Abstract:
A fiberoptic lighting system includes a remotely located light source with one or more fiberoptic cables extending therefrom. The cables may be linked with various coupler and splitter devices to link additional cables to the light source, and to provide a series of light emitting fixtures at the distal ends of the cable runs. The present system is particularly well suited for use in emergency situations, where a fuel, chemical, explosive, or other hazardous spill has occurred, as in a gasoline truck accident. The remotely located light source is placed well clear of the hazardous spill area, where it is immune to explosive, fire, and/or other hazards which might exist closer to the hazard area. The light source of the present system thus need not require fireproof and explosive proof certification and periodic recertification, thus saving considerable costs for the users of the device. The light fixtures of the present system basically comprise two different types, with a first type having a translucent gel center for transmitting light. The gel center may comprise a chemiluminescent reactive material, to provide further light. The second type includes a fiberoptic bundle therein, with individual strands being captured by one or more retainer plates or fittings therein to direct the light output of the strands in a predetermined pattern as desired. The present light source, cables, and light output fixtures may be linked as desired by a series of compatible connectors and splitters, to provide lighting units over a wide area as desired.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to portable, modular lighting systems, and more specifically to a lighting system using fiberoptic transmission lines from a remotely located light source. The present lighting system is very versatile, but is particularly well adapted for use in emergency situations where an explosive, combustion, electrical, or other hazard may exist if an electrical lighting system is used. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Numerous portable lighting systems for use in emergency or other situations, have been developed in the past. Most all such systems rely upon electrical power and transmission to a plurality of electric lights, be they incandescent, fluorescent, arc lamps, or other type of electric light. Such lighting systems work well, where there is no hazard of fire, explosion, electrical shock, and/or other hazard due to their deployment. However, emergency situations involving fuel and other chemical spills, etc., occur with increasing frequency in the modern world, and such electric lighting systems are not always compatible with the hazards involved with such spills. 
     This is particularly true of highway traffic, where large trucks play an ever increasing role in the carriage of a wide variety of goods and materials. Gasoline trucks, trucks carrying explosives and fireworks, and other trucks carrying potentially hazardous cargo, have the potential to create a widespread disaster in the event of an accident. Accordingly, practically every area of the country has emergency personnel who are trained to cope with such an occurrence, and to take steps to minimize the environmental and other damage which may occur due to an accident involving such cargo. 
     Perhaps the worst possible scenario for such an accident would be at night, where lighting is poor at best in comparison to daylight conditions. Again, most emergency response units are well equipped to handle such situations, and have various types of emergency lighting available. However, such emergency lighting is invariably of the electric type, and while such electric emergency lighting is generally required to meet very stringent safety checks, there is still some chance that the breakage of such an electric light may provide an ignition source for any explosive or fuel spill in the area, resulting in a major disaster. Emergency crews are well aware of this possibility, and there are regulations requiring frequent checks and inspections for “explosive proof” lighting systems which may be used in such hazardous environments. Nonetheless, any lighting system utilizing electrical energy at each light outlet, still carries with it the potential for disaster when combined with a major fuel spill or similar hazard. 
     Accordingly, a need will be seen for a lighting system which completely eliminates all electrical and heat energy at each of the light outlets of the system, with the only energy output being light Additional safety may be provided by means of ultraviolet light filtration at the light source(s), thereby assuring that no chemical reaction may be triggered by such ultraviolet light where ultraviolet light sensitive chemicals are present. While the present fiberoptic light system is particularly well suited for use in chemical, fuel, and explosive spills and other similar hazardous environments, it will be seen that it may also be used in virtually any environment where portable, supplemental lighting is desired. 
