CA2535083C - Pipe indexer/kicker - Google Patents
Pipe indexer/kicker Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2535083C CA2535083C CA2535083A CA2535083A CA2535083C CA 2535083 C CA2535083 C CA 2535083C CA 2535083 A CA2535083 A CA 2535083A CA 2535083 A CA2535083 A CA 2535083A CA 2535083 C CA2535083 C CA 2535083C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pipe
- kicker
- arm
- frame
- launcher
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/14—Racks, ramps, troughs or bins, for holding the lengths of rod singly or connected; Handling between storage place and borehole
- E21B19/15—Racking of rods in horizontal position; Handling between horizontal and vertical position
Abstract
A combination pipe kicker/indexer for attachment to a pipe launcher is provided. The pipe kicker includes an articulated arm that is operated by a rotating shaft. The arm has a kicker head that rises up from a frame and moves towards a pipe located in the trough of the pipe launcher. Continued rotation of the shaft causes the kicker head to push the pipe out of the trough. Reversing the shaft rotation retracts the kicker arm into its frame. The indexer includes a plate having two eccentric cam openings and a cam rotatably mounted therein. Rotation of the cams causes either end of the indexer plate to rise up from the frame and urge a section of pipe towards the pipe launcher trough.
Description
1 "PIPE INDEXER/KICKER"
2 Inventor: Gerald Lesko 4 The present invention relates to the field of pipe indexers and pipe kickers used for moving a section of pipe on to and off of a pipe launcher. More specifically, 6 the present invention provides a combined pipe indexer and kicker within a single 7 support frame that is attached to the pipe launcher.
9 It is desirable for reasons of safety, efficiency and improved synchronicity to have a pipe indexer and a pipe kicker combined within a single support frame such 11 that the indexer can present a section of pipe to a pipe launcher and the kicker can 12 eject a section of pipe from a pipe launcher.
14 The present invention relates to a device known as a "pipe indexer" that is used for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher which raises and presents the 16 pipe to a drilling rig platform. The present invention also relates to a device known as 17 a "pipe kicker" that is used to remove a section of pipe from the pipe launcher after 18 receiving the pipe from the drilling rig platform. In a representative embodiment, the 19 present invention is an apparatus that combines the pipe indexer and the pipe kicker into a single support frame that attaches to the pipe launcher. Typically, a plurality of 21 combined pipe indexers/kickers are attached to either or both sides of the pipe 22 launcher in a spaced-apart configuration.
23 Each of the pipe indexer and pipe kicker have driveline connectors that permit 24 the use of drive shafts to connect adjacent units together such that they operate { E5140477.DOC;1) 1 substantially in unison when indexing a section of pipe into the pipe launcher or 2 ejecting from the pipe launcher. The pipe indexer consists of a vertical plate disposed 3 within a support frame that mounts perpendicularly to the pipe launcher. The plate 4 has a shallow concave groove at the end furthest from the pipe launcher to hold the pipe. The indexer plate, itself, has two openings extending therethrough for receiving 6 an eccentric cam mounted on a shaft. As either shaft turns, the cam raises or lowers 7 the indexer plate with respect to the support frame. When the shaft is turned with 8 sufficient force, the indexer is able to flip a section of pipe forward to the pipe 9 launcher trough.
The pipe kicker of the present invention consists of a first arm that is rotatably 11 attached at one end to a driveline connector disposed in a lower portion of the support 12 frame. The other end of the first arm is rotatably attached to a kicker arm via an 13 elbow joint. The kicker arm has a guide roller attached thereon that rolls on a guide 14 ramp disposed within the support frame. When the driveline connector is turned, the first arm rotates towards the pipe launcher causing the guide roller to roll off the guide 16 ramp. This, in turn, causes the kicker arm to rise up from the support frame. A kicker 17 head on the kicker arm has at least one roller for rolling on the top surface of the pipe 18 launcher. The kicker has further rollers on its face for rolling against sections of pipe.
19 As the first arm continues to rotate towards the pipe launcher, the kicker head moves towards and enters the pipe launcher trough to push a section of pipe out of the 21 trough. Once the pipe is ejected from the trough, the first arm is rotated away from 22 the pipe launcher which causes the kicker arm to retract within the support frame.
2 { E5140477. DOC; I }
1 It is an object of the present invention to provide a combined pipe kicker and 2 indexer within a single support frame, wherein, the support frame attaches to the pipe 3 launcher, the indexer provides a means for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe 4 launcher and the kicker provides a means for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher 6 It is another object of the present invention to provide a pipe kicker having a 7 pivot connection point comprising drive line connectors capable of coupling a 8 plurality of spaced-apart pipe kickers together with drive shafts thereby enabling said 9 plurality of pipe kickers to operate substantially in unison. 10 Yet another object of the present invention to provide an indexer having an 11 indexer plate comprised of a cam opening disposed in each of said near and far ends 12 and said first and second indexer mechanisms comprising a horizontal shaft passing 13 through said frame in said cam openings and an eccentric cam mounted on each shaft, 14 said cams disposed within said cam openings.
Yet another object of the present invention to provide an indexer having 16 indexer mechanisms comprised of driveline connectors capable of coupling a plurality 17 of space-apart indexers together with drive shafts thereby enabling said plurality of 18 indexers to operate substantially in unison.
19 Broadly stated, one aspect of the present invention is a pipe kicker for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher, comprising: a supporting frame having a top 21 surface and a first opening thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a 22 pipe launcher; a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially 23 disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said frame at a 24 pivot connection point whereby said first arm is capable of rotation about a 3 1 E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 substantially horizontal first axis passing through said pivot connection point, said 2 first axis substantially perpendicular to said frame, said distal end further comprising 3 an elbow joint; a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm 4 substantially disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said elbow joint of said first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of rotation about a second 6 axis passing through said elbow joint, said second axis substantially parallel to said 7 first axis, said second end of said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted 8 for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher; a guide ramp disposed within said 9 frame adapted to guide said kicker arm; and a guide roller disposed on said kicker arm, said guide roller adapted to roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is 11 capable of moving from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially 12 disposed within said frame to a second position after applying a rotational force to 13 said first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said guide roller rolls up said 14 guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up from said frame through said first opening and move said kicker head towards a pipe launcher to eject a section of pipe 16 from said pipe.
17 Broadly stated, another aspect of the present invention is an indexer for 18 presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher, comprising: a supporting frame having 19 a top surface and a first opening thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to said pipe launcher, said frame substantially perpendicular to a pipe launcher; an 21 indexer plate having a near end and a far end, said far end having a pipe groove for 22 receiving a section of pipe, said indexer plate substantially disposed within said 23 frame; a first indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said far 24 end of said indexer plate up through said first opening above said top surface; and a 4 (E5140477.DOC;1 ) 1 second indexer mechanism disposed with said frame adapted to raise said near end of 2 said indexer plate up through said first opening above said top surface.
