Horizontal pipe handling apparatus

Pipe handling apparatus, comprising:

• a pair of upright generally rectangular stand means arranged in spaced-apart relation transversely of a work path along which sections of pipe are to be moved;
• top rail means comprising an elongated top rail extending transversely of the work path and pivotally connected at one end portion with each said stand means for vertical pivoting movement of its other end portion about a horizontal axis,
• said top rail means cooperatively receiving and supporting a section of substantially horizontally disposed pipe when deposited thereon;
• means including a top rail fluid pressure operated cylinder extending between and operatively connected at its respective ends with the respective said stand means and top rail opposite its said pivotal connection for inclining the longitudinal axis of said top rail means with respect to the horizontal to induce a gravity actuated rolling action transversely of the work path on a section of pipe when deposited thereon;
• arm means comprising an elongated arm disposed transversely of the work path and pivotally connected at one end portion with the pivotally connected end portion of the respective said top rail for vertical pivoting movement of its other end portion toward and away from the surface of the earth and for receiving a section of pipe from said top rails when deposited thereon and lowering and releasing the section of pipe adjacent the surface of the earth;
• a lateral normally upwardly directed stop secured to said other end portion of each said arm for normally maintaining a section of pipe on said arms;
• and,
• other fluid pressure operated cylinders interposed between and operatively connected with each said stand means and said arms, respectively.