     A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,931 issued on Sep. 23, 1986 to Elmar K. Messinger, titled “Portable Fiberoptic Light Source For Use In Hazardous Locations” describes a light source having an explosion proof connector, flame paths and cooling fins, and various shielding means therewith. The Messinger light source would appear to meet the safety standards for such devices which place the electrical and heat energy of the light source within the hazardous area. In contrast, the present lighting system keeps the light source well away from the hazardous area, transmitting only light to the hazardous area by one or more fiberoptic cables. Also, Messinger does not disclose multiple fiberoptic cable outputs nor any light fixture specifics, as provided by the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,816 issued on Jun. 12, 1990 to William F. Hug et al., titled “Inspection/Detection System With A Light Module For Use In Forensic Applications,” describes a relatively small, portable unit having only a single fiberoptic cable output. The device is relatively low powered, being intended only for forensic use where a relatively small but specialized light output is desired. Hug et al. provide a series of optical filters at the light box, but the device is primarily directed to ultraviolet output in order to cause various substances (fingerprint powder, etc.) to become fluorescent or luminescent when illuminated by the Hug et al. light. Moreover; Hug et al. provide laser illumination, which is not at all suitable for providing continuous lighting over a widespread area for an extended period of time, as provided by the present light system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,810 issued on Dec. 4, 1990 to Frans G. Vanderbel, titled “Light Source,” describes a relatively small, portable fiberoptic device having only a single light output line. This is due to the Vanderbel device being intended for use in the medical field, where the single light device is used by a medical practitioner for localized illumination of a single area under examination. This teaches away from the present invention, with its multiple light output fixtures for illuminating a relatively large area. Moreover, the Vanderbel device (as well as the Hug et al. device described above) emits its light axially, rather than radially from the light output fixture as provided by the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,367 issued on May 5, 1992 to David L. Churchill, titled “Fiber Optic Lighting Device,” describes a light source having a plurality of fiberoptic light outlets therein. Churchill also discloses provision for ultraviolet and infrared filtration of light emitted from his light source, by coating the polished output lens ends of the device. The present fiberoptic lighting system may also provide infrared and ultraviolet filtration, if so desired; these features are well known and conventional. However, Churchill fails to disclose any details of the light fixtures disposed at the distal ends of the fiberoptic cables used with his device, whereas such light fixtures in their various embodiments are a part of the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,531 issued on Sep. 6, 1994 to John S. Keplinger et al., titled “Optical Fiber Lighting Apparatus And Method” describes a decorative fiberoptic lighting system wherein a fiberoptic cable formed of a plurality of strands, is masked selectively to provide light output at various spaced apart locations along the cable. The light source emits varying colors of light, which when passed along the fiberoptic cable to be viewed through the masked exterior of the cable, appear to be a series of slowly moving light “packets” traveling along the cable. The Keplinger et al. device is directed to a relatively low light output device for decorative purposes and cannot provide high intensity lighting for illuminating a large area. Moreover, Keplinger et al. do not disclose any form of light fixture at the distal end of their cable, as provided by the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,948 issued on Feb. 11, 1997 to Joseph E. Currie, titled “Fiber Optic Illumination Device,” describes a device intended for personal emergency lighting use. Currie provides a light source (either self contained, or by means of an existing automotive light or the like) with a fiberoptic cable which may be extended to illuminate an area for roadside automotive repairs or the like. The Currie device requires only a single fiberoptic cable, as it is intended to illuminate only a small area; the complexities of multiple cable outlets, splitters, etc. are not required by Currie, whereas they are needed with the present invention. Also, while Currie provides for radial illumination from the sides of the cable, he does not provide any form of radial illumination from the light fixture itself disposed at the distal end of the cable, as provided by the present device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,752 issued on Mar. 25, 1997 to Nicolas Vezard, titled “Tunable High Intensity Forensic Light,” describes a small, hand held device having radial light output from the distal fixture end thereof, with a generally circular filter disc attached thereto. The user may rotate the filter disc to provide infrared, ultraviolet, or colored filtration of the light emanating from the end of the device, as desired. As in the case of the Hug et al. &#39;816 U.S. Patent discussed further above, the Vezard device is intended for use in the forensics field, and thus is not directed to multiple light output fixtures, radially emanating light from those fixtures, or provision for relatively clear lighting, as provided by the present lighting system invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,153 issued on Jun. 17, 1997 to Stephen C. Bibbiani et al., titled “Light Head Assembly With Remote Light Source,” describes various embodiments of light emitting devices having light supplied by fiberoptic means. Bibbiani et al. do not provide any form of modular system for their lighting, as provided by the present invention with its modular light transmission cables and various fixtures which may be assembled therewith as desired. Moreover, Bibbiani et al. do not disclose the generally cylindrical light fixture configuration of the present system, which may provide for either radial or axial light emission from the fixture. Bibbiani et al., as well as all other prior art of which the present inventor is aware, does not provide a structure which is free of metals to provide a spark free and electrically insulating device for safe use in fuel and explosive spill areas, as provided by the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,510 issued on Jul. 2.1, 1998 to James M. Davis, titled “Intensity Adjustable Fiberoptic Cable Apparatus,” describes a system having intensity adjustment means located at the output end of the device, in addition to such means at the light source. Davis uses a conventional, well known iris shutter as the light control mechanism for his device, which mechanism may also be employed with the present fiberoptic lighting system. However, Davis does not disclose any means of providing multiple light fixtures from a single light source, radially emanating light from light fixtures, or structure providing for safe operation in an explosively hazardous environment, as provided by the present device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,969 issued on Nov. 9, 1999 to Hideo Sugiyama et al., titled “Optical Transmission Tube, Making Method, And Linear Illuminant System,” describes a method for manufacturing solid core fiberoptic light cables with one side being reflective, to reflect light passing through the cable radially outwardly from one side of the cable. Sugiyama et al. do not disclose any separate light fixtures, modular elements, or explosive and fire safe construction or materials for their fiberoptic cables, as provided by the present fiberoptic light system invention. 
     Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,426 issued on May 2, 2000 to David R. Jenkins, titled “Monolithic Beam Shaping Light Output Light Device,” describes a fiberoptic system incorporating a single light source and splitting the fiberoptic cables into at least two light output devices. Jenkins is particularly concerned with providing a well defined beam direction from each of his light output devices, and does so by shaping the light transmitting rod immediately upstream of the conical light emitting lens, and further providing Fresnel lenses for his light output devices. Jenkins thus teaches away from the present invention, with its radial light emission from the light output fixtures. Moreover, Jenkins does not disclose any structure providing for an explosive or fire safe operation of his lighting system, as provided by the present invention. 
     None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a portable fiberoptic lighting system for temporary use in various environments where supplemental lighting is required. The present lighting system is particularly well adapted for use in emergency situations, where a fuel, explosive, and/or other hazardous material spill has occurred. The present system is modular, with a single light source providing illumination to one or more light output devices or fixtures which are in turn distributed at the scene as required. The light source is placed well away from any hazardous (flammable and/or explosive) materials, and thus may be made and operated less expensively than explosive safe light sources which require periodic recertification. 
     Additional connectors and splitters may be provided with the present lighting system, to provide one or more light output fixtures which may be positioned as required. Ultraviolet and/or infrared filtration may be provided at the light output source, thus precluding any hazard due to ultraviolet reactive chemicals or heat hazard. The fiberoptic cables, connectors, splitters, and light output fixtures are each formed of nonmetallic, electrically insulative materials and thus may be used without hazard in the immediate vicinity of explosive and/or flammable chemicals. The light output devices may comprise predetermined distributions of fiberoptic strands therein to produce a light emission pattern as desired, or may alternatively include a light emitting fluid (liquid, gel, etc.) therein, which may be photochemically reactive. 
     Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved fiberoptic lighting system having a remotely located light source, which system is particularly adapted for use in emergency situations and environments where fuel, explosive, and/or other hazardous chemical spills have occurred. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an improved light system which light source may include ultraviolet, infrared, and/or other light filtration means selectively deployed therewith. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved light system including cable coupler and splitter means, providing for multiple fixtures receiving light from a single source. 
     An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved lighting system which light fixtures comprise different embodiments providing radial and/or axial light output as desired. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved lighting system which different light fixture embodiments may include a plurality of fiberoptic strands in a predetermined arrangement for directing light output directionally as desired, or which may include a fluid or gel filled light emitting core, which fluid or gel may be photochemically reactive for additional output. 
     It is, an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
    
    
     These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification and drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of the present invention, showing the present fiberoptic lighting system deployed in a hazardous environment. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a light output fixture of the present system having a fluid filled light emitting core, showing the various components thereof. 
     FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a light output fixture of the present system having a fiberoptic strand core secured by a double retaining plate configuration, showing the various components thereof. 
     FIGS. 3B through 3E are cross sectional views of exemplary fiberoptic strand retaining devices for installation in the lighting fixture of FIG.  3 A. 
     FIG. 4 is a broken away perspective view of an alternative light fixture embodiment showing a radially emanating lens therefor, with brightness and beam width control means provided therewith. 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a light source with alternative single and multiple fiberoptic cable connectors for use with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing details of various embodiments of connector and splitter elements of the present invention. 
