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Arizona Vortex LAZY LEG and GUYED SIDEWAYS A-FRAMES

Arizona Vortex GIN POLES

Arizona Vortex V-FRAMES

  • V-Frame in Maryland with Hybrid Advancd Rescue Workshop with Mike Green's students in 2018 with Ropes That Rescue. The entire frame is held with several AZTEKs.  

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • "V" Frame used in Sedona, Arizona Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop in 2008. This is virtually an upside down A Frame with quad guying; 2 guys off of each leg (total 4) and a tensioning element in between the two legs on top (AZTEK set of fours).

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Using the blue A frame joiner as the bottom connection. We later improved this with the design of a raptor foot connector (seen later)

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • The V Frame foot consisting of 2 Raptor feet and the blue A Frame (blue) Joiner from the Arizona Vortex. Not optimal in our opinion as it torques the blue head severely, so we went back to the drawing board. See later drawing by Reed Thorne.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • V Frame on Doe Mountain in Sedona, Arizona. This was our first use of the new adaptor between the raptor feet of the AZ Vortex. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • New Raptor Foot Adapter used on V frame at Encinoso in Oak Creek Canyon

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Reed's drawing of Raptor Foot Adaptor which Rock Made in October of 2009. These adaptors are not available from Rock Exotica at this time. 

  • A quad guyed V Frame on Doe Mountain in Dry Creek Canyon, AZ.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Another view of the Raptor Foot Adaptor.

  • RTR Washington instructor Greg Sobole in hammock fashioned from V frame on Doe Mountain. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • RTR Washington instructor Greg Sobole in hammock fashioned from V frame on Doe Mountain.

  • NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A

    RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post). 

  • This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.

    From Reed Thorne: The classic Brittish Pre-Raphaelite style John William Waterhouse painting of The Lady of Shalott from the Tenneyson Poem. The painting is my favorite classical piece found in the Tate Museum in London. I stood in awe of it when I visited the Tate in 1974.

     

Arizona Vortex DOUBLE A-FRAMES

  • During the Prescott Valley 2014 IRW (Industrial Rescue Workshop) at Tim's Toyota, students used two full kits of the Arizona Vortex to make a double A frame. The exercise called for lowering the litter and attendant from the far A frame for a litter scoop, then raising both up, over the top under both frames, and then tunring the evacuation into a skate block to the floor below. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous slide.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous 2 slides.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Double "A" Frame used in Sedona, Arizona Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop in 2007. A second AZ Vortex blue and orange head assembly is needed for this double A frame set up. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See prrevious slide.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See prrevious 2 slides.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Double A Frame on a rock prominence at Encinoso in Oak Creek Canyon. Here, all AZTEK guying.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Australian students in the 2014 Blue Mountains OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) practice multiple frames at the park headquarters near Blackheath, New South Wales. Here, a Double A Frame clinical setup in a benign setting. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.

    See also "SPECIALTY FRAMES" on this page.

     

    See prrevious slide.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

     

  • See previous slide.

    See also "SPECIALTY FRAMES" on this page.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

     

  • Australian students in the 2014 Blue Mountains OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) practice multiple frames at the park headquarters near Blackheath, New South Wales. Here, an A Frame/SA Frame clinical setup in a benign setting. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.

    See also "SPECIALTY FRAMES" on this page.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A

    RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post). 

  • This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.

    From Reed Thorne: The classic Brittish Pre-Raphaelite style John William Waterhouse painting of The Lady of Shalott from the Tenneyson Poem. The painting is my favorite classical piece found in the Tate Museum in London. I stood in awe of it when I visited the Tate in 1974.