3 Broadly stated, another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus adapted 4 for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher and for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher, comprising: a supporting frame having a top surface and first and 6 second openings located thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a 7 pipe launcher; a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially 8 disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said frame at a 9 pivot connection point where said first arm is capable of rotation about a substantially horizontal first axis passing through said pivot connection point, said first axis 11 substantially perpendicular to said frame, said distal end further comprising an elbow 12 joint; a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm substantially 13 disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said elbow joint of said 14 first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of rotation about a second axis passing through said elbow joint, said second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, said 16 second end of said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted for ejecting a 17 section of pipe from a pipe launcher; a guide ramp disposed within said frame, said 18 guide ramp adapted to guide said kicker arm; a guide roller disposed on said kicker 19 arm, said guide roller adapted to roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is capable of moving from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially 21 disposed within said frame, to a second position after applying a rotation force to said 22 first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said the guide roller rolls up said 23 guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up from said frame through said first 24 opening and move towards a pipe launcher to eject a section of pipe; an indexer plate 5 { E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 disposed substantially within said frame, said indexer plate having a near end and a 2 far end, said far end comprising a pipe groove for receiving a section of pipe; a first 3 indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said far end of said 4 indexer plate up through said second opening above said top surface; and a second indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said near end of said 6 indexer plate up through said second opening above said top surface.
9 It is desirable for reasons of safety, efficiency and improved synchronicity to have a pipe indexer and a pipe kicker combined within a single support frame such 11 that the indexer can present a section of pipe to a pipe launcher and the kicker can 12 eject a section of pipe from a pipe launcher.
14 The present invention relates to a device known as a "pipe indexer" that is used for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher which raises and presents the 16 pipe to a drilling rig platform. The present invention also relates to a device known as 17 a "pipe kicker" that is used to remove a section of pipe from the pipe launcher after 18 receiving the pipe from the drilling rig platform. In a representative embodiment, the 19 present invention is an apparatus that combines the pipe indexer and the pipe kicker into a single support frame that attaches to the pipe launcher. Typically, a plurality of 21 combined pipe indexers/kickers are attached to either or both sides of the pipe 22 launcher in a spaced-apart configuration.
23 Each of the pipe indexer and pipe kicker have driveline connectors that permit 24 the use of drive shafts to connect adjacent units together such that they operate { E5140477.DOC;1) 1 substantially in unison when indexing a section of pipe into the pipe launcher or 2 ejecting from the pipe launcher. The pipe indexer consists of a vertical plate disposed 3 within a support frame that mounts perpendicularly to the pipe launcher. The plate 4 has a shallow concave groove at the end furthest from the pipe launcher to hold the pipe. The indexer plate, itself, has two openings extending therethrough for receiving 6 an eccentric cam mounted on a shaft. As either shaft turns, the cam raises or lowers 7 the indexer plate with respect to the support frame. When the shaft is turned with 8 sufficient force, the indexer is able to flip a section of pipe forward to the pipe 9 launcher trough.
The pipe kicker of the present invention consists of a first arm that is rotatably 11 attached at one end to a driveline connector disposed in a lower portion of the support 12 frame. The other end of the first arm is rotatably attached to a kicker arm via an 13 elbow joint. The kicker arm has a guide roller attached thereon that rolls on a guide 14 ramp disposed within the support frame. When the driveline connector is turned, the first arm rotates towards the pipe launcher causing the guide roller to roll off the guide 16 ramp. This, in turn, causes the kicker arm to rise up from the support frame. A kicker 17 head on the kicker arm has at least one roller for rolling on the top surface of the pipe 18 launcher. The kicker has further rollers on its face for rolling against sections of pipe.
19 As the first arm continues to rotate towards the pipe launcher, the kicker head moves towards and enters the pipe launcher trough to push a section of pipe out of the 21 trough. Once the pipe is ejected from the trough, the first arm is rotated away from 22 the pipe launcher which causes the kicker arm to retract within the support frame.
2 { E5140477. DOC; I }
1 It is an object of the present invention to provide a combined pipe kicker and 2 indexer within a single support frame, wherein, the support frame attaches to the pipe 3 launcher, the indexer provides a means for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe 4 launcher and the kicker provides a means for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher 6 It is another object of the present invention to provide a pipe kicker having a 7 pivot connection point comprising drive line connectors capable of coupling a 8 plurality of spaced-apart pipe kickers together with drive shafts thereby enabling said 9 plurality of pipe kickers to operate substantially in unison. 10 Yet another object of the present invention to provide an indexer having an 11 indexer plate comprised of a cam opening disposed in each of said near and far ends 12 and said first and second indexer mechanisms comprising a horizontal shaft passing 13 through said frame in said cam openings and an eccentric cam mounted on each shaft, 14 said cams disposed within said cam openings.
Yet another object of the present invention to provide an indexer having 16 indexer mechanisms comprised of driveline connectors capable of coupling a plurality 17 of space-apart indexers together with drive shafts thereby enabling said plurality of 18 indexers to operate substantially in unison.
19 Broadly stated, one aspect of the present invention is a pipe kicker for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher, comprising: a supporting frame having a top 21 surface and a first opening thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a 22 pipe launcher; a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially 23 disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said frame at a 24 pivot connection point whereby said first arm is capable of rotation about a 3 1 E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 substantially horizontal first axis passing through said pivot connection point, said 2 first axis substantially perpendicular to said frame, said distal end further comprising 3 an elbow joint; a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm 4 substantially disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said elbow joint of said first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of rotation about a second 6 axis passing through said elbow joint, said second axis substantially parallel to said 7 first axis, said second end of said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted 8 for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher; a guide ramp disposed within said 9 frame adapted to guide said kicker arm; and a guide roller disposed on said kicker arm, said guide roller adapted to roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is 11 capable of moving from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially 12 disposed within said frame to a second position after applying a rotational force to 13 said first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said guide roller rolls up said 14 guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up from said frame through said first opening and move said kicker head towards a pipe launcher to eject a section of pipe 16 from said pipe.
