Patent ID: 8192129

Claim:
A pipe handling apparatus comprising: a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position; a lever pivotally connected to the boom, the lever having a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle 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 gripper assembly affixed to an opposite end of the arm, the gripper assembly for gripping a diameter of a pipe; a link pivotally connected to the second portion of the lever, the link pivotable at an end of the second portion opposite of the first portion so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions; a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm; and, a tensioning assembly having one end affixed to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted, the tensioning assembly for applying tension to the arm when the arm has the pipe received within the gripper assembly.