     

Arizona Vortex TANDEM A-FRAME/GIN POLE

Arizona Vortex SPECIALTY FRAMES & ACTIVE LUFFING FRAMES

  • The AZ Vortex was used here to build the first, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) frame during the October 2015 ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) at the Granite Dells' Watson Lake Dam. Here the WWB is used as a litter bypass station on a 100 meter highline with two carriages.  RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructor.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • The AZ Vortex was used here to build the first, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) frame during the October 2015 ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) at the Granite Dells' Watson Lake Dam. Here the WWB is used as a litter bypass station on a 100 meter highline with two carriages.  RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructor.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • The AZ Vortex was used here to build the first, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) frame during the October 2015 ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) at the Granite Dells' Watson Lake Dam. Here the WWB is used as a litter bypass station on a 100 meter highline with two carriages.  RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructor.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Rigging the Watson Wishbone on the outside edge of the Watson Lake Dam

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.

  • The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.

    NOTE: Many of these techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different locations. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.

  • A Watson Wishbone Frame set up at Table Rock in Otaru, Japan

  • The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.

  • The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • The AZ Vortex was used here to build the second, so named, "Watson Wishbone" (WWB) here set up in a parking lot near Otaru, north island of Japan (near Sapporo) RTR Instructor, Reed Thorne was instructor.

  • Combination A Frame and SA Frame on Doe Mountain in 2011 during AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop)

    NOTE: Many of these techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different locations. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Combination A Frame and SA Frame 2. Hawaiian Shirt Day in the Granite Dells during AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in 2014

  • Students in the 2014 IRW (Industrial Rescue Workshop) use an unusual combination of a standard easel A frame hooked at the rear to a short gin pole which was used as main anchor for bringing the victim up the stairwell through a second SA frame inide the door at rear. Lots of guying in this evolution at Precott Valley Convention Center.

  • Close up of combo gin pole and guying.

    Students in the 2014 IRW (Industrial Rescue Workshop) use an unusual combination of a standard easel A frame hooked at the rear to a short gin pole which was used as main anchor for bringing the victim up the stairwell through a second SA frame inide the door at rear. Lots of guying in this evolution at Precott Valley Convention Center.

  • View forward toward the edge where the litter and attendant will be lowered over the edge after coming up the stairwell.

    Students in the 2014 IRW (Industrial Rescue Workshop) use an unusual combination of a standard easel A frame hooked at the rear to a short gin pole which was used as main anchor for bringing the victim up the stairwell through a second SA frame inide the door at rear. Lots of guying in this evolution at Precott Valley Event Center.

  • With an all Japanese "contingent" we built a small combo frame: A frame to the rear anchored front to back, and a side guyed SA frame to the sides. Notice the Skyhook® capstan winch on the rear leg ready for raising and lowering the load off the far right of photo. 

  • Australian students in the 2014 Blue Mountains OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) practice multiple frames at the park headquarters near Blackheath, New South Wales. Here, an A Frame/SA Frame clinical setup in a benign setting. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.

  • Watson Frame upright and ready for luffing.

    Japanese students working during custom 2014 advanced RTR program at the Watson Lake Dam. Here, we used three full Arizona Vortex kits (see three gin pole orange heads) to construct the very first "Watson Frame" (named after the dam) which is a luffing A frame/SA frame combination over the edge of the dam. See two students over the edge in/on litter. The third AZ Vortex kit was used at the far left beyond the hand railing to construct an elaborate A frame rigging pod where we mounted the multiple pulley systems used for the luffing and raising and lowering of the rescue package.

  • Watson Frame Luffed out with Japanese students.

    Japanese students working during custom 2014 advanced RTR program at the Watson Lake Dam. Here, we used three full Arizona Vortex kits (see three gin pole orange heads) to construct the very first "Watson Frame" (named after the dam) which is a luffing A frame/SA frame combination over the edge of the dam. See two students over the edge in/on litter. The third AZ Vortex kit was used at the far left beyond the hand railing to construct an elaborate A frame rigging pod where we mounted the multiple pulley systems used for the luffing and raising and lowering of the rescue package.

  • Watson Frame Luffed out with Japanese students.

