Motorized chandelier lift system

A motorized apparatus to raise and lower a ceiling light fixture, such as a chandelier, to facilitate cleaning and bulb changing. A hoist mechanism, mounted above the ceiling between two joists, includes a drive motor with a drive shaft, and a take-up shaft coupled to the drive shaft, upon which is wound a single hoist cable which raises and lowers the light fixture. A ceiling junction box includes a first set of contacts for supplying electricity to the light fixture when the light fixture is raised, and one or more switches for preventing the light fixture from being hoisted past the raised position and for removing power from the first set of contacts when the light fixture is lowered. A canopy junction box, attached to the light fixture, includes a second set of contacts for receiving electricity from the first set of contacts. When the light fixture is raised, a ceiling canopy protects the first and second set of contacts from access. The take-up shaft may be part of a winch, and either the motor or the winch may have a brake for preventing the light fixture from falling. Either a wall switch or a remote control device may control the operation of the motor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates, in general, to devices for raising and 
lowering light fixtures, and in particular, to an electrically motorized 
apparatus to raise and lower chandelier light fixtures to facilitate 
cleaning and changing of bulbs. 
2. Information Disclosure Statement 
A preliminary patentability search in class 362, subclasses 147, 384, 404, 
391, 418, and 403, produced the following patents, some of which may be 
relevant to the present invention: Farrington et al., U.S. Pat. No. 
2,609,170, issued Sept. 2, 1952; Pfaff, U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,584, issued 
Oct. 5, 1971; Booty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,238, issued Feb. 16, 1982; 
and Sakurai, U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,539, issued Apr. 26, 1983. Additionally, 
during prosecution of the predecessor of this application, an 
advertisement of a floodlight lowering attachment, dated Mar. 11, 1938, 
manufactured and sold by the Benjamin Company under the name "SAFLOX", was 
cited by the Examiner. While each of the above references disclose various 
apparatus for raising and lowering light fixtures, none disclose or 
suggest the present invention. More specifically, none of the above 
patents disclose or suggest a motorized light fixture lift system, 
comprising: a hoist mechanism for raising and lowering a light fixture 
between a raised position adjacent a ceiling and a lowered position 
distant from the ceiling, said hoist mechanism comprising: a drive motor 
including a drive shaft, and a take-up shaft coupled to the drive shaft; a 
ceiling junction box including a first set of contacts for supplying a 
source of electrical power to the light fixture; a canopy junction box 
attached to the light fixture comprising a second set of contacts mounted 
for receipt of electricity from the first set of contacts when the light 
fixture is in the raised position; and, a single hoist cable attached at 
one end to the take-up shaft for being wound upon said take-up shaft and 
attached at the other end to the canopy junction box. 
Farrington et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,609,170, describes a motor driven lamp 
hanger with multiple embodiments. The Farrington device, as described, has 
four cables supporting the lamp fixture which are wound on four separate 
drums. The Farrington patent also describes upper and lower limit switches 
to shut off the power to the drive motor at the extremes of travel of the 
lamp fixture, as well as fixed and mating contacts to supply power to the 
lamp fixture when in the raised position. The present invention has only a 
single cable supporting the light fixture, not a multiplicity as in the 
Farrington device. 
Pfaff, U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,584, describes a lowering mechanism for a light 
fixture which comprises a drive motor and braking mechanism, said drive 
motor being coupled through a chain drive mechanism to a take-up shaft 
comprising a pair of drums, each of which winds a flexible ribbon or tape 
which is attached to the light fixture. The present invention has only a 
single cable supporting the light fixture, not a multiplicity of ribbons 
or tapes as in the Pfaff device, and uses no chain drive mechanism to 
couple the take-up shaft to the drive motor. 
Booty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,238, describes a light fixture and 
elevator therefor, comprising a horizontally reciprocal carriage, a 
biasing spring attached to the carriage, said carriage moving horizontally 
as the light fixture is raised and lowered. A hydraulic piston may be 
attached to the carriage of the Booty device for controlling the rate of 
movement of the carriage, and therefore the descent rate of the light 
fixture. Unlike the present invention, the Booty device is manually 
operated and is not motorized, and has no contacts which interrupt the 
flow of electricity to the light fixture when the light fixture is not in 
the raised position. Also, the present invention has no such horizontally 
reciprocal carriage or biasing spring. 
