Pipe loader apparatus
AssigneeThe Charles Machine Works, Inc.
InventorsJustin T. Schnorf, Jarred R. Callaway, Jignesh kumar Keshavlal Vaghela
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pipe loading apparatus and method for transferring pipe segments between stacked pipe boxes and a shuttle arm. A lift arm is pivotally coupled to a frame and is movable to support and transfer individual pipe segments. A position sensor detects an angular orientation of the lift arm and communicates the orientation to a controller. Based on the detected orientation and a condition of the pipe boxes, the controller selectively controls and restricts movement of the lift arm among multiple positions. The arrangement enables automated transfer of pipe segments while reducing operator involvement and risk of equipment damage.
Claims19
A pipe loading apparatus comprising:
- a frame;
- a shuttle arm movable along the frame and configured to receive a pipe segment;
- a first pipe box supported by the frame having a plurality of pipe segments stored within a plurality of columns;
- a lift arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the frame, and a second end configured to support the pipe segment;
- a position sensor disposed proximate the first end of the lift arm, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect an angular orientation of the lift arm;
- and
- a controller in communication with the position sensor and configured to control movement of the lift arm based in part upon the detected angular orientation of the lift arm;
- wherein the lift arm is selectively movable to transfer a pipe segment between the first pipe box and the shuttle arm.
A method of transferring pipe segments using a pipe loading apparatus, the method comprising:
- sensing an angular orientation of a lift arm using a position sensor disposed proximate a pivot point of a first end of the lift arm;
- communicating the sensed angular orientation to a controller;
- determining whether pipe is present in a first pipe box;
- controlling, with the controller, movement of the lift arm to be adjacent the first pipe box based, at least in part, on whether pipe is present in the first pipe box;
- supporting a pipe segment on a second end of the lift arm;
- and
- lowering the lift arm to transfer the pipe segment from the first pipe box to a shuttle arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.