Envisioning the potential to “revolutionize” and elevate the role of lighting technology in the design and operation of major mining equipment – thereby enhancing both safety and productivity – CAI Industries and sister company Gauley-Robertson (CAI/G-R) have entered into an exclusive agreement with Connecticut-based RSL Fiber Systems, LLC, to market the company’s safe, durable fiber optic lighting technology to the mining industry.
The landmark three-year agreement represents a key milestone in RSL’s ongoing commercial business thrust and reinforces CAI/G-R’s commitment to innovation and safety. It includes exclusive U.S. sales and distribution rights of designated RSL lighting products tailored to the mining industry, RSL training of CAI/G-R sales and technical staff, and joint efforts in marketing, trade shows and advertising.
“As a leader in the manufacture and distribution of mining equipment and parts, we take great pride in seeking out new technologies that improve productivity, reduce downtime and increase miner safety,” says CAI/Gauley-Robertson President Chuck Lilly. “We believe RSL’s groundbreaking fiber optic lighting technology has every potential to revolutionize our traditional notions of lighting for scoops, continuous miners, roof bolters and more. With RSL, we plan to introduce lighting in a whole new way to the industry.”
Another major milestone RSL expects to achieve shortly is federal approval by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) of its fiber optic mine equipment outlining system. This innovative equipment lighting approach will enhance safety and equipment visibility during mining operations, and will support the industry’s efforts to reduce man-machine accidents.
The versatile RSL system efficiently produces safe, non-electrical light and is capable of reliable light delivery in the harshest environments. The system can be utilized on scoops, continuous miners and most other major pieces of mining machinery.
RSL has several other mine lighting products in development as well.
“This proven, rugged technology is a key component of the U.S. Navy’s most advanced warships and is a natural fit for high-demand applications such as mining,” says RSL President and Chief Technology Officer Giovanni Tomasi. “We envision a wide variety of ongoing, innovative product and technology development opportunities and applications in the months and years to come capable of significantly enhancing mine safety and operations.”