Sakurai, U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,539, describes a non-motorized height level 
adjusting means for a light fixture comprising a string winder with 
ratchets which wind a plural number of strings or wires, attached to the 
light fixture, onto a plural number of spools. Unlike the Sakurai patent, 
which is manually operated, the present invention is motorized and has 
only a single hoist cable attached to the light fixture. Also, the Sakurai 
patent, like the Booty device, has no contacts which interrupt the flow of 
electricity to the light fixture when the light fixture is not in the 
raised position. 
The advertisement for the Benjamin "SAFLOX" floodlight lowering attachment 
shows a hand operated mechanism that raises and lowers an outdoor 
floodlight. The mechanism includes two sets of contacts that meet and are 
protected when the lamp is in the raised position, but is not motorized as 
is the present invention. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Ceiling-mounted light fixtures, such as chandeliers and other similar 
devices, often have to be periodically accessed for cleaning, service, 
repair, and the replacement of bulbs. Rather than requiring someone to 
climb on a ladder to accomplish this access of the light fixture, it is 
desirable to provide a motorized mechanism for lowering the light fixture 
for access by one standing on the floor below. Previous mechanisms for 
this purpose have been intricate and complex, some using chain drive 
mechanisms and a multiplicity of support or hoist cables. 
It is an object of the present invention to provide a motorized light 
fixture lift system for raising and lowering a light fixture between a 
raised position adjacent a ceiling and a lowered position distant from the 
ceiling, including a single hoist cable which is wound on a take-up shaft 
coupled to a drive motor, said lift system being simple and relatively 
inexpensive to manufacture. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide contact means 
for supplying electrical power to the light fixture when the light fixture 
is in the raised position, safety means for removing electrical power from 
the contact means when the light fixture is not in the raised position, as 
well as means for covering the contact means from access when the light 
fixture is in the raised position. 
Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide limit means which 
interrupt the flow of power to the drive motor as the light fixture enters 
the raised position, preventing damage to the lift system, ceiling, or 
light fixture that might occur were an attempt made to raise the light 
fixture past the raised position. Furthermore, it is an object of the 
present invention to provide means for securing the light fixture from 
falling from the ceiling, and also for providing wireless remote control 
means for operating the lift system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the motorized light fixture lift 
system 20 is seen to comprise a hoist mechanism 22 for raising and 
lowering a chandelier or ceiling light fixture L, partially shown in FIGS. 
2 and 3, and a single hoist wire or cable 24. Hoist mechanism 22 is seen 
to include a base 26 for mounting above a ceiling C. Base 26, preferably 
constructed from sheet metal, may include mounting flanges 28 for 
attachment to spaced apart ceiling joists J such as by nails or screws 30, 
passing through holes or slots 32, shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in flanges 28. 
Additional holes or slots, not shown, may be provided in mounting flanges 
28 for accommodating the various joist spacings that may be typically 
encountered, and base 26 is preferably oversized so as to easily span the 
larger joist spacings as required. 
Hoist mechanism 22 also is seen to include a drive motor 34, preferably a 
reversible synchronous drive motor as shown, mounted upon base 26, 
preferably using screws 37, shown in FIG. 4, securing drive motor 34 to 
mounting bracket 36 attached to mounting plate 38 of base 26. Mounting 
plate 38 may be welded to base 26 or attached by other means such as 
screws 40 as shown. Drive motor 34 includes a drive shaft 42 directly 
coupled through a coupling 44, preferably a flexible coupling and spider 
as shown in FIG. 1, well known to those skilled in the art, to take-up 
shaft 46. Take-up shaft 46 is supported by bearings 48, preferably 
self-aligning bronze bearings, mounted upon support brackets 50, which may 
be made of sheet metal, and may be secured by shaft collar 51 as shown. 
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, lift system 20 also is seen to comprise 
a ceiling junction box 52, mounted a fixed distance from base 26, 
preferably mounted substantially flush with lower ceiling surface S of 
ceiling tile or gypsum board B attached to joists J. Ceiling junction box 
52 is typically mounted to the ceiling using a "U"-shaped support bracket 
53, well known to those skilled in the art, attached to joists J using 
nails or screws 54 and spanning the distance between joists J as shown. 
Lift system 20 is also seen to include a canopy junction box 56, shown in 
FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, attached to light fixture L. 
Referring to FIG. 3, the details of ceiling junction box 52 and canopy 
junction box 56 can be seen. Ceiling junction box 52 includes a body 58, 
preferably a well known electrical junction box as shown, and a ceiling 
junction box cover plate 60, secured to body 58 by screws 62 passing 
through holes 64 (shown in FIG. 6). Cover plate 60, constructed of a 
suitably strong non-conductor material, includes holes 66 in which are 
mounted a first set of contacts 68 for supplying a source of electrical 
power, through wires 70 connected to a usual power source, not shown. 