    
    
     Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention comprises a fiberoptic lighting system, generally indicated by the reference numeral  10  in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The present lighting system  10  is modular in its configuration, with various components which may be interchangeably assembled as needed to meet a given situation or deployment. The present system  10  is primarily directed to temporary use for lighting in emergency situations and environments, but it will be seen that the system  10  may be used in other, non-emergency situations and environments as well, if so desired. 
     A primary advantage of the present system  10  is indicated in FIG. 1 of the drawings, wherein the electrically powered light source  12  is remotely deployed from any fire, explosive, chemical, or other hazard at an emergency site. In the exemplary deployment illustrated in FIG. 1, the conventional light source  12  remains with the emergency vehicle EV, well removed from the fuel spill FS flowing from the overturned fuel truck FT. Thus, any fire or explosive hazard which might exist due to the heat and electrical circuitry of the light source  12 , is well removed from the hazardous material and is no more a danger than the operation of the emergency vehicle EV and its engine and electrical components. The present invention will be seen to provide the same advantages in the event of an emergency involving explosives, gases, hazardous chemicals, and other hazardous material spills as well. 
     The present system  10  essentially comprises a series of different light transmitting components or elements, which may be linked together in a modular array as exemplified in FIG.  1 . The electrically powered light source  12  provides a source of high intensity light for the remainder of the system  10  by means of at least one light output port  14 , as shown in detail in FIG. 5 of the drawings. It will be seen that provision for multiple light output ports may be made, as is known in the art. The light source  12  generally comprises a box or enclosure  16 , an on/off switch and/or other control means  18 , circuit protection  20 , and cooling means (e. g., electric fan)  22 . A power cord  24  extends from the box  16  to a suitable conventional electric power source (not shown), such as an AC generator provided on the emergency vehicle EV, or other suitable power source. The above described lighting source  12  is conventional, and thus no further detail need be described or disclosed herein. 
     A great advantage of the present system  10  is that the remote deployment of the light source  12  relative to any fire, chemical, and/or other hazards, enables the light source  12  to be constructed conventionally, without great concern for explosive and fireproof construction. This greatly reduces the cost of the device, in comparison to more complex devices for deployment within hazardous spill areas. The cost of operation of the present system is greatly reduced as well, as the present light source  12  need not receive periodic (and costly) recertification inspections and checks, as required for explosive and fireproof light sources. 
     At least one (or a plurality of) fiberoptic cables  50   a  and  50   b  are connected to the light source  12 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 the drawings. The cables  50   a  and  50   b  differ from one another in that the first cable type  50   a  is covered, coated, or otherwise sealed to preclude radial light emission from the walls of the cables  50   a . Cables  50   b  may have transparent or translucent walls to pass light radially therethrough, with the light passage being enhanced by providing additional light dispersion means (e. g., refractive surfaces, etc.) to the cable  50   b  walls, if so desired. Radially transmitting cables  50   b  can be most useful in delineating a hazard area, e. g., as shown in FIG. 1 extending across the roadway R to as a warning of the hazardous condition. Non-emergency uses for such radially emitting cables  50   b  might also be envisioned, e. g., as lighting for garden paths, aisle lighting in theaters, and other areas where electric power may not be desired. 
     Each cable  50   a ,  50   b  has a first or light source connection end, respectively  52   a  and  52   b , and an opposite distal light output end, respectively  54   a  and  54   b . Cables  50   a ,  50   b  may be symmetrical with the two ends  52   a ,  54   a  of cables  50   a  and ends  52   b ,  54   b  of cables  50   b  having identical configurations. This permits either of the ends of the cables to be temporarily and removably connected either to a light input device or to a light output device, with no need for considering different fittings and incompatible connectors between different cables and the opposite ends of the cables. This is an important consideration in an emergency situation, where ease of use for rapid deployment may be critical. 
     One such connection means may be achieved by various conically shaped mating connector ends provided at each of the cable ends and at other points in the system. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate such mating conical connector ends, with the multiple strand cables  50   a  of FIG.  5  and solid core cables  50   c  of FIG. 6 (which may have light transmissive walls, as in the cables  50   b , if desired) each having a conical connector end at each end  52   a ,  54   a  (or  52   c ,  54   c ) thereof. 