    Japanese students working during custom 2014 advanced RTR program at the Watson Lake Dam. Here, we used three full Arizona Vortex kits (see three gin pole orange heads) to construct the very first "Watson Frame" (named after the dam) which is a luffing A frame/SA frame combination over the edge of the dam. See two students over the edge in/on litter. The third AZ Vortex kit was used at the far left beyond the hand railing to construct an elaborate A frame rigging pod where we mounted the multiple pulley systems used for the luffing and raising and lowering of the rescue package.

  • Special coupling made by Rock Exotica for using two AZ Vortex gine pole heads together. This allows the Watson Frame to articulate at the joint. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Aussie Frame with tilting cantilevered arm at Overlook in Oak Creek Canyon. RTR Assistant Instructor Keith Thorne on far right.

    Creation of Paul Tracogna of Australia! 

  • During the Artificial High Directional Workshop 2007, his was dubbed a "Delta Frame" which employed the use of two AZ Vortex blue A frame joiners. Not really a true V frame, this Delta Frame is rigid with a pole between the side. The Delta Frame was constructed on the top of famous Devil's Arch in Sedona, AZ. 

  • See previous slide.

    The litter hanging below the Devil's Arch on a Delta Frame.

  • See previous 2 slides. 

  • See next 3 slides.

    This combo frame was constructed during the 2011 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Sedona, Arizona. The A frame on the left is ready to be luffed out (called "active paradoxical luffing") over the edge with the easel A frame to the right as the anchor/high point. 

  • See previous slide.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous 2 slides.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous 3 slides.

    This combo frame was constructed during the 2011 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Sedona, Arizona. The A frame on the left is now luffed out (called "active guying") over the edge with the easel A frame to the right as the anchor/high point.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • All Japanese custom rigging class in Oak Creek Canyon in 2012. Here the Japanese erected a paradoxical luffing A frame from the rear SA frame to left of RTR Assistant Instructor Keith Thorne in middle. The Skyhook® capstan winch is attached to the rear leg of the SA frame and operated with a cordless drill. 

    Photo taken from opposite side of gap.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous slide.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous 2 slides.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Australian students at the ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) in 2013 at Mount Arapiles, Victoria came up with the "Arapiles T Bar" for anchoring a quad trackline highline tensioning system using three Arizona Vortex kits and a Skyhook capstan winch. Here, students on four AZTEKs used to pretension the T Bar against opposition anchors.

    Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Australian students at the ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) in 2013 at Mount Arapiles, Victoria came up with the "Arapiles T Bar" for anchoring a quad trackline highline tensioning system using three Arizona Vortex kits and a Skyhook capstan winch. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.

  • Australian students at the ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) in 2013 at Mount Arapiles, Victoria came up with the "Arapiles T Bar" for anchoring a quad trackline highline tensioning system using three Arizona Vortex kits and a Skyhook capstan winch. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.

  • Australian students at the ASRW (Advanced Skills Rescue Workshop) in 2013 at Mount Arapiles, Victoria came up with the "Arapiles T Bar" for anchoring a quad trackline highline tensioning system using three Arizona Vortex kits and a Skyhook capstan winch. Len Batley, Australian Senior RTR Instructor, and Reed Thorne were instructors.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A

    RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post). 

  • This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.

    From Reed Thorne: The classic Brittish Pre-Raphaelite style John William Waterhouse painting of The Lady of Shalott from the Tenneyson Poem. The painting is my favorite classical piece found in the Tate Museum in London. I stood in awe of it when I visited the Tate in 1974.

     

Arizona Vortex DOORTEX FRAMES

  • A simple "Appalachian Doortex" setup at Sedona Fire Station 1. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High DirectionalWorkshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Arizona "Doortex" with "Sedona Penetrator" at the Michigan OCC Emergency Training Center near Lansing, Michigan

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Arizona Vortex Doortex with Sedona Penetrator at elevator shaft in Michigan fire training tower near Lansing. Here, the blue A frame joiner and the orange gin pole head of the AZ Vortex is facing backwards. In the next photo, it is facing the opposite way yielding more support for the Sedona Penetrator arm.

