Patent ID: 8172497
Filing Date: 2012-05-08
Classification: E21B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a frame; a boom pivotally connected to the frame, the boom being movable between a first position and a second position; a lever pivotally connected to the boom, and having a first portion extending outwardly with respect to a second portion; an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the lever and extending outwardly therefrom; a gripping assembly attached to an opposite end of the arm for gripping a surface of a tubular; a link pivotally connected at one end to the second portion of the lever and an opposite end pivotally connected to the frame; a brace having an end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm; a hydraulic actuating assembly having one end affixed to the frame and an opposite end connected to the boom, the hydraulic actuating assembly for moving the boom between the first and second positions; and a pneumatic spring assembly having one end affixed to the frame and an opposite end connected to the boom, the pneumatic spring assembly for urging the boom from the first position to the second position and for resisting movement of the boom from the second position to the first position.