Patent ID: 8215887

Claim:
A pipe-handling apparatus for moving a pipe to and from a drilling floor of a drilling rig, the pipe-handling apparatus comprising: a main support structure, a ramp extendable between the main support structure and the drilling floor, the ramp including an upper end, a pipe carrier mounted on the main support structure for moving relative thereto between a lower position and an elevated position over the ramp, the carrier including a ramp end adjacent the ramp, a far end, a lower portion and an upper surface, a cable drive system for pulling the carrier from the lower position to the elevated position while the lift arm is pulled lengthwise along the track until it is stopped against a pocket in the track, the cable drive system including a cable connected to the lower portion of the pipe carrier a distance from the ramp end such that the carrier is pulled by the cable so the pipe carrier ramp end extends beyond and is supported by the upper end of the ramp when the pipe carrier is in the elevated position, wherein the pocket defines a depression in the track whereby a roller associated with the arm causes the lift arm to pivot up thereby lifting the carrier when the roller abuts an inside portion of the depression.