     These connector ends are generally similar, but differ depending upon whether they provide for single or multiple (“splitter”) connector attachment. Each connector end  56   a  through  56   c  (depending upon the number of cables extending therefrom) comprises an external or convex conical wall, respectively  58   a  through  58   c , having a central light passage, respectively  60   a  through  60   c , extending axially and concentrically through the connector end. Single connector end  54   a  has a single fiberoptic cable  50   a ,  50   b , or  50   c  attached thereto and extending therefrom, with splitter connector end  54   b  having two such cables and splitter connector end  54   c  having three such cables. It will be seen that any practicable number of fiberoptic cables  50   a  through  50   c  may have a corresponding connector end  54   a  through  54   c  attached thereto, to provide single or multiple cable extensions as desired. 
     FIG. 6 also discloses a mating internal or female conical shape connector component  62 . The connector component  62  is longitudinally and radially symmetrical, having two opposed female or internal conical walls  64  therein. These two conical shapes  64  are concentric with one another and have essentially the same cone or taper angle as the connector ends  56   a  through  56   c , and define a light passage therethrough. Any of the conical portions  58   a  through  58   c  of the cable connector ends  56   a  through  56   c  may be plugged into either of the corresponding internal conical sections  64  of the connector component  62 , to temporarily and removably connect any of the cable lengths  50   a  through  50   c  together as desired, as shown generally in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The light output port  14  of the light source  12  of FIG. 5 has a similar internal conical wall  66 , enabling any of the male conical shapes  58   a  through  58   c  of their respective connector ends to be removably and temporarily connected to the light source  12  as desired. 
     The connector plugs  56   a  through  56   c  and their corresponding receptacles  62  (and  14 , shown in FIG. 5) are preferably formed of a relatively hard and durable, yet slightly resilient, plastic material, to provide the desired grip between components as they are assembled together. Preferably, all cables  50   a  through  50   c , connector components  56   a  through  56   c , fittings  62 , and light output fixtures (discussed below) are completely devoid of any metallic or electrically conductive materials, to provide a non-metallic, electrically non-conductive and spark free system which is safe for use in fuel, explosive, chemical, and other hazardous spill conditions. 
     One or more (preferably a series of, as shown in FIG. 1) light output fixtures  100  is provided with the present fiberoptic lighting system  10 , for illuminating the area of concern. These fixtures  100  may be of either of two different types or embodiments, with a first embodiment fixture  100   a  being illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings. 
     The light output fixture  100   a  includes a sealed, translucent (which includes transparency) light transmission cartridge or insert  102 , having a first end  104  and opposite second end  106 . The cartridge  102  is filled with a translucent or transparent liquid or gel, which disseminates the light from the attached fiberoptic cable. The liquid or gel may be a chemiluminescent substance, if desired, which fluoresces or otherwise produces additional light when energized by the light passing therethrough from the attached fiberoptic cable. Other liquids (e. g., tinted water, oil, etc.) as desired may be used to provide the desired light diffusion within the cartridge  102 . 
     A translucent (or transparent) outer cover  108  having a first end  110  and opposite second end  112 , corresponding to the first and second ends  104 ,  106  of the cartridge  102 , surrounds the cartridge  102 . A first end cap  114  is secured to the first ends  104  and  110  respectively of the cartridge  102  and cover  110 , with a second end cap  116  being secured to the opposite second ends  106  and  112  of the cartridge  102  and cover  110  to capture the cartridge  102  and cover  110  between the two end caps  114 ,  116 . 
     At least one of the two end caps  114 ,  116 , e. g., the first end cap  114 , has a fiberoptic cable connector port and light passage  118  passing concentrically therethrough, providing for the removable attachment of one of the fiberoptic cable embodiments of the present invention thereto. A connector means extends from the first end cap  114 , for removably securing a fiberoptic cable, e.g., cable  50   c , to the light output fixture  100   a . The connector means may comprise a conventional threaded axial clamp, with the tightening of a nut  120  about a correspondingly threaded outer sleeve  122 , tightening a concentric inner sleeve (not shown) about the end of the fiberoptic cable to secure the cable to the light output fixture. Other temporary and removable cable to light fixture attachment means may be provided as desired. 
     The opposite second end cap  116  may be configured as shown, with a closed end (with an internal central depression, not shown, for seating the second end  106  of the cartridge  102 ). However, it will be seen that two identical first end caps  114  may be assembled to both ends  104 ,  106  and  110 ,  112  respectively of the cartridge  102  and cover  108 , thus allowing connection of a fiberoptic cable to both ends of the device  100   a , i. e., for the installation of the light output fixture  100   a  in series with a pair of fiberoptic cables, as shown for at least one fixture in FIG.  1 . This allows light to be emitted radially from the cartridge  102  and through the translucent outer cover  108 , and also to continue to pass through the second cable extending from the end connector extending from the cartridge second end  106  and cover second end  112 . 
