Patent ID: 8419335

Claim:
A pipe handling apparatus for moving a pipe from a stowed position to a position deployed above a wellhead, the apparatus comprising: a base; a main rotating structural member pivotally mounted to the base and pivotally movable about a first pivot point between a first position and a second position; a lever assembly pivotally connected to the structural member, and having a first portion extending beyond a wellhead side of the main rotating structure, and a second portion extending beyond an opposite non-wellhead side of the main rotating structure; a link connected to the second portion of the lever assembly and extending to a second pivot point at the base such that the first pivot point is located in offset relationship to and above the second pivot point; an arm pivotally connected on one end to the first portion of the lever assembly, the arm being pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position; a gripper assembly affixed to an opposite end of the arm, the gripper assembly configured for gripping a surface of a pipe; a tensioning member connected at one end thereof to the gripper assembly for applying a tension to the gripper assembly; and wherein the gripper assembly passes through the main rotating structural member as the main rotating structural member moves between the first and second positions.