    RTR Assistant Instructor Keith Thorne with Arizona "Doortex" with Sedona penetrator during Michigan AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in 2013.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Arizona "Doortex" with Sedona penetrator with Spanish windlass at the head using brake rack Here, the blue A frame joiner and the orange gin pole head of the AZ Vortex is facing forward. In the preceeding photo, it is facing the opposite way yielding less support for the Sedona Penetrator arm.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Jerome Fire (AZ) hosts the AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) and the abandoned Jerome Hotel is available as a venue for the use by students in building different frames with the Arizona Vortex. Here the hotel dumb witer shaft is used for the AZ Vortex "Doortex" with the Skyhook® capstan winch and Sedona Penetrator arm inside the shaft. This Jerome venue is ideal because there is no worry to scatching the paint or damaging anything in training.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous slide.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous 2 slides.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous 3 slides.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • The Los Alamos (New Mexico) Fire Department hosted a custom TSRW (Team Skills Rescue Workshop) RTR program in 2013. Keith and Reed Thorne were the instructors for this training. The Arizona Vortex was used extensively throughout the class and on one particular day, we visited the brand new Los Alamos Civic Center which had just been opened after construction. We had to be very careful with the many elevator shaft openings which were brand new. 

    The capstan winch is the "Classic" from Skyhook® used with the Makita power head.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous slide.

  • See previous 2 slides.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High DirectionalWorkshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • See previous 3 slides.

  • See previous 4 slides.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High DirectionalWorkshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A

    RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post). 

  • This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.

    From Reed Thorne: The classic Brittish Pre-Raphaelite style John William Waterhouse painting of The Lady of Shalott from the Tenneyson Poem. The painting is my favorite classical piece found in the Tate Museum in London. I stood in awe of it when I visited the Tate in 1974.

     

Arizona Vortex AZORP RIGGING PODS & JAMB POLES

  • The AZORP which stands for "Arizona Omni Rigging Pod" was a creation of Reed Thorne.

  • An early focused floating anchor (with a single leg compression member) made from the old Wren Industries Version 1 Arizona Vortex gin pole "red head". Photo taken during  TSRW (Team Skills Rescue Workshop) for the St. Louis County SAR team training near Duluth, MN in 2011.

  • This is the 2012 conceptual white board drawing by Reed Thorne in discussions with Rock Thompson of Rock Exotica concerning the AZORP. Originally called the "AZPOD" by Thorne, but later changed with input from Rock. Most of the creations start on the white board as a sketch like this. Rock loved the idea of making two parts to the AZORP each with no welds required. By making in two halves, each can be used separately unlike the old Wren "red head". 

  • These are the 2012 drawing by Reed Thorne in discussions with Rock Thompson of Rock Exotica concerning the AZORP. Originally called the "AZPOD" by Thorne, but later changed with input from Rock. Rock loved the idea of making two parts to the AZORP each with no welds required. By making in two halves, each can be used separately unlike the old Wren "red head".

  • These are the 2012 drawing by Reed Thorne in discussions with Rock Thompson of Rock Exotica concerning the AZORP. Originally called the "AZPOD" by Thorne, but later changed with input from Rock. Rock loved the idea of making two parts to the AZORP each with no welds required. By making in two halves, each can be used separately unlike the old Wren "red head".

  • This is the very first AZORP prototype assembled with the Arizona Vortex gin pole head installed between the flanges. The oblong holes which allowed the AZORP to shift left or right during loading were decided against in the final version. 

  • Second AZORP prototype by Rock Exotica used in RTR program by students. The first version had oblong holes which would accept up to three carabiners. This had advantages but several disadvantages as well. The second version (seen here) had only round holes which would accept one carabiner.  This was finally settled for the final AZORP design by Rock/Reed. 

    Note the use of two Rock Exotica "BOLTS" as the bridging structure between the two AZORP flanges. The capstan winch is also seen on the single inner leg of this rigging pod. 