17 Broadly stated, another aspect of the present invention is an indexer for 18 presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher, comprising: a supporting frame having 19 a top surface and a first opening thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to said pipe launcher, said frame substantially perpendicular to a pipe launcher; an 21 indexer plate having a near end and a far end, said far end having a pipe groove for 22 receiving a section of pipe, said indexer plate substantially disposed within said 23 frame; a first indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said far 24 end of said indexer plate up through said first opening above said top surface; and a 4 (E5140477.DOC;1 ) 1 second indexer mechanism disposed with said frame adapted to raise said near end of 2 said indexer plate up through said first opening above said top surface.
3 Broadly stated, another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus adapted 4 for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher and for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher, comprising: a supporting frame having a top surface and first and 6 second openings located thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a 7 pipe launcher; a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially 8 disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said frame at a 9 pivot connection point where said first arm is capable of rotation about a substantially horizontal first axis passing through said pivot connection point, said first axis 11 substantially perpendicular to said frame, said distal end further comprising an elbow 12 joint; a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm substantially 13 disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said elbow joint of said 14 first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of rotation about a second axis passing through said elbow joint, said second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, said 16 second end of said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted for ejecting a 17 section of pipe from a pipe launcher; a guide ramp disposed within said frame, said 18 guide ramp adapted to guide said kicker arm; a guide roller disposed on said kicker 19 arm, said guide roller adapted to roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is capable of moving from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially 21 disposed within said frame, to a second position after applying a rotation force to said 22 first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said the guide roller rolls up said 23 guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up from said frame through said first 24 opening and move towards a pipe launcher to eject a section of pipe; an indexer plate 5 { E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 disposed substantially within said frame, said indexer plate having a near end and a 2 far end, said far end comprising a pipe groove for receiving a section of pipe; a first 3 indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said far end of said 4 indexer plate up through said second opening above said top surface; and a second indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said near end of said 6 indexer plate up through said second opening above said top surface.
8 Figure 1 is a left front perspective view of a combination indexer/kicker in 9 accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a right front perspective view depicting the combination 11 indexer/kicker of Figure 1 shown along section lines A-A.
12 Figure 3 is a right front perspective view depicting the combination 13 indexer/kicker of Figure shown along section lines A-A with the kicker arm being 14 raised.
Figure 4 is a right side elevational view depicting the combination 16 indexer/kicker of Figure 1 shown along section lines A-A with the kicker arm in an 17 extend position.
18 Figure 5 is a left side elevational view depicting the combination 19 indexer/kicker of Figure shown along section lines B-B.
Figure 6 is a left front perspective view depicting the combination 21 indexer/kicker of Figure 1 shown along section lines B-B with the near end of the 22 indexer plate in a raised position.
6 { E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 Figure 7 is a left rear perspective view depicting the combination 2 indexer/kicker of Figure 1 shown along section lines B-B with the far end of the 3 indexer plate in a raised position.
4 Figure 8 is a perspective view of a pipe being ejected from a pipe launcher with the indexer/kicker of Figure 1.
6 Figure 9 is a perspective view of a pipe being indexed into a pipe launcher 7 with the indexer/kicker of Figure 1.
9 Referring to Figure 1, the pipe kicker/indexer 1 in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention as shown. Kicker/indexer 1 11 comprises frame 16, kicker 3 disposed within frame 16 through opening 55, indexer 12 62 disposed in frame 16 through opening 56, kicker driveline 28, and indexer 13 drivelines 40 and 42.
14 Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 4, kicker 3 is shown in various positions.
These figures are shown along section lines A-A revealing the internal mechanisms 16 underneath the right-side cover of frame 16. Kicker 3 comprises first arm 18 which is 17 rotatably coupled to frame 16 at pivot connection point 64. Driveline 28 is coupled to 18 first arm 18 at pivot connection point 64. First arm 18 is also pivotally connected to 19 kicker arm 20 at pivot elbow joint 22. Located near pivot elbow joint 22 along kicker arm 20 are guide rollers 24. Guide rollers 24 ride on guide ramps 26 located on frame 21 16. Kicker arm 20 further includes kicker head 70 that has head guide roller 72 and 22 pipe rollers 30.
23 In Figure 2, kicker 3 is shown in a retracted position within frame 16 when it 24 is not in use.
7 {E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 In Figure 3, kicker 3 is shown rising out of frame 16 when a rotational force is 2 applied to kicker driveline 28. From the view shown in Figure 3, a counterclockwise 3 rotational force on kicker driveline 28 turns first arm 18 up through opening 55. This 4 causes guide rollers 24 to ride up guide ramps 26 and raise kicker arm 20 up from frame 16 and in a forward direction.
6 Referring to Figure 4, as kicker driveline 28 continues to rotate, kicker head 7 70 will move away from frame 16. Head guide roller 72 rolls on top of a pipe 8 launcher platform (not shown) as kicker 3 continues to move forward. As will be 9 discussed further in this specification, kicker head 70 will continue to roll towards a pipe launcher trough (not shown) and eject a section of pipe contained in the trough.
11 Reversing the rotation on kicker driveline 28 will return kicker 3 to its retracted 12 position within frame 16.
13 In Figure 5, the pipe indexer in accordance with a representative embodiment 14 of the present invention is shown. This figure is shown along section lines B-B
revealing internal mechanisms under the left-side cover of frame 16. Indexer 16 includes indexer plate 52 having cam openings 48 and 50. Cams 44 and 46 are 17 positioned within cam openings 48 and 50, respectively. Cam 44 and cam opening 48 18 in combination with indexer driveline 40 make up far end indexer mechanism 76.
19 Cam 46 and cam opening 50 in combination with indexer driveline 42 make up near end indexer mechanism 75. The references to near end and far end refer to the 21 position of the indexer in respect of a pipe launcher to which kicker/indexer 1 is 22 positioned adjacent to. At far end 73 of indexer plate 52 is pipe groove 54 for 23 receiving a section of pipe (not shown). Upon rotating either driveline 40 or 42, cam 8 { E5140477. DOC;1 }
1 44 or 46 will rotate within cam opening 48 or 50 to raise far end 73 or near end 74, 2 respectfully, of indexer plate out of frame 16 through opening 56.
3 Referring to Figure 6, cam 46 is shown rotated by driveline 42. As cam 46 is 4 rotated within cam opening 50, near end 74 rises up through opening 56.
Referring to Figure 7, cam 44 shown rotated by driveline 40. As cam 44 turns within cam opening 6 48, far end 73 rises up through opening 56.