Wires 70 may be attached to contacts 68 using screw terminals or clips, 
well known to those skilled in the art. Typically, wires 70 will pass 
through conduit 72 anchored to ceiling junction box 52 using nuts 74. 
Canopy junction box 56 is seen to preferably comprise a canopy cover 76, 
canopy junction box cover plate 78, and threaded sleeve 80. In the 
preferred first embodiment, cover plate 78 has a hex nut 82 securely 
attached to the underside thereof, securing cover plate 78 to threaded 
sleeve 80, which passes through hole 84 in canopy cover 76 and is then 
secured to canopy cover 76 by threaded hanger 86, which supports lighting 
fixture L, partially shown. Cover plate 78 is seen to have a hole 85 in 
substantial alignment with hex nut 82, providing clearance for sleeve 80. 
Cover plate 78, constructed of a suitably strong non-conductor material, 
has a second set of contacts, preferably semi-circular plates 88 also 
shown in FIG. 7, laminated to the upper surface thereof as shown, mounted 
for receipt of electricity from the first set of contacts when the light 
fixture is in the raised position, adjacent the ceiling. Together, the 
first set and second set of contacts, 68 and 88, are seen to comprise 
contact means for supplying electrical power to the light fixture when the 
light fixture is in the raised position. The spacing 90 between plates 88 
is preferably greater than the width of first set of contacts 68 so that 
plates 88 are not susceptible to being shorted together by first set of 
contacts 68 for certain orientations of canopy junction box 56 with 
respect to ceiling junction box 52, as will now be apparent. Wires 92, 
possibly joined by wire nuts 93, attach to plates 88 preferably by means 
of terminals or clips 94 which pass through holes 96 in cover plate 78. 
Wires 92 also pass through holes 98 in threaded sleeve 80 and through a 
hole, not shown, in threaded hanger 86, and attach to lamps, not shown, in 
light fixture L, in the usual manner. Preferably, either or both of first 
set of contacts 68 or second set of contacts 88 are magnetized for 
attraction to each other when the light fixture is in the raised position, 
adjacent the ceiling, to ensure secure and positive connection between the 
two sets of contacts 
In the preferred first embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, means are provided, 
such as peripheral edge 100 of canopy cover 76, extending toward ceiling 
surface S, for covering contact means, such as first and second set of 
contacts 68 and 88, from substantial access when the light fixture is in 
the raised position as shown in FIG. 3, as now understood by those skilled 
in the art. 
Referring to FIG. 4, ceiling junction box 52 may additionally comprise 
safety switch means, preferably such as normally open plunger type switch 
102, wired in series, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, 
between first set of contacts 68 and the source of electrical power, not 
shown, which supplies electricity to contacts 68. Plunger switch 102 is 
positioned with actuating plunger 104 extending downwardly through hole 
106 in ceiling junction box cover plate 60, shown in FIG. 6, in a manner 
so that, as light fixture L enters the raised position, plunger 104 is 
urged upwardly, closing the circuit within plunger switch 102 and thereby 
connecting first set of contacts 68 to the source of electrical power, in 
a manner well known to those skilled in the art. Conversely, as light 
fixture L leaves the raised position, the flow of electricity from the 
source of electrical power to first set of contacts 68 is interrupted as 
plunger switch 102 assumes the normally open condition when plunger 104 is 
allowed to proceed downwardly, in a manner now apparent to those skilled 
in the art. In this manner, when light fixture L is not in the raised 
position, and contacts 68 are exposed for access, electrical power is 
removed from contacts 68, providing greater safety to a maintenance 
worker. Obviously, other appropriate safety switch means could be 
similarly provided to remove power from contacts 68 when they are exposed 
for access, in a manner that will now be apparent to those skilled in the 
art, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
Referring to FIG. 3, hoist cable 24 is seen to allow raising and lowering 
of light fixture L, preferably by attachment to canopy junction box 56 by 
attachment means such as anchor 108, shown from another view in FIG. 9, 
secured to threaded sleeve 80 by securing means such as a cotter pin or 
preferably a nut 112 and bolt 110 inserted through hole 114 drilled 
transversely through threaded sleeve 80, and also inserted through opening 
109 formed within anchor 108. Hoist cable 24 is securely fastened to 
anchor 108 by means well known to those skilled in the art, such as by 
being crimped within a sleeve of anchor 108 or preferably by being welded 
to or within a sleeve portion 116 of anchor 108. 