  • This photo of a clean focused floating anchor using the second prototype AZORP with single AZ Vortex leg from the 2013 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Lansing, Michigan with RTR Lead Instructor Dave Van Holstyn, and Reed and Keith Thorne

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Another photo of a clean focused floating anchor using the second prototype AZORP with single AZ Vortex leg from the 2013 AHDW (Artificial High Directional Workshop) in Lansing, Michigan. Both flanges of the AZORP were used for this A frame luffing exercise.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • The Inner AZORP head being used as a focused floating anchor in the 2014 OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) in Jerome, Arizona. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Focused floating anchor with SA Frame in Prescott's Granite Dells for 2014 AHRW (Artificial High Directional Workshop)

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Focused floating anchor with SA Frame in Prescott's Granite Dells for 2014 AHRW (Artificial High Directional Workshop)

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Jerome Hotel Jamb Pole during the 2014 AHRW (Artificial High Directional Workshop). Students are securing the pole with backties and front ties to keep it in position for the 'Doortex' operation to left.

  • The Los Alamos NM Fire Dept during a contract Ropes That Rescue program using an AZORP inner flange on an Arizona Vortex leg secured on the base plate of one wall (left) and held to a door frame by the black piece of webbing jambed in the door and locked (right). Very strong anchor. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Top view of a rigging pod with Skyhook® capstan winch for raising during this Blue Mountains, Australia OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) in 2014. The system is a two-tensioned rope system which requires at least three backties to left.  Note use of AZ Vortex gin pole head to secure both AZORP flanges. 

  • Side view of a gin pole during this Blue Mountains, Australia OHRW (Offset Highline Rescue Workshop) in 2014. The pole is perched on the tip of "Hanging Rock" where a two rope offset was being performed. The top flange of the AZORP was used for guying and the bottom flange was for the high directional anchorage.  Note use of AZ Vortex gin pole head to secure both AZORP flanges.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Los Alamos Fire Department (New Mexico) Technica Rescue Team practice a guyed only SA Frame and AZORP rigging pod at rear during Ropes That Rescue TSRW (Team Skills Rescue Workshop) in 2013. Reed and Keith Thorne teaching. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • A jamb pole constructed from the AZORP prototype and AZ Vortex legs across a 100' gap at the Mohonk Preserve in New York duing MRW (Mountain Rescue Workshop) in 2013. Climbing ranger, Andrew Bajardi is the attendant on this project.  This "Gunks" program is ongoing each year at this venue.

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Japanese Students use a small rigging pod with AZORP and mount the Skyhook Winch on the pole below for operation on Doe Mountain in 2012. 

    NOTE: Most of these AZ Vortex techniques are covered in the Instructor-level, 7 day long Artificial High Directional Workshop (AHDW) which RTR offers at different times of the year and in different US locations and foreign countries. See the latest Open Enrollment Schedule for the AHDW program which suits you.

  • Ropes That Rescue "Adopt-A-Highway" on Hwy 89A

    RTR has been 'sponsoring' (Adopt-A-Highway) a two mile section of Arizona scenic highway 89-A in Oak Creek Canyon since 1993. This beautiful scenic section is just above Midgley Bridge and includes a spectacular vista of the red rock Mitten Ridge and famous Teapot Rock (just behind the right sign post). 

  • This John William Waterhouse painting illustrates Alfred Tennyson's poem The Lady of Shalott. Draped over the boat is the fabric the lady wove in a tower near Camelot. But she brought a curse on herself by looking directly at Sir Lancelot. With her right hand she lets go of the chain mooring the boat. Her mouth is slightly open, as she sings 'her last song'. She stares at a crucifix lying in front of her. Beside it are three candles, often used to symbolize life. Two have blown out. This suggests her life will end soon, as she floats down the river.

    From Reed Thorne: The classic Brittish Pre-Raphaelite style John William Waterhouse painting of The Lady of Shalott from the Tenneyson Poem. The painting is my favorite classical piece found in the Tate Museum in London. I stood in awe of it when I visited the Tate in 1974.

     

Arizona Vortex CAPSTAN WINCH STANDS