7 Referring to Figure 8, the pipe kicker in accordance with a representative 8 embodiment of the present invention is shown in operation. Kicker/indexer is 9 attached to pipe launcher 68. In this example, there are three kicker/indexers 1 operatively coupled to the side of pipe launcher 18. Kicker/indexer 1 are placed 11 spread along pipe launcher 68 in a spaced apart fashion. It should be obvious to one 12 skilled in the art that a minimum of two kicker/indexers 1 would be required to eject 13 pipe 80 from trough 69 whereas longer lengths of pipe and, hence, longer troughs 69 14 may require three or more kicker/indexers I positioned along pipe launcher 68. As shown in this example, drivelines 82 couple kicker/indexers 1 together such that when 16 a rotational force is applied to input shaft 84, all kicker/indexers 1 will operate 17 substantially in unison. To eject pipe 80 from trough 69 of pipe launcher 68, rotational 18 force is applied to input shaft 84 to cause kickers 3 to rise up and move towards pipe 19 launcher 68 to push pipe 80 out of trough 69. It should be obvious to a person skilled in the art that any suitable mechanism may be used to provide the rotational force to 21 input shaft 84 such as electrical or hydraulically operated motors or hydraulic rams 22 coupled to a crank attached to input shaft 84.
23 In Figure 9, kicker/indexers 1 are shown in operation to present pipe 80 to 24 pipe launcher 68. In this example, there are three kicker/indexers 1 positioned in a 9 ( E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 spaced apart fashion along pipe launcher 68. It should be obvious to one skilled in the 2 art that a minimum of two kicker/indexers 1 would be required to balance a section of 3 pipe 80 whereas three or more kicker/indexers 1 may be required for longer lengths of 4 pipe 80. Drivelines 86 and 88 connect cam mechanism 75 and 76 of the kicker/indexers 1 such that kicker/indexers 1 operate substantially in unison.
In 6 operation, pipe 80 is loaded on to kicker/indexers 1 from a pipe rack (not shown). As 7 discussed above in respect of kicker 3, any suitable means may be used to rotate 8 drivelines 86 and 88 by applying rotational forces to input shafts 90 or 92.
After pipe 9 80 has been loaded onto kicker/indexers 1, rotational forces are applied to either of input shafts 90 or 92 to balance pipe 80 along indexer plate 52 and to position it 11 within pipe groove 54. Rotational force is then applied to input shaft 92 to turn 12 drivelines 88 and indexer mechanism 75 to raise far ends 73 of indexer plates 52 13 which result in pipe 80 being flipped towards trough 69.
Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will 16 be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might 17 be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The terms and 18 expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of 19 description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions 21 thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only 22 by the claims that follow.
Figure 2 is a right front perspective view depicting the combination 11 indexer/kicker of Figure 1 shown along section lines A-A.
12 Figure 3 is a right front perspective view depicting the combination 13 indexer/kicker of Figure shown along section lines A-A with the kicker arm being 14 raised.
Figure 4 is a right side elevational view depicting the combination 16 indexer/kicker of Figure 1 shown along section lines A-A with the kicker arm in an 17 extend position.
18 Figure 5 is a left side elevational view depicting the combination 19 indexer/kicker of Figure shown along section lines B-B.
Figure 6 is a left front perspective view depicting the combination 21 indexer/kicker of Figure 1 shown along section lines B-B with the near end of the 22 indexer plate in a raised position.
6 { E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 Figure 7 is a left rear perspective view depicting the combination 2 indexer/kicker of Figure 1 shown along section lines B-B with the far end of the 3 indexer plate in a raised position.
4 Figure 8 is a perspective view of a pipe being ejected from a pipe launcher with the indexer/kicker of Figure 1.
6 Figure 9 is a perspective view of a pipe being indexed into a pipe launcher 7 with the indexer/kicker of Figure 1.
9 Referring to Figure 1, the pipe kicker/indexer 1 in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention as shown. Kicker/indexer 1 11 comprises frame 16, kicker 3 disposed within frame 16 through opening 55, indexer 12 62 disposed in frame 16 through opening 56, kicker driveline 28, and indexer 13 drivelines 40 and 42.
14 Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 4, kicker 3 is shown in various positions.
These figures are shown along section lines A-A revealing the internal mechanisms 16 underneath the right-side cover of frame 16. Kicker 3 comprises first arm 18 which is 17 rotatably coupled to frame 16 at pivot connection point 64. Driveline 28 is coupled to 18 first arm 18 at pivot connection point 64. First arm 18 is also pivotally connected to 19 kicker arm 20 at pivot elbow joint 22. Located near pivot elbow joint 22 along kicker arm 20 are guide rollers 24. Guide rollers 24 ride on guide ramps 26 located on frame 21 16. Kicker arm 20 further includes kicker head 70 that has head guide roller 72 and 22 pipe rollers 30.
23 In Figure 2, kicker 3 is shown in a retracted position within frame 16 when it 24 is not in use.
7 {E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 In Figure 3, kicker 3 is shown rising out of frame 16 when a rotational force is 2 applied to kicker driveline 28. From the view shown in Figure 3, a counterclockwise 3 rotational force on kicker driveline 28 turns first arm 18 up through opening 55. This 4 causes guide rollers 24 to ride up guide ramps 26 and raise kicker arm 20 up from frame 16 and in a forward direction.
6 Referring to Figure 4, as kicker driveline 28 continues to rotate, kicker head 7 70 will move away from frame 16. Head guide roller 72 rolls on top of a pipe 8 launcher platform (not shown) as kicker 3 continues to move forward. As will be 9 discussed further in this specification, kicker head 70 will continue to roll towards a pipe launcher trough (not shown) and eject a section of pipe contained in the trough.
11 Reversing the rotation on kicker driveline 28 will return kicker 3 to its retracted 12 position within frame 16.
13 In Figure 5, the pipe indexer in accordance with a representative embodiment 14 of the present invention is shown. This figure is shown along section lines B-B
revealing internal mechanisms under the left-side cover of frame 16. Indexer 16 includes indexer plate 52 having cam openings 48 and 50. Cams 44 and 46 are 17 positioned within cam openings 48 and 50, respectively. Cam 44 and cam opening 48 18 in combination with indexer driveline 40 make up far end indexer mechanism 76.
19 Cam 46 and cam opening 50 in combination with indexer driveline 42 make up near end indexer mechanism 75. The references to near end and far end refer to the 21 position of the indexer in respect of a pipe launcher to which kicker/indexer 1 is 22 positioned adjacent to. At far end 73 of indexer plate 52 is pipe groove 54 for 23 receiving a section of pipe (not shown). Upon rotating either driveline 40 or 42, cam 8 { E5140477. DOC;1 }
1 44 or 46 will rotate within cam opening 48 or 50 to raise far end 73 or near end 74, 2 respectfully, of indexer plate out of frame 16 through opening 56.
