Now with improved bag design!
The AZTEK Elite Kit is a rope access tool box. The system end has two double pulleys designed to minimize the gain between them and still allowing up to 5:1 mechanical advantage. The personal end offers great protection for any technicians that approach an edge where falling is not an option.
Now equipped with Technora escape rope to withstand higher temps and loss of strength over time.
AZTEK Elite Kit System (AES)
The Aztek system was developed in Arizona based Ropes that Rescue Ltd rigging programs around the world. These, configured as "set-of-fours" (double blocks) will enable the rescue practitioner greater versatility in a personal mechanical advantage (PMA) for rescue and general rigging. The swivel Omni pulleys (blocks) are hewn from a solid block of high strength aluminum and are engineered with great pride to withstand over 8,000 lbs (36 kN) of tensile force end to end. Sterling Rope Company has also designed sewn products for these pulleys including the 8 mm restraint cord, rated at 4,270 lbs (19 kN) and both ratchets in two colors, and shock absorber/restraint cords. The set of two blocks are different colors for ease of identification. Turn the set-of-fours one way, and you have a 5:1 mechanical advantage. Turn it around and a 4:1 w/change of direction is the result, making this PMA extremely versatile. Also, the progress capture ratchet prusik can be attached at either end (orange to orange, or blue to blue). The progress capture prusiks are laced onto the restraint cord and then formed into a directional prusik hitch (3 on 2), which prevents the inadvertent loss of the prusik once assembled. One quick pin is sold with each set of blocks. Additional pins may be purchased if needed or if one wished to hold a spare in the opposite block.
The new AZTEK bag, developed by Reed Thorne of Ropes that Rescue and Dale Stewart of AHS Rescue is packed with features to ensure safety and functionality:
Remember, simplicity and efficiency is the name of the game. Always, when possible, use gear that provides multiple uses. The AZTEK's double end exemplifies that theme. Out of one side of the double zippered pouch, the rescuer is provided immediate edge protection and from the other side of the same pouch, the rescuer/rigger can deploy this mini MA (SOFs) in a multitude of rigging applications, including hauling systems, tensioned back-ties, tensioned guying for artificial high directionals, dynamic brake racks, and dynamic directionals (approximately 8 feet when using the full 50' of cord (15M).
Technora
Technora has two distinct advantages over traditional aramid fibers:
High strength, Low elongation
This rope has a nylon core to provide the necessary rope cross section to prevent flattening under loads thus making for a more controlled descent. UL Classified to meet NFPA 1983/ 2012 edition for Escape Ropes.
General Technical Information (not official - results may vary)
The pulley failed at the "becket" where the 8 mm sewn eye attaches and also broke the pin. Ratchet was fused to 8 mm Edge Restraint cord. The MBS on the 6 mm ratchet is 12.9 kN, so we were getting close to the ratchet limit. It was great to see the system go to 40 kN.
AES AZTEK Elite Kit - Assembled Contents Include:
Technora
Elongation
Diameter: 8mm
Grams Per Meter: 50 g/m
Tensile Strength: 5,175 lbf. / 23.0 kN
