Patent ID: 8469648

Claim:
A pipe handling apparatus comprising: a skid; a main rotating structural member pivoting about a pivot point relative to the skid, the main rotating structural member pivoting between a first position and a second position; a lever pivotally connected to the main rotating structural member, the lever having a first end extending outwardly from a well side of the main rotating structural member, the lever having a second end extending outwardly from an opposite side of the main rotating structural member; an arm pivotally connected to the first end of the lever; a gripper assembly connected to an end of the arm opposite the lever for gripping a tubular therein; and, a first tensioning member affixed adjacent to an upper end of the main rotating structural member and extending outward away from the main rotating structural member, the first tensioning member applying no tension to the main rotating structural member when the main rotating structural member is in the first position, and the first tensioning member applying a tension to the main rotating structural member when the main rotating structural member is in the second position.