3 Referring to Figure 6, cam 46 is shown rotated by driveline 42. As cam 46 is 4 rotated within cam opening 50, near end 74 rises up through opening 56.
Referring to Figure 7, cam 44 shown rotated by driveline 40. As cam 44 turns within cam opening 6 48, far end 73 rises up through opening 56.
7 Referring to Figure 8, the pipe kicker in accordance with a representative 8 embodiment of the present invention is shown in operation. Kicker/indexer is 9 attached to pipe launcher 68. In this example, there are three kicker/indexers 1 operatively coupled to the side of pipe launcher 18. Kicker/indexer 1 are placed 11 spread along pipe launcher 68 in a spaced apart fashion. It should be obvious to one 12 skilled in the art that a minimum of two kicker/indexers 1 would be required to eject 13 pipe 80 from trough 69 whereas longer lengths of pipe and, hence, longer troughs 69 14 may require three or more kicker/indexers I positioned along pipe launcher 68. As shown in this example, drivelines 82 couple kicker/indexers 1 together such that when 16 a rotational force is applied to input shaft 84, all kicker/indexers 1 will operate 17 substantially in unison. To eject pipe 80 from trough 69 of pipe launcher 68, rotational 18 force is applied to input shaft 84 to cause kickers 3 to rise up and move towards pipe 19 launcher 68 to push pipe 80 out of trough 69. It should be obvious to a person skilled in the art that any suitable mechanism may be used to provide the rotational force to 21 input shaft 84 such as electrical or hydraulically operated motors or hydraulic rams 22 coupled to a crank attached to input shaft 84.
23 In Figure 9, kicker/indexers 1 are shown in operation to present pipe 80 to 24 pipe launcher 68. In this example, there are three kicker/indexers 1 positioned in a 9 ( E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 spaced apart fashion along pipe launcher 68. It should be obvious to one skilled in the 2 art that a minimum of two kicker/indexers 1 would be required to balance a section of 3 pipe 80 whereas three or more kicker/indexers 1 may be required for longer lengths of 4 pipe 80. Drivelines 86 and 88 connect cam mechanism 75 and 76 of the kicker/indexers 1 such that kicker/indexers 1 operate substantially in unison.
In 6 operation, pipe 80 is loaded on to kicker/indexers 1 from a pipe rack (not shown). As 7 discussed above in respect of kicker 3, any suitable means may be used to rotate 8 drivelines 86 and 88 by applying rotational forces to input shafts 90 or 92.
After pipe 9 80 has been loaded onto kicker/indexers 1, rotational forces are applied to either of input shafts 90 or 92 to balance pipe 80 along indexer plate 52 and to position it 11 within pipe groove 54. Rotational force is then applied to input shaft 92 to turn 12 drivelines 88 and indexer mechanism 75 to raise far ends 73 of indexer plates 52 13 which result in pipe 80 being flipped towards trough 69.
Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will 16 be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might 17 be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The terms and 18 expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of 19 description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions 21 thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only 22 by the claims that follow.
10 (E5140477.DOC; l ) 1 I claim:
2 1. A pipe kicker for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher, comprising:
3 a) a supporting frame having a top surface and a first opening thereon, 4 said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a pipe launcher;
b) a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially 6 disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said 7 frame at a pivot connection point whereby said first arm is capable of 8 rotation about a substantially horizontal first axis passing through said 9 pivot connection point, said first axis substantially perpendicular to said frame, said distal end further comprising an elbow joint;
2 1. A pipe kicker for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher, comprising:
3 a) a supporting frame having a top surface and a first opening thereon, 4 said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a pipe launcher;
b) a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially 6 disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said 7 frame at a pivot connection point whereby said first arm is capable of 8 rotation about a substantially horizontal first axis passing through said 9 pivot connection point, said first axis substantially perpendicular to said frame, said distal end further comprising an elbow joint;
11 c) a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm substantially 12 disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said 13 elbow joint of said first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of 14 rotation about a second axis passing through said elbow joint, said second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, said second end of 16 said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted for ejecting a 17 section of pipe from a pipe launcher;
18 d) a guide ramp disposed within said frame adapted to guide said kicker 19 arm; and e) a guide roller disposed on said kicker arm, said guide roller adapted to 21 roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is capable of moving 22 from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially disposed 23 within said frame to a second position after applying a rotational force 24 to said first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said guide 11 { E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 roller rolls up said guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up from 2 said frame through said first opening and move said kicker head 3 towards a pipe launcher to eject a section of pipe from said pipe.
4 2. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pivot connection point further comprises at least one drive line connector capable of coupling said 6 pipe kicker with at least one other pipe kicker operatively attached to a pipe 7 launcher with a drive shaft thereby enabling said pipe kickers to operate 8 substantially in unison.
9 3. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 1 wherein said kicker head comprises at least one roller for rolling on a top surface of said pipe launcher.
11 4. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 3 wherein said kicker head further 12 comprises at least one additional roller for rolling against a section of pipe.
13 5. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a pipe launcher, said 14 pipe kicker operatively attached to said pipe launcher and adapted to eject a section of pipe from said pipe launcher.
16 6. An indexer for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher, comprising:
17 a) a supporting frame having a top surface and a first opening thereon, 18 said frame adapted for operatively attaching to said pipe launcher, said 19 frame substantially perpendicular to a pipe launcher;
b) an indexer plate having a near end and a far end, said far end having a 21 pipe groove for receiving a section of pipe, said indexer plate 22 substantially disposed within said frame;
12 {E5140477.DOC;I }
1 c) a first indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise 2 said far end of said indexer plate up through said first opening above 3 said top surface; and 4 d) a second indexer mechanism disposed with said frame adapted to raise said near end of said indexer plate up through said first opening above 6 said top surface.
7 7. The indexer as set forth in claim 6 wherein said indexer plate further 8 comprises a first cam opening disposed in said far end and a second cam 9 opening disposed is said near end, and wherein each indexer mechanisms comprises a horizontal shaft passing through said frame via its respective cam 11 opening and an eccentric cam mounted on each shaft, said cams disposed 12 within said cam openings whereby turning one or both of said horizontal 13 shafts turns said cams within said cam openings causes said indexer plate to 14 raise or lower.
8. The indexer as set forth in claim 7 wherein each of said indexer mechanisms 16 further comprises at least one drive line connector capable of coupling said 17 indexer with at least one other indexer operatively attached to said pipe 18 launcher with a drive shaft thereby enabling said indexers to operate 19 substantially in unison.
9. The indexer as set forth in claim 6 further comprising a pipe launcher, said 21 indexer operatively attached to said pipe launcher and adapted to present a 22 section of pipe to said pipe launcher.
