Envisioning the potential to “revolutionise” 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 to market the company’s safe, durable fiber optic lighting technology to the mining industry. “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,” said CAI/Gauley-Robertson President Chuck Lilly. “We believe RSL’s groundbreaking fibre optic lighting technology has every potential to revolutionise 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.”
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 US 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.
Another major milestone RSL expects to achieve shortly is federal approval by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) of its fibre 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 used 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 US Navy’s most advanced warships and is a natural fit for high-demand applications such as mining,” said 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.”
CAI Industries is a leading manufacturer and rebuilder of mining machines, including continuous miners, scoops, bolters, feeder-breakers, conveying equipment and battery operated vehicles. The company has plants in West Virginia and Illinois. CAI Industries has repaired, designed and developed equipment and machinery for use in all types of mining operations including conventional, continuous and longwall.
Gauley-Robertson is a worldwide distributor of replacement parts, chains, mechanical and electrical components for the high-wear areas of the underground mining industry. The company has facilities in West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Utah, Europe and South Africa.
RSL Fiber Systems is a market leader in advanced remote source fibre optic lighting systems solutions and comprehensive engineering services for military and commercial markets. RSL systems are aboard the world’s most sophisticated warships, including the US Navy’s LPD 17 Class and its newest advanced destroyer, the DDG 1000. Last year, the company secured its first international contract, with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, to supply fibre optic remote source lighting systems for the Italian Navy’s FREMM class frigates.
