Mechanical Advantage Archives

Patient Packaging and Raise/Lower Techniques

Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, CMC Clutch by Harken Industrial, Designing Your Processes, Harken Industrial, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Portable Anchors, Principles of Learning

Patient Packaging and Raise/Lower Techniques: Building Essential Skills for Technical Rescue Technical rescue often involves navigating challenging terrains, high-risk environments, and critical medical conditions. One of the most essential skills for any rescue team is mastering patient packaging and raise/lower techniques. These practices ensure the patient is secure, safe, and stable during extrication, while also […]

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Mastering Mainline Systems

Lance Piatt / Blog, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Online Training Education, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage, Twin Tension Rope System / 208 Comments

Mastering Mainline Systems Mastering Mainline Systems is about having the ability to effectively raise and lower a mainline system is essential in rescue operations, where safety, efficiency, and control are paramount. At the heart of this capability lies a deep understanding of system design, pre-planning, and mechanical principles. Mastery of these elements ensures not only

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Horizontal Systems Gear

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Blog, CMC Rescue, General Rigging, Highline Rigging, Mechanical Advantage, Portable Anchors, Pulley Systems, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage, Rescue Baskets

Taglines Taglines are used in horizontal rope systems to control, stabilize, or maneuver a load laterally across a gap or down a slope. They are often simple tensioned lines attached to a load, providing directional control. Purpose: Taglines ensure the load moves along a predetermined path, reducing the chance of unwanted swinging or collisions with

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CSR2 Pulley System for Confined Space Rescue

Lance Piatt / Arizona Vortex, Blog, CMC Rescue, Mechanical Advantage, Portable Anchors

Confined Space Rescue (CSR): Navigating Tight Quarters with Precision Confined space rescues are among the most challenging scenarios faced by rope rescue professionals. Limited access, restricted movement, and the need for precise rigging all combine to demand an advanced level of skill and specialized equipment. In such environments, the CSR2 Pulley System emerges as a

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A Mechanical Prusik

Lance Piatt / Ascend - Descend, Ascending and Descending Systems, Blog, Designing Your Processes, FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions, Knot Passing, Mechanical Advantage, Prusik Strength and Use

Petzl Tibloc: A Mechanical Prusik Revolutionizing Rope Systems The Petzl Tibloc is a compact, lightweight mechanical rope-grabbing device often regarded as a mechanical Prusik. Its efficiency, ease of use, and versatility make it a valuable tool for rescue professionals, climbers, and technical riggers. This article explores how the Tibloc functions, its applications in mechanical advantage

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Prusik Hitches in Mechanical Advantage

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Knots, Bends & Hitches, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Prusik Strength and Use

Understanding Prusik Hitches in Mechanical Advantage Systems: Friction, Efficiency, and Real-World Use The Prusik hitch is a fundamental tool in technical rope systems, renowned for its simplicity, versatility, and reliability. However, its use in mechanical advantage (MA) systems often sparks debate, particularly around the topic of friction and efficiency. This article delves into the nuances

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Friction in Mechanical Advantage

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions, Knot Passing, Knots, Bends & Hitches, Mechanical Advantage, Prusik Strength and Use

Friction in Mechanical Advantage Systems Friction is an unavoidable yet often underestimated factor in mechanical advantage (MA) systems. While MA systems are designed to amplify force, the presence of friction can significantly diminish their theoretical efficiency. Understanding how friction arises, its impacts, and methods to mitigate it is crucial for ensuring the success and safety

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The CMC Capto’s ability to streamline complex systems while ensuring safety makes it an invaluable tool for modern rope rescue operations. Rescucender vs Capto vs Prusik

Mechanical Ascenders vs. Prusik Knots

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions, Knot Craft, Knots, Bends & Hitches, Mechanical Advantage, Prusik Strength and Use

Mechanical Ascenders vs. Prusik Knots When constructing rope rescue systems, particularly those involving 3:1 mechanical advantage setups, rescuers often choose between mechanical devices like the Petzl Rescucender or CMC Capto and the versatile Prusik Knot. Each has distinct advantages and limitations, and the choice depends on the specific demands of the operation. Let’s explore these

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Pulleys and Progress Capture Devices

Lance Piatt / Blog, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Pulley Systems, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage

Mechanical Advantage Systems in Rescue Operations: The Role of Pulleys and Progress Capture Devices In the world of rescue operations, pulleys and progress capture devices (PCDs) play essential roles in ensuring safety, control, and efficiency. Pulleys redirect and multiply forces, making lifting possible with reduced effort, while PCDs ensure that the load remains stable, preventing

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Complex Mechanical Advantage Systems

Lance Piatt / Blog, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Pulley Systems, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage

Complex Mechanical Advantage Systems Complex MA systems are essential for heavy-load rescue situations, where substantial lifting power is needed. These systems utilize compound configurations, where multiple MA setups work together to multiply force, or intricate arrangements, where pulleys operate at different speeds and directions relative to the load. Types of Complex MA Systems Compound Systems:

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