23 10. An apparatus adapted for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher and 24 for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher, comprising:
13 { E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 a) a supporting frame having a top surface and first and second openings 2 located thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a pipe 3 launcher;
4 b) a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said 6 frame at a pivot connection point where said first arm is capable of 7 rotation about a substantially horizontal first axis passing through said 8 pivot connection point, said first axis substantially perpendicular to 9 said frame, said distal end further comprising an elbow joint;
c) a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm substantially 11 disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said 12 elbow joint of said first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of 13 rotation about a second axis passing through said elbow joint, said 14 second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, said second end of said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted for ejecting a 16 section of pipe from a pipe launcher;
17 d) a guide ramp disposed within said frame, said guide ramp adapted to 18 guide said kicker arm;
19 e) a guide roller disposed on said kicker arm, said guide roller adapted to roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is capable of moving 21 from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially disposed 22 within said frame, to a second position after applying a rotation force 23 to said first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said the 24 guide roller rolls up said guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up 14 {E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 from said frame through said first opening and move towards a pipe 2 launcher to eject a section of pipe;
3 f) an indexer plate disposed substantially within said frame, said indexer 4 plate having a near end and a far end, said far end comprising a pipe groove for receiving a section of pipe;
6 g) a first indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise 7 said far end of said indexer plate up through said second opening 8 above said top surface; and 9 h) a second indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said near end of said indexer plate up through said second 11 opening above said top surface.
12 11. The apparatus as set forth claim 10 wherein said pivot connection point further 13 comprises at least one drive line connector capable of coupling said apparatus 14 with at least one other apparatus kicker with a drive shaft thereby enabling said apparatuses to operate substantially in unison to eject a section of pipe 16 from a pipe launcher.
17 12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said kicker head comprises at 18 least one roller for on a top surface of a pipe launcher.
19 13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said kicker head comprises at least one additional roller for rolling against a section of pipe.
21 14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said indexer plate further 22 comprises a first cam opening disposed in said far end and a second cam 23 opening disposed in said near end, and wherein each indexer mechanism 24 comprises a horizontal shaft passing through said frame via its respective cam 15 ( E5140477.DOC; I }
1 opening and an eccentric cam mounted on each shaft, said cams disposed 2 within said cam openings whereby turning said horizontal shaft turns said 3 cams within said cam openings causes said indexer plate to raise or lower.
4 15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein each of said indexer mechanisms further comprises at least one drive line connector capable of 6 coupling said apparatus with at least one other apparatus operatively attached 7 to a pipe launcher with a drive shaft thereby enabling said indexer mechanisms 8 to operate substantially in unison to present a section of pipe to a pipe 9 launcher.
18 d) a guide ramp disposed within said frame adapted to guide said kicker 19 arm; and e) a guide roller disposed on said kicker arm, said guide roller adapted to 21 roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is capable of moving 22 from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially disposed 23 within said frame to a second position after applying a rotational force 24 to said first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said guide 11 { E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 roller rolls up said guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up from 2 said frame through said first opening and move said kicker head 3 towards a pipe launcher to eject a section of pipe from said pipe.
4 2. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pivot connection point further comprises at least one drive line connector capable of coupling said 6 pipe kicker with at least one other pipe kicker operatively attached to a pipe 7 launcher with a drive shaft thereby enabling said pipe kickers to operate 8 substantially in unison.
9 3. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 1 wherein said kicker head comprises at least one roller for rolling on a top surface of said pipe launcher.
11 4. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 3 wherein said kicker head further 12 comprises at least one additional roller for rolling against a section of pipe.
13 5. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a pipe launcher, said 14 pipe kicker operatively attached to said pipe launcher and adapted to eject a section of pipe from said pipe launcher.
16 6. An indexer for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher, comprising:
17 a) a supporting frame having a top surface and a first opening thereon, 18 said frame adapted for operatively attaching to said pipe launcher, said 19 frame substantially perpendicular to a pipe launcher;
b) an indexer plate having a near end and a far end, said far end having a 21 pipe groove for receiving a section of pipe, said indexer plate 22 substantially disposed within said frame;
12 {E5140477.DOC;I }
1 c) a first indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise 2 said far end of said indexer plate up through said first opening above 3 said top surface; and 4 d) a second indexer mechanism disposed with said frame adapted to raise said near end of said indexer plate up through said first opening above 6 said top surface.
7 7. The indexer as set forth in claim 6 wherein said indexer plate further 8 comprises a first cam opening disposed in said far end and a second cam 9 opening disposed is said near end, and wherein each indexer mechanisms comprises a horizontal shaft passing through said frame via its respective cam 11 opening and an eccentric cam mounted on each shaft, said cams disposed 12 within said cam openings whereby turning one or both of said horizontal 13 shafts turns said cams within said cam openings causes said indexer plate to 14 raise or lower.
8. The indexer as set forth in claim 7 wherein each of said indexer mechanisms 16 further comprises at least one drive line connector capable of coupling said 17 indexer with at least one other indexer operatively attached to said pipe 18 launcher with a drive shaft thereby enabling said indexers to operate 19 substantially in unison.
9. The indexer as set forth in claim 6 further comprising a pipe launcher, said 21 indexer operatively attached to said pipe launcher and adapted to present a 22 section of pipe to said pipe launcher.
23 10. An apparatus adapted for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher and 24 for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher, comprising:
13 { E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 a) a supporting frame having a top surface and first and second openings 2 located thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a pipe 3 launcher;
4 b) a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said 6 frame at a pivot connection point where said first arm is capable of 7 rotation about a substantially horizontal first axis passing through said 8 pivot connection point, said first axis substantially perpendicular to 9 said frame, said distal end further comprising an elbow joint;
c) a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm substantially 11 disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said 12 elbow joint of said first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of 13 rotation about a second axis passing through said elbow joint, said 14 second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, said second end of said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted for ejecting a 16 section of pipe from a pipe launcher;
17 d) a guide ramp disposed within said frame, said guide ramp adapted to 18 guide said kicker arm;
19 e) a guide roller disposed on said kicker arm, said guide roller adapted to roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is capable of moving 21 from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially disposed 22 within said frame, to a second position after applying a rotation force 23 to said first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said the 24 guide roller rolls up said guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up 14 {E5140477.DOC;1 }
1 from said frame through said first opening and move towards a pipe 2 launcher to eject a section of pipe;
3 f) an indexer plate disposed substantially within said frame, said indexer 4 plate having a near end and a far end, said far end comprising a pipe groove for receiving a section of pipe;
6 g) a first indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise 7 said far end of said indexer plate up through said second opening 8 above said top surface; and 9 h) a second indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said near end of said indexer plate up through said second 11 opening above said top surface.