     The light output fixture  100  of FIG. 2 is formed of a series of interchangeable components, as noted generally above. Disassembly is provided by means of radially extending pins  124  which extend through the sides of the outer cover  108  to engage mating, closely fitting radially disposed holes  126  in the end covers  114 ,  116 . The pins  124  are formed of a non-metallic, electrically non-conductive material (plastic, etc.) in order to provide the desired safety features of the present invention. The pins  124  include outer and inner flanges, respectively  128  and  130 , which serve to capture the pins  124  within their respective passages through the walls of the outer cover  108  to preclude loss of the pins  124 . The outer flanges  128  also provide gripping means for withdrawing the pins  124  from the mating holes  126  in the end caps  114  and/or  116 . 
     Thus, the light emitting cartridge  102  contained within the light output fixture  100  may be easily exchanged merely by removing the first and second dust caps or seals  132 ,  134  from the respective first and second end caps  114 ,  116 , withdrawing the pins  124  from the corresponding holes  126  of one of the end caps  114  or  116 , removing the end cap, and exchanging the light emitting cartridge  102  as desired. Thus, different colored lighting (e. g., red, for warning and preservation of night vision, white for brighter illumination, a chemiluminescent cartridge, etc.) may be interchangeably provided in the light fixture  100 , as desired. 
     FIG. 3A illustrates an alternative light output fixture  100   b , using a different principle of light emission from that of the liquid or gel filled cartridge  102  of the light fixture  100   a  of FIG.  2 . The light fixture  100   b  of FIG. 3A also includes an outer shield or cover, designated as cover  152 , with opposite first and second ends  154  and  156 . However, rather than installing a liquid or gel filled cartridge therein, a plurality of fiberoptic strands  158  are used to distribute light from the fixture  100   b . These strands  158  are sealed together at their receiving ends by a light gathering lens  160 , surrounding band, or other suitable means, with their opposite light output ends  162  being secured to one or more retainer elements  164  disposed generally parallel to the main strand bundle  158 . 
     The retainer element or elements  164  each have a first end and opposite second end, respectively  166  and  168 , and include a series of fiberoptic strand output end passages  170  therethrough, corresponding in number to the number of fiberoptic strands of the bundle  158 . Each strand is bent to pass through one of the retainer element passages  170 , and is sealed in place therein. Thus, when light is passed to the fiberoptic bundle  158  by means of its input or receiving end, the light travels through the strands  158  to pass outwardly from their output ends  162 , generally normal to the local surface of the fiberoptic strand retaining member(s)  164 . The light then passes through the outer cover or shield  152 , to illuminate the immediate area. 
     The fiberoptic bundle and retainer element assembly  158  and  164  is secured within the outer tube or cover  152  by means of opposite first and second end caps, respectively  172  and  174 , which capture the bundle and retainer assembly  158 ,  164  and cover tube  152  therebetween. Each end cap  172 ,  174  has an internal configuration adapted for positively securing the fiberoptic bundle and retainer element assembly  158 ,  164  therein. The first end cap  172  clearly shows this retaining configuration in FIG. 3A of the drawings. The end cap  172  includes a central fiberoptic connector port  176  therethrough, for installing a fiberoptic cable to the fixture assembly  100   b  essentially in the manner shown and described for the fixture  100   a  of FIG.  2 . Alternatively, the fixture assembly  100   b  (or  100   a ) may be equipped with an internal or female conical receptacle  178  into which a male connector end  56   a ,  56   b , etc. may be removably inserted, as shown in the exploded assembly of FIG. 6 of the drawings. 
     The two end caps  172 ,  174  also include slots, grooves, or other suitable means for retaining the two ends  166 ,  168  of the fiberoptic strand retainer(s)  164 . In the case of the two opposed retainer plates  164  of the assembly of FIG. 3A, two corresponding opposed slots  180  are formed in each end cap (shown only in the first end cap  172 ), on opposite sides of the central fiberoptic connector port and light passage  176 . The opposite ends  166 ,  168  of the retainer(s)  164  are seated within these slots  180 , to secure the fiberoptic output and retainer assembly  158 ,  144  concentrically within the outer cover or shield  152 . 
