Apparatus for handling pipe to effect high speed machining operations

Apparatus for moving a pipe joint from an upstream pipe rack into position to be threaded, or otherwise machined adjacent its end, for supporting the pipe joint while it is rotated at a surface cutting speed of over 350 feet per minute during the machining operation, and for moving the machined pipe joint to a down-stream pipe rack, said apparatus comprising a base, an elongated main frame positioned with its longitudinal axis in vertical alignment with the machine and between an upstream conveyor means mounted on the main frame for moving the pipe axially, to said downstream pipe rack, pipe transfer means mounted on the main frame for transferring a pipe from the upstream pipe rack to the conveyor means when the main frame is moved from a down position to a raised position to locate the conveyor means for the longitudinal axis of a pipe on the conveyor to be properly positioned horizontally for movement by the conveyor means into position to be machined, a plurality of steady rests mounted on the main frame including idler wheels for supporting the pipe for rotation, means for moving the steady rests between a down position to a raised position to support the pipe for rotation during the machining operation, said means for moving the steady rests between said positions comprising air cylinders having curved flexible walls of resilient material to allow lateral movement of each steady rest as required to maintain contact with the rotating pipe, and a pair of hold-down wheels for engaging the pipe above its horizontal centerline adjacent each steady rest to hold the pipe in engagement with the steady rests and means for moving the hold-down wheels out of engagement with the pipe when the steady rests are moved to their down positions.