12 11. The apparatus as set forth claim 10 wherein said pivot connection point further 13 comprises at least one drive line connector capable of coupling said apparatus 14 with at least one other apparatus kicker with a drive shaft thereby enabling said apparatuses to operate substantially in unison to eject a section of pipe 16 from a pipe launcher.
17 12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said kicker head comprises at 18 least one roller for on a top surface of a pipe launcher.
19 13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said kicker head comprises at least one additional roller for rolling against a section of pipe.
21 14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said indexer plate further 22 comprises a first cam opening disposed in said far end and a second cam 23 opening disposed in said near end, and wherein each indexer mechanism 24 comprises a horizontal shaft passing through said frame via its respective cam 15 ( E5140477.DOC; I }
1 opening and an eccentric cam mounted on each shaft, said cams disposed 2 within said cam openings whereby turning said horizontal shaft turns said 3 cams within said cam openings causes said indexer plate to raise or lower.
4 15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 14 wherein each of said indexer mechanisms further comprises at least one drive line connector capable of 6 coupling said apparatus with at least one other apparatus operatively attached 7 to a pipe launcher with a drive shaft thereby enabling said indexer mechanisms 8 to operate substantially in unison to present a section of pipe to a pipe 9 launcher.
16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 further comprising a pipe launcher, said 11 apparatus operatively attached to said pipe launcher, said apparatus adapted to 12 eject a section of pipe from said pipe launcher, and said apparatus further 13 adapted to present a section of pipe to said pipe launcher.
16 1 E5140477.DOC; I }
16 1 E5140477.DOC; I }
Claims (12)
1. A pipe kicker for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher, comprising:
a) a supporting frame having a top surface and a first opening thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a pipe launcher;
b) a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said frame at a pivot connection point whereby said first arm is capable of rotation about a substantially horizontal first axis passing through said pivot connection point, said first axis substantially perpendicular to said frame, said distal end further comprising an elbow joint;
c) a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm substantially disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said elbow joint of said first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of rotation about a second axis passing through said elbow joint, said second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, said second end of said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher;
d) a guide ramp disposed within said frame adapted to guide said kicker arm; and e) a guide roller disposed on said kicker arm, said guide roller adapted to roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is capable of moving from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially disposed within said frame to a second position after applying a rotational force to said first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said guide roller rolls up said guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up from said frame through said first opening and move said kicker head towards a pipe launcher to eject a section of pipe from said pipe.
a) a supporting frame having a top surface and a first opening thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a pipe launcher;
b) a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said frame at a pivot connection point whereby said first arm is capable of rotation about a substantially horizontal first axis passing through said pivot connection point, said first axis substantially perpendicular to said frame, said distal end further comprising an elbow joint;
c) a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm substantially disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said elbow joint of said first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of rotation about a second axis passing through said elbow joint, said second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, said second end of said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher;
d) a guide ramp disposed within said frame adapted to guide said kicker arm; and e) a guide roller disposed on said kicker arm, said guide roller adapted to roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is capable of moving from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially disposed within said frame to a second position after applying a rotational force to said first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said guide roller rolls up said guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up from said frame through said first opening and move said kicker head towards a pipe launcher to eject a section of pipe from said pipe.
2. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pivot connection point further comprises at least one drive line connector capable of coupling said pipe kicker with at least one other pipe kicker operatively attached to a pipe launcher with a drive shaft thereby enabling said pipe kickers to operate substantially in unison.
3. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 1 wherein said kicker head comprises at least one roller for rolling on a top surface of said pipe launcher.
4. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 3 wherein said kicker head further comprises at least one additional roller for rolling against a section of pipe.
5. The pipe kicker as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a pipe launcher, said pipe kicker operatively attached to said pipe launcher and adapted to eject a section of pipe from said pipe launcher.
6. An apparatus adapted for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher and for presenting a section of pipe to a pipe launcher, comprising:
a) a supporting frame having a top surface and first and second openings located thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a pipe launcher;
b) a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said frame at a pivot connection point where said first arm is capable of rotation about a substantially horizontal first axis passing through said pivot connection point, said first axis substantially perpendicular to said frame, said distal end further comprising an elbow joint;
c) a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm substantially disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said elbow joint of said first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of rotation about a second axis passing through said elbow joint, said second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, said second end of said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher;
d) a guide ramp disposed within said frame, said guide ramp adapted to guide said kicker arm;
e) a guide roller disposed on said kicker arm, said guide roller adapted to roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is capable of moving from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially disposed within said frame, to a second position after applying a rotation force to said first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said the guide roller rolls up said guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up from said frame through said first opening and move towards a pipe launcher to eject a section of pipe;
f) an indexer plate disposed substantially within said frame, said indexer plate having a near end and a far end, said far end comprising a pipe groove for receiving a section of pipe;
g) a first indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said far end of said indexer plate up through said second opening above said top surface; and h) a second indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said near end of said indexer plate up through said second opening above said top surface.
a) a supporting frame having a top surface and first and second openings located thereon, said frame adapted for operatively attaching to a pipe launcher;
b) a first arm having proximal and distal ends, said first arm substantially disposed within said frame, said proximal end rotatably coupled to said frame at a pivot connection point where said first arm is capable of rotation about a substantially horizontal first axis passing through said pivot connection point, said first axis substantially perpendicular to said frame, said distal end further comprising an elbow joint;
c) a kicker arm having first and second ends, said kicker arm substantially disposed within said frame, said first end rotatably coupled to said elbow joint of said first arm whereby said kicker arm is capable of rotation about a second axis passing through said elbow joint, said second axis substantially parallel to said first axis, said second end of said kicker arm further comprising a kicker head adapted for ejecting a section of pipe from a pipe launcher;
d) a guide ramp disposed within said frame, said guide ramp adapted to guide said kicker arm;
e) a guide roller disposed on said kicker arm, said guide roller adapted to roll on said guide ramp whereby said kicker arm is capable of moving from a first position where said kicker arm is substantially disposed within said frame, to a second position after applying a rotation force to said first arm at said pivot connection point whereupon said the guide roller rolls up said guide ramp causing said kicker arm to rise up from said frame through said first opening and move towards a pipe launcher to eject a section of pipe;
f) an indexer plate disposed substantially within said frame, said indexer plate having a near end and a far end, said far end comprising a pipe groove for receiving a section of pipe;
g) a first indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said far end of said indexer plate up through said second opening above said top surface; and h) a second indexer mechanism disposed within said frame adapted to raise said near end of said indexer plate up through said second opening above said top surface.