     As in the case of the fiberoptic light fixture  100   a  of FIG. 2, the fixture  100   b  may also be installed in series with a pair of fiberoptic cables  50   a ,  50   b , etc., if so desired. This is achieved in the same manner as that described for such a configuration for the fixture  100   a , i. e., by installing a first end cap  172  and corresponding dust cap or seal  182  (with its central fiberoptic cable passage  184 ) on both ends  154  and  156  of the outer cover  152 . At least some of the fiberoptic strands of the bundle  158  may extend straight through the fixture  100   b , to pass light completely through the device to the output fiberoptic cable. 
     As in the case of the first fixture  100   a  of FIG. 2, the light fixture  100   b  of FIG. 3A may also be disassembled to provide interchangeability for the fiberoptic bundle and retainer assembly  158 ,  164  installed therein. The means for accomplishing the disassembly of the light fixture  100   b  is essentially the same as that provided for the fixture  100   a , i. e., a series of pins  124  is provided adjacent the opposite ends  154 ,  156  of the outer cover  152 , with the larger diameter retaining ends of the pins  124  frictionally engaging corresponding passages  126  formed radially in the sides of the end caps  172 ,  174 . Thus, one of the dust caps or seals  182  or  184  may be removed from its corresponding end cap  172  or  174 , the end cap  172  or  174  removed from the corresponding end  154 ,  156  of the outer cover  152 , and the fiberoptic bundle and retainer assembly  158 ,  164  withdrawn from within the outer cover  152 . A different fiberoptic bundle and retainer assembly may be installed therein, by reversing the disassembly operation. 
     The fiberoptic bundle and retainer assembly  158 ,  164  of the fiberoptic light fixture embodiment  100   b  of FIG. 3A, will be seen to emanate light essentially in two opposite directions, generally 180 degrees from one another, due to the flat, parallel configuration and disposition of the two retainer plates  164 . However, it will be seen that any of a number of different retainer configurations may be provided, with these different retainer configurations serving to distribute light output radially in various directions or orientations from the light output fixture, as desired. 
     FIGS. 3B through 3E illustrate end views of a few of many possible fiberoptic bundle and retainer configurations. In FIG. 3B, a cylindrical fiberoptic strand or bundle retainer  164   a  is illustrated, with a plurality of fiberoptic strands forming a bundle  158   a  enclosed therein. The output ends  162   a  of the strands  158   a  pass through a corresponding series of passages (not shown, but similar to the passages  170  formed in the retainer plates  164  of FIG.  3 A), to provide illumination radiating generally  360  degrees radially and evenly from the retainer  164   a.    
     FIG. 3C illustrates another alternative, comprising a series of fiberoptic strands or fiberoptic bundle  158   b  captured by a retainer  164   b  having a generally square cross section. The light output ends  162   b  of the fiberoptic strands or bundle  158   b  emit light from each of the four flat faces of the retainer  164   b , thus providing a series of four “light panels” disposed ninety degrees to one another. 
     FIG. 3D illustrates another variation, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3A if one of the two retainer panels  164  were not used. In the embodiment of FIG. 3D, a single flat retainer panel or plate  164   c  is provided, with all of the light output ends  162   c  of the fiberoptic bundle or strands  158   c  passing through the single retainer panel  164   c . It will be seen that this tends to produce light output emanating generally in a single direction, with the light output decreasing angularly to either side of the centerline of the plate  164   c . Relatively little or no light is emitted to the sides or to the back of the plate  164   c , depending upon the properties, coatings, etc. of the individual fiberoptic strands  158   c.    
     Finally, FIG. 3E illustrates an even more directional light output embodiment, in which the fiberoptic strand retainer  164   d  is formed in a V cross section, with the fiberoptic strands  158   d  entering the retainer  164   d  from outside the V and with their light emitting ends  162   d  disposed to the inside of the V. This results in a relatively narrow concentration of the light output within the angle of the V, with relatively little or no light emitted beyond the angle of the V. It will be seen that such a V shape retainer  164   d  could have a more curvilinear cross section, if desired, in the form of an arc or elliptical section, in order to focus the light output more precisely. As noted above, the examples of FIGS. 3A through 3E are but a small number of the myriad possible cross sectional shapes for such retainers, with a virtually unlimited number of additional retainer shapes being possible. 
