Pipe kicker/indexer for pipe handling systems

An improved pipe handler comprising a catwalk for use on a pipe deck on a drilling rig, the pipe handler configured for moving pipe disposed on the pipe deck to a drilling rig floor, the improvement comprising at least one kicker/indexer disposed on the catwalk, the at least one kicker/indexer comprising:

• a) a frame configured for attaching to the catwalk, the frame comprising a trough end and a catwalk end, the trough end configured to be disposed near the trough, the frame further comprising a top surface that slopes downwardly away from the trough end to catwalk end, the frame further comprising a backstop disposed on the catwalk end, the backstop configured to keep pipe from sliding off of the frame;
• b) a push block assembly for indexing or moving pipe along the top surface from the backstop to the trough, wherein the push block assembly further comprises a push block disposed on the top surface, the push block configured to move along the top surface from the backstop to the trough end of the frame, the push block assembly further comprising:
• i) a push block drive assembly operatively coupled to the push block,
• ii) a first continuous loop drive mechanism, and
• iii) a first motor configured for driving the first continuous loop drive mechanism;
• c) a kicker assembly for kicking out pipe located in the trough;
• and
• d) a first transmission operatively coupling the first motor to the first continuous loop drive mechanism.

A pipe handler for use on a pipe deck on a drilling rig for moving pipe disposed on the pipe deck to a drilling rig floor, comprising:

• a) a catwalk operatively coupled to a lower frame with a pair of scissor legs wherein the catwalk can be raised and lowered with respect to the lower frame by operating a scissor legs drive assembly operatively coupled to the scissor legs, the catwalk further comprising:
• i) a frame configured for attaching to the catwalk, the frame comprising a trough end and a catwalk end, the trough end configured to be disposed near the trough, the frame further comprising a top surface that slopes downwardly away from the trough end to catwalk end, the frame further comprising a backstop disposed on the catwalk end, the backstop configured to keep pipe from sliding off of the frame,
• ii) a push block assembly for indexing or moving pipe along the top surface from the backstop to the trough, wherein the push block assembly further comprises a push block disposed on the top surface, the push block configured to move along the top surface from the backstop to the trough end of the frame, the push block assembly further comprising a push block drive assembly operatively coupled to the push block, a first continuous loop drive mechanism and a first motor configured for driving the first continuous loop drive mechanism,
• iii) a kicker assembly for kicking out pipe located in the trough, and
• iv) a first transmission operatively coupling the first motor to the first continuous loop drive mechanism;
• b) a trough nested within a trough guide track disposed along a longitudinal axis of the catwalk, the trough comprising two ends, a first end disposed nearer the drilling rig floor and a second end disposed away from the drilling rig floor, the trough configured to move within the trough guide track;
• c) a trough lift drive assembly disposed within the catwalk, the trough lift drive assembly configured to raise the first end of the trough;
• and
• d) a trough drive assembly disposed within the catwalk, the trough drive assembly operatively coupled to the second end and configured to move the trough along the trough guide track.