7. The apparatus as set forth claim 6 wherein said pivot connection point further comprises at least one drive line connector capable of coupling said apparatus with at least one other apparatus kicker with a drive shaft thereby enabling said apparatuses to operate substantially in unison to eject a section of pipe from a pipe launcher.
8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said kicker head comprises at least one roller for on a top surface of a pipe launcher.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said kicker head comprises at least one additional roller for rolling against a section of pipe.
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said indexer plate further comprises a first cam opening disposed in said far end and a second cam opening disposed in said near end, and wherein each indexer mechanism comprises a horizontal shaft passing through said frame via its respective cam opening and an eccentric cam mounted on each shaft, said cams disposed within said cam openings whereby turning said horizontal shaft turns said cams within said cam openings causes said indexer plate to raise or lower.
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein each of said indexer mechanisms further comprises at least one drive line connector capable of coupling said apparatus with at least one other apparatus operatively attached to a pipe launcher with a drive shaft thereby enabling said indexer mechanisms to operate substantially in unison to present a section of pipe to a pipe launcher.
12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 further comprising a pipe launcher, said apparatus operatively attached to said pipe launcher, said apparatus adapted to eject a section of pipe from said pipe launcher, and said apparatus further adapted to present a section of pipe to said pipe launcher.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2535083A CA2535083C (en) | 2006-02-01 | 2006-02-01 | Pipe indexer/kicker |
| US11/619,883 US7625168B2 (en) | 2006-02-01 | 2007-01-04 | Pipe indexer/kicker with ramp engaging arm |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2535083A CA2535083C (en) | 2006-02-01 | 2006-02-01 | Pipe indexer/kicker |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2535083A1 CA2535083A1 (en) | 2007-08-01 |
| CA2535083C true CA2535083C (en) | 2010-12-14 |
Family
ID=38322256
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2535083A Expired - Fee Related CA2535083C (en) | 2006-02-01 | 2006-02-01 | Pipe indexer/kicker |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US7625168B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2535083C (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7832974B2 (en) * | 2005-06-01 | 2010-11-16 | Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. | Pipe-handling apparatus |
| US8033779B2 (en) | 2008-01-31 | 2011-10-11 | Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. | Pipe handling apparatus and methods |
| US8016536B2 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2011-09-13 | Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. | Pipe-handling apparatus and methods |
| CA2768713C (en) * | 2009-07-29 | 2014-09-16 | Markwater Handling Systems Ltd. | Pipe kicker/indexer for pipe handling systems |
| CA2737818C (en) * | 2010-04-27 | 2013-06-25 | Markwater Handling Systems Ltd. | Pivoting pipe handler for tender assisted drilling rigs |
| US8899907B2 (en) * | 2012-06-21 | 2014-12-02 | Superior Energy Services-North America Services, Inc. | Pipe ejector mechanism and method |
| US9624740B2 (en) * | 2014-06-26 | 2017-04-18 | Tammy Sue Molski | Hydraulic pipe handling apparatus |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US526624A (en) * | 1894-09-25 | Log unloader | ||
| GB799941A (en) * | 1956-01-19 | 1958-08-13 | Davy & United Eng Co Ltd | Turn-over gear for use with rolling mills and the like |
| US2922533A (en) * | 1957-12-30 | 1960-01-26 | Labarge Pipe And Steel Company | Lift |
| US4051775A (en) * | 1975-10-23 | 1977-10-04 | Watson Edward F | Apparatus for automatically positioning with respect to a predetermined operation station |
| US4474520A (en) * | 1982-03-02 | 1984-10-02 | Ingram Corporation | Pipe handling machine |
| US4533055A (en) * | 1982-06-02 | 1985-08-06 | Walker-Neer Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Storage rack for drilling tubulars |
| US4684314A (en) * | 1984-09-24 | 1987-08-04 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Pipe handling apparatus |
| US5572898A (en) * | 1995-10-20 | 1996-11-12 | Livernois Die And Automation | Modular die transfer system |
| US6899510B2 (en) * | 2003-04-18 | 2005-05-31 | Pipe Wranglers Canada (2004) Inc. | Pipe handling system for presenting sections of pipe to a derrick work floor having a pipe ejection assembly |
| US7832974B2 (en) * | 2005-06-01 | 2010-11-16 | Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. | Pipe-handling apparatus |
-
2006
- 2006-02-01 CA CA2535083A patent/CA2535083C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-01-04 US US11/619,883 patent/US7625168B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2535083A1 (en) | 2007-08-01 |
| US20070177967A1 (en) | 2007-08-02 |
| US7625168B2 (en) | 2009-12-01 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2535083C (en) | Pipe indexer/kicker | |
| US4426182A (en) | Tubular handling apparatus | |
| US4347028A (en) | Pipe handling apparatus | |
| DE1909113A1 (en) | wheelchair | |
| CA2507788A1 (en) | Apparatus and methods for connecting tubulars | |
| DE2062506C3 (en) | Transport device for plastic films in thermoforming machines or the like | |
| US5299674A (en) | Conveyor system and method employing a mobile belt support structure | |
| CA2431213C (en) | Pipe handling system for presenting sections of pipe to a derrick work floor having a pipe ejection assembly | |
| EP1595828A3 (en) | Transfer device for packages | |
| DE10245304A1 (en) | The vise assembly | |
| CN209244532U (en) | A kind of quadruple board platform comb manipulator | |
| US8327486B2 (en) | Deployable ramp assembly | |
| CA2509786A1 (en) | Support assembly for loading and securing a tender | |
| GB2152113A (en) | Tubular handling apparatus | |
| EP2332864B1 (en) | Device for rotating book blocks, books or similar printed products | |
| DE1531929B2 (en) | SLIDING DEVICE FOR GLASS OBJECTS COMING FROM A GLASS MOLDING MACHINE | |
| US6386816B1 (en) | Printed matter transport device | |
| CA1247590A (en) | Oil well drilling rig assembly and apparatus therefor | |
| DE2735737C2 (en) | Conveyor device for containers in the hold of aircraft | |
| US6019178A (en) | Field marker | |
| CA2196475C (en) | Feed device for a material transportation tube | |
| NL2001758C2 (en) | Auxiliary device for placement between a first object providing a pulling or pushing force and a second object on which the pulling or pushing force is exerted. | |
| JP3413501B2 (en) | Round rice cake cutting preparation device | |
| WO1988003221A1 (en) | Earth boring apparatus | |
| DE2909769C2 (en) | Device for feeding, tensioning and removing rod-like or tube-like material |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20200203 |