Hoist cable 24 and anchor 108 are seen to pass through hole 118 of ceiling 
junction box cover plate 60, with hoist cable 24 continuing to pass 
through hole 120 in ceiling junction box 52, between joists J, then, 
guided by cable guide 122, passing to take-up shaft 46 of hoist mechanism 
22, where it is secured for winding into windings 124 which are 
constrained, such as by bearings 48, to lie within the region of take-up 
shaft 46 defined by portion 134 of take-up shaft 46, toward motor 34, and 
that defined by portion 136 of take-up shaft 46, remote from motor 34. 
Referring to FIG. 1, cable guide 122, preferably attached to base 26 using 
means well known to those skilled in the art, such as screws 125, applies 
tension to hoist cable 24 as it winds onto take-up shaft 46, urging 
windings 124 to be biased toward one end of shaft 46 by preferably guiding 
hoist cable 24 at an angle 126, preferably not more than ninety degrees, 
with respect to take-up shaft 46. In the preferred first embodiment, as 
shown in FIG. 5, cable guide 122 has a notch 128, preferably "U" shaped as 
shown, for receiving hoist cable 24, as well as a cutaway portion 130 in 
flange 132 for avoidance of hoist cable 24. If desired, a pulley (not 
shown) may be provided on cable guide 122, in a manner well known to those 
skilled in the art, to reduce the frictional forces that might be present 
where notch 128 receives hoist cable 24; this pulley would perform 
substantially the same function as notch 128, with less friction upon 
cable 24. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in order 
for angle 126 to be not more than ninety degrees, as desired by the 
present invention, notch 128 shown in FIG. 1 should be located outside, or 
on the boundary of, the region defined at one end by a first extended 
radius of shaft 46 at portion 134 thereof, and at the other end by a 
second extended radius of shaft 46 at portion 136 thereof (i.e., the 
extremes of the available winding area on shaft 46). When notch 128 is so 
located, cable guide 122, guiding hoist cable 24 at angle 126 with respect 
to take-up shaft 46, urges windings 124 to be biased toward one end of 
take-up shaft 46. Were angle 126 to be greater than ninety degrees, as if, 
for instance, were cable guide 122 to be positioned midway between the 
first and second extended radii described above, windings 124 of hoist 
cable 24 would not be urged toward one end of take-up shaft 46 as they are 
using the preferred orientation, since angle 126 would range from less 
than ninety degrees to greater than ninety degrees as cable 24 winds onto 
take-up shaft 46. As hoist cable 24 winds and unwinds on take-up shaft 46, 
light fixture L is raised and lowered, traveling from a raised position 
adjacent ceiling C, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, to a lowered position, 
not shown, distant from the ceiling, for cleaning, maintenance, and 
changing of bulbs. 
It should be understood that an existing ceiling junction box may be 
adapted for use with the present invention, as ceiling junction box cover 
plate 60 is preferably sized for attachment to such a standard ceiling 
junction box, and that a commercially available canopy cover (and threaded 
sleeve therein), which typically may be used with a lighting fixture, may 
be adapted and re-worked in accordance with this specification and FIG. 3, 
by drilling holes 114 and 98 within sleeve 80, thus saving cost to the 
installer of the motorized chandelier lift system. 
Motor 34 is supplied power through wires 138 attached to a power source, 
not shown, and is wired, in a manner well known to those skilled in the 
art, to a control switch, such as wall box key switch 140, shown in FIG. 
8. Key switch 140 preferably has three positions, up, off, and down, which 
cause motor 34 to wind and unwind cable 24 as desired. In the preferred 
first embodiment, the lift system also comprises limit means which 
interrupt the flow of power to the drive motor as the light fixture enters 
the raised position, preventing damage to the lift system, ceiling, or 
light fixture that might occur were an attempt made to raise the light 
fixture past the raised position, such as normally closed plunger type 
limit switch 142, interposed between drive motor 34 and its power source 
and wired in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. Limit switch 
142, shown in FIG. 4, is positioned for interruption of the flow of power 
to the drive motor as the light fixture enters the raised position, 
preferably with actuating plunger 144 of limit switch 142 extending 
downwardly through hole 146 in ceiling junction box cover plate 60, shown 
in FIG. 6, for contact with canopy junction box cover plate 78 as light 
fixture L enters the raised position, urging plunger 144 upwardly, opening 
the circuit within limit switch 142, and thus interrupting power to drive 
motor 34. It should be understood that alignment marks (not shown) may be 
provided on canopy cover 76 and ceiling surface S to indicate when 
contacts 68 are in optimal rotational alignment with plates 88, allowing 
light fixture L to be rotated, if necessary, for proper mating between 
contacts 68 and plates 88. 
