Optical fiber illumination device

Abstract

An optical fiber illumination device including at least one optical fiber cable, one or more light sources for introducing light into the optical fiber cable, a lens through which light from each light source passes prior to entering the optical fiber cable for producing a colored light, electrical circuitry for energizing the light source, and a housing for containing the circuitry and the light source. A first light source is energized by a first power source. Light emitted from the first light source passes through a first lens which possesses a desired filtering characteristic. Upon application of the second power source, a first control device disables the first light source. Moreover, the second power source may energize a second light source which passes through a second lens having a filtering characteristic distinct from that of the first lens. Upon application of a third power source, a second control device disables the first control device. The device can be used to illuminate auto body parts, such as the sides of pickup and flat-bed trucks, or the rear of semi-tractor trailers. The device operates in cooperation with the brake lights, the parking lights, and the turn signals of a motor vehicle to increase the visibility of the vehicle.