pipe carrier, to move 5 the pipe joint axially with the pipe stop member; wherein each of the plurality of kickers is mounted in a recess of one of the opposing ramped side surfaces of the elongate indentation, each of the plurality of kickers has an upper surface coinciding with or recessed below one of the opposing ramped side surfaces of the elongate indentation, each of the plurality of kickers is 10 connected to a drive that is operable to move the kicker to protrude above the corresponding one of the opposing ramped side surfaces of the elongate indentation, and each of the plurality of kickers is mounted on a pivot pin and is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder that is coupled to the pipe carrier; wherein each of the plurality of indexers includes a body having an end that is 15 configured to be flush with or recessed below an upper surface of the catwalk, and the body of the indexer is coupled to a hydraulic cylinder that is operable to raise the body relative to the catwalk such that the end of the body protrudes above the upper surface of the catwalk; and wherein the pipe indexing apparatus includes a plurality of stop pins positioned 20 adjacent a pipe rack that is positioned adjacent the catwalk.

19. A pipe handling apparatus for conveying pipe joints to and from a drilling rig floor, comprising: a ramp interconnecting a main support structure with the drilling rig floor; 25 a pipe carrier having a ramp end adjacent the ramp, a far end opposite the ramp end, and an elongate indentation defined by opposing ramped side surfaces and configured to receive a pipe joint; and a drive system configured to move the pipe carrier between a lower position and an elevated position; 30 wherein the drive system includes a winch, a cable extending between the winch and the pipe carrier, and a lift arm pivotally coupled adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier; wherein the main support structure includes a track positioned in a longitudinally extending recess configured to accommodate the pipe carrier; 35 wherein the pipe carrier and the lift arm are configured to ride along the track during elevation and lowering of the pipe carrier; 24 wherein the ramp is configured to accept and support the ramp end of the pipe carrier, and includes an upper end having a bearing surface configured to support movement of the pipe carrier thereover; wherein the winch is operable to pull the cable to elevate the pipe carrier from 5 the lower position towards the elevated position as the pipe carrier moves along the ramp; and wherein the winch is operable to pull the pipe carrier up over the bearing surface of the ramp such that the pipe carrier is extended over the drilling rig floor simultaneously with the lift arm rotating to lift the far end of pipe carrier. 10

20. A pipe handling apparatus for conveying pipe joints to and from a drilling rig floor, comprising: a ramp interconnecting a main support structure with the drilling rig floor; a pipe carrier having a ramp end adjacent the ramp, a far end opposite the ramp end, 15 and an elongate indentation defined by opposing ramped side surfaces and configured to receive a pipe joint; a catwalk positioned adjacent the pipe carrier; a pipe indexing apparatus that includes a plurality of indexers located at spaced apart locations along the catwalk; and 20 a drive system configured to move the pipe carrier between a lower position and an elevated position; wherein the drive system includes a winch, a cable extending between the winch and the pipe carrier, and a lift arm pivotally coupled adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier; 25 wherein the main support structure includes a track positioned in a longitudinally extending, upwardly opening recess configured to accommodate the pipe carrier; wherein the pipe carrier and the lift arm are configured to ride along the track during elevation and lowering of the pipe carrier; 30 wherein the ramp is configured to accept and support the ramp end of the pipe carrier, and includes an upper end having a bearing surface configured to support movement of the pipe carrier thereover; wherein the winch is operable to pull the cable, thereby elevating the pipe carrier from the lower position towards the elevated position as the pipe carrier moves 35 along the ramp, including to continue to pull the pipe carrier up over an upper end of the ramp such that pipe carrier is extended over the drilling rig floor as the lift arm, 25 through its pivotal coupling with the pipe carrier, pivots upwards to lift the far end of pipe carrier; wherein the pipe indexing apparatus includes a plurality of stop pins positioned adjacent a pipe rack that is positioned adjacent the catwalk; 5 wherein the plurality of stop pins are releasably mountable in corresponding positions on the catwalk that overlap the operational area traced by the plurality of indexers by a distance substantially equal to the pipe joint's diameter; and wherein a back surface of an outboard end of each of the plurality of indexers includes a tongue that extends down and is configured to prevent a next adjacent pipe 10 joint from rolling toward the elongate indentation until at least one of the plurality of indexers is retracted, at which time the next adjacent pipe joint is free to roll to against at least one of the plurality of stop pins while the initial pipe joint rolls down the at least one of the plurality of indexers, across the catwalk, and into the elongate indentation. 15

21. A method of conveying pipe joints to and from a drilling rig floor, which comprises: operating a drive system to move a pipe carrier between a lower position near a main support structure and an elevated position approximate the drilling rig floor; 20 wherein the drive system includes a winch, a cable extending between the winch and the pipe carrier, and a lift arm pivotally coupled adjacent the far end of the pipe carrier; wherein the pipe carrier comprises a ramp end adjacent a ramp, a far end opposite the ramp end, and an elongate indentation defined by opposing ramped side 25 surfaces and configured to receive a pipe joint; wherein the ramp interconnects a main support structure with the drilling rig floor; operating a winch to pull a cable, thereby elevating the pipe carrier from the lower position towards the elevated position as the pipe carrier moves along the ramp, 30 including to continue to pull the pipe carrier up over an upper end of the ramp such that the pipe carrier is extended over the drilling rig floor as the lift arm, through its pivotal coupling with the pipe carrier, pivots upwards to lift the far end of the pipe carrier. wherein the main support structure includes a track positioned in a longitudinally extending, upwardly opening recess configured to accommodate the pipe 35 carrier; 26 wherein the pipe carrier and the lift arm are configured to ride along the track during elevation and lowering of the pipe carrier; wherein the ramp is configured to accept and support the ramp end of the pipe carrier, and includes an upper end having a bearing surface configured to support 5 movement of the pipe carrier thereover. 27