In practice, a maintenance worker would operate wall box key switch 140, 
causing motor 34 to lower light fixture L for maintenance. As light 
fixture L leaves the raised position, plunger switch 102 removes power 
from first set of contacts 68 as they become exposed for access, the light 
fixture descends further to a lowered position distant from the ceiling, 
allowing maintenance, and the key switch is returned to the "off" 
position. After maintenance is completed, key switch 140 is placed in the 
"up" position, causing motor 34 to raise light fixture L toward the 
ceiling. As light fixture L enters the raised position, plunger switch 102 
is actuated, restoring power to first set of contacts 68, which are 
magnetically attracted to the second set of contacts, such as plates 88, 
restoring electricity to light fixture L. Also, as light fixture L enters 
the raised position, limit switch 142 is actuated, interrupting the flow 
of power to drive motor 34, preventing light fixture L from being raised 
past the raised position adjacent the ceiling. Light fixture L will remain 
in the raised position until key switch 140 is again turned to the "down" 
position, repeating the lowering process. 
For adaptability to ceilings of various heights, cable 24 may be provided 
with excess length, sufficient to lower light fixture L for access. As a 
part of the installation process it will be understood that cable 24 may 
be cut to an appropriate length, preferably extending from hoist mechanism 
22 to three feet from the floor, and then attached to take-up shaft 46 in 
any manner well known to those skilled in the art. Adjustment of cable 24 
to such an appropriate length will prevent light fixture L from being 
damaged by inadvertent contact with the floor, as might otherwise happen 
if an inattentive maintenance worker left wall box key switch 140 in the 
"down" position and if cable 24 were excessively long. It will now be 
apparent that if the length of cable 24 is chosen so that light fixture L 
cannot inadvertently contact the floor, hoist mechanism 22, after lowering 
light fixture L to the fully lowered position, will then begin to raise 
the light fixture back toward the ceiling as take-up shaft 46 continues 
rotating. 
A second embodiment of the motorized light fixture lift system is shown in 
FIGS. 10-22, with identifying reference designators marked similarly to 
the first embodiment, except with the prefix "2.". 
Referring to FIG. 10, a second embodiment of the motorized light fixture 
lift system 2.20 is seen to comprise a hoist mechanism 2.22 for raising 
and lowering a chandelier or ceiling light fixture L, partially shown in 
FIGS. 11 and 12, and a single hoist wire or cable 2.24. Hoist mechanism 
2.22 is seen to include a base 2.26 for mounting above a ceiling C. Base 
2.26, preferably constructed from sheet metal, mounts on rails 2.27 
spanning spaced apart ceiling joists J. Rails 2.27 are attached to joists 
J by securing means such as by nails or screws 2.30, passing through a 
selected set of holes or slots 2.32 in rails 2.27 and chosen to match the 
spacing between the joists J. Base 2.26 may be adjustably mounted on rails 
2.27 using base positioning means 2.29 shown in FIG. 19, preferably 
comprising a bolt 2.31, a nut 2.33, and a washer 2.35 adjustably securing 
base 2.26 to inwardly extending lips 2.25 of rails 2.27 in a manner that 
will now be apparent, thereby allowing base 2.26 to be positioned between 
joists J as required 
Hoist mechanism 2.22 also is seen to include a drive motor 2.34, preferably 
a reversible synchronous drive motor as shown, mounted upon base 2.26, 
preferably using screws 2.37. In this second preferred embodiment, motor 
2.34 may be a right-angle shaft gearmotor, such as the Model V3-65 
right-angle shaft gearmotor, manufactured by Von Weis Gear Company, St. 
Louis, Mo., allowing compact placement of motor 2.34 on base 2.26 as shown 
in FIG. 10. Drive motor 2.34 includes a drive shaft 2.42 coupled through a 
coupling 2.44, preferably a flexible coupling and spider as shown in FIG. 
10, well known to those skilled in the art, to take-up shaft 2.46. 