     To this point, the primary direction of light emission from the light fixtures  100   a  and  100   b  has been described as radially disposed. However, the present lighting system may also provide for axial light emission from the fixtures, if so desired. FIG. 4 illustrates such an embodiment, showing the broken away end of a fixture  100   c . The end cap assembly  200  of the fixture  100   c  includes a lens or translucent cover  202  therein, providing light output axially from the end of the device. The end cap assembly  200  further includes mechanisms for adjusting both the intensity and the angular spread of light emitted from the lens  202 . 
     The light intensity may be adjusted by means of a conventional iris type shutter  204 , disposed immediately behind the lens  202 . The aperture of the iris  204  is controlled by rotation of the first or outer ring  206 , adjacent the lens  202 . This mechanism is conventional, and thus no further detail is described herein. Other conventional light intensity control means may be incorporated in lieu of the iris type shutter  204 , if desired. 
     The angular spread of the light beam distributed from the lens  202  may be controlled by selectively retracting or extending the lens  202  and accompanying mechanism relative to the first or outer ring  206 . Retracting the lens  202  into the ring  206 , results in the peripheral light from the lens  202  being blocked by the inner edge of the toroidal ring  206 , adjacent the lens  202 . This is achieved by a conventional threaded screw arrangement  208 , whereby turning the lower or second ring  210  extends or withdraws the lens  202  relative to the first ring  206  to control the beam width. 
     In conclusion, the present fiberoptic lighting system provides a much safer means of providing light in an emergency situation where a fuel, explosive, chemical, or other hazardous spill has occurred. The absence of electrically conductive, metallic elements in all of the components of the present system extending from the light source, results in an extremely safe means of providing light where an ignition source could prove hazardous. the various embodiments of light fixtures disclosed herein, provide various alternatives for providing light either radially or axially, or both, from the fixtures. The interchangeability of the internal light emitting components (gel or fiberoptic strands and retainer), provide further flexibility. This flexibility of the light fixtures also enables them to be connected at the distal ends of the fiberoptic cables, or to be connected in series along a length of two or more cables at some intermediate point therealong. 
     The flexibility and adaptability of the present system provides additional features and benefits, as well. For example, light filtration means may be provided, in order to filter out ultraviolet, infrared, and/or other wavelengths of light as desired. Ultraviolet filtration may be provided conventionally at the light source, as is known in the art, in order to preclude deterioration of acrylite or other plastic materials which may be used for the fiberoptic cables of the present invention, and other components. This provides additional benefits, in that ultraviolet light is known to cause various reactions in certain chemicals, with this hazard being eliminated when an ultraviolet filter is used. 
     The present lighting system will also prove to be more economical to operate and maintain than conventional electric lighting systems used in hazardous environments. Such conventional electric systems require the light source to be explosion and flame proof, which adds considerably to the cost of manufacturing such a system. Moreover, the electric light output elements must be explosive and flame proof as well. Recertification costs alone drive up the maintenance costs of such conventional systems considerably over the present invention, with present recertification costs (as this is written) being on the order of eighty dollars for the light source, with recertification being required every thirty to sixty days. The present system, with its remotely located light source and lack of metal and electrically conductive components extending outwardly from the light source, eliminates this recertification requirement and cost. 
     The present system may be applied to many other situations and environments than the hazardous spill situation cited herein as a primary use of the system. For example, the present system will be much appreciated in the boating and maritime industries as well. Explosive and flame proof lighting systems are a necessity in the bilge and engine room areas of boats, due to the strong possibility of trapped gasoline or other volatile vapors in such closed compartments. With the present system, the light source may remain on deck or in another open area, with the light fixture(s) being carried to the closed compartment of interest without concern for any explosive hazard from the light system. 
     The present system may also find use as a personal or other emergency lighting device, providing a position indication for individuals in the water or for a boat experiencing a problem. The light output fixture could be made to provide an intermittent (flashing) light output by periodically cycling the light source on and off, or periodically breaking the path of the light with a shutter or other means as desired. Again, the lack of electrically conductive components in the present system, once away from the light source, assures that the device will continue to operate regardless of the incursion of water or other liquids therein, and completely eliminates any possibility of electrical shock hazard to a user of the device. Thus, the present fiberoptic lighting system will prove to be a most valuable article of equipment for those who have need for emergency lighting in various situations, as well as in other environments where a dependable and non-electrical lighting system is desired. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.