Preferably, take-up shaft 2.46 constitutes part of a winch means 2.45 for 
winding and unwinding cable 2.24. Winch means 2.45 may have gear means 
2.47, comprising gears 2.49 and 2.55, rotatably coupling input shaft 2.41 
to take-up shaft 2.46. Preferably, winch means 2.45 also comprises 
self-activating automatic braking means 2.43, well-known to those skilled 
in the art, for preventing cable 2.24 from unwinding except as caused by 
the rotation of drive shaft 2.42. A suitable winch having gears and a 
self-activating automatic braking means is the Model K1051 winch, 
manufactured by Fulton Performance Products, P. O. Box 19903, Milwaukee, 
Wis. 53219. Braking means 2.43 prevents the load, i.e., light fixture L, 
from falling if, for instance, coupling 2.44 were to become loosened on 
shaft 2.42 or shaft 2.41. Winch means 2.45 also may mount to base 2.26 
using screws 2.147 and nuts 2.148, passing through spacer block 2.149 
chosen in thickness to place shafts 2.41 and 2.42 in substantial 
alignment. It shall be understood, however, that, by appropriate 
arrangement of parts on base 2.26, drive shaft 2.42 could be coupled to 
take-up shaft 2.46 as in the first preferred embodiment, without using a 
right-angle drive gearmotor 2.34, and instead using a motor whose shaft is 
coaxially aligned with take-up shaft 2.46, omitting gear means 2.47 and 
shaft 2.41, without departing from the spirit and scope of the second 
preferred embodiment. 
Referring to FIGS. 11-14, lift system 2.20 also is seen to comprise a 
ceiling junction box 2.52, preferably mounted substantially flush with 
lower ceiling surface S of ceiling tile or gypsum board B attached to 
joists J. Ceiling junction box 2.52 is seen to be mounted a fixed distance 
from base 2.26, attached to one end of a conduit tube 2.57, whose other 
end is attached to base 2.26. Tube 2.57, attached at either end to base 
2.26 and ceiling junction box 2.52 by well-known electrical conduit 
connectors 2.150, nuts 2.152, and set screws 2.154, see FIG. 12, is 
selected for a length, when base 2.26 is mounted above joists J on rails 
2.27, that will cause ceiling junction box 2.52 to be substantially flush 
with ceiling surface S. For instance, if joists J are well-known 
"2.times.6" beams, tube 2.57 will typically be 5 5/16 inches long. 
Similarly, if joists J are well-known "2.times.10" beams, tube 2.57 
necessarily will be longer, typically 9 1/16 inches long. 
Lift system 2.20 is also seen to include a canopy junction box 2.56, shown 
in FIGS. 11, 12, 15, and 16, attached to light fixture L. 
Referring to FIG. 12, the details of ceiling junction box 2.52 and canopy 
junction box 2.56 can be seen. Ceiling junction box 2.52 includes a body 
2.58, preferably a well known electrical junction box as shown, and a 
ceiling junction box cover plate 2.60, secured to body 2.58 by screws 2.62 
passing through holes in tabs 2.63 (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13). Cover plate 
2.60, see FIGS. 12-14 and 18, constructed of a suitably strong 
non-conductor material, includes screws or rivets 2.65 which attach a 
first set of contacts 2.68 for supplying a source of electrical power to 
terminals 2.67, through wires 2.70 connected to a power source, in a 
manner hereinafter described. Wires 2.70 may be attached to terminals 2.67 
using screws or preferably slide-on clip fasteners, well known to those 
skilled in the art, such as fasteners 2.69. Typically, wires 2.70 will 
pass through conduit 2.72 which is anchored to ceiling junction box 2.52 
using nut 2.74 on feedthrough 2.75. 
Referring to FIGS. 12, 15, and 16, canopy junction box 2.56 is seen to 
preferably comprise a canopy cover 2.76, canopy junction box cover plate 
2.78, and first and second threaded sleeves 2.80 and 2.79, respectively. 
In the preferred second embodiment, cover plate 2.78 has a metal bar 2.81 
affixed, as by rivets 2.83, to the underside thereof. Metal bar 2.8I has a 
threaded hole 2.87, in alignment with hole 2.85 through cover plate 2.78, 
for receipt of threaded sleeve 2.79, and sleeve 2.79 is secured to cover 
plate 2.78 by threaded hole 2.87 and hex nut 2.82 in a manner that will 
now be apparent. First threaded sleeve 2.80 is secured to second threaded 
sleeve 2.79 by an adaptor (or "fixture hickey") 2.89, substantially 
spherical in shape, having upper and lower threaded holes 2.156 and 2.158, 
respectively, for receipt of threaded sleeves 2.79 and 2.80. Threaded 
sleeve 2.80 passes through hole 2.84 in canopy cover 2.76 and is then 
secured to canopy cover 2.76 by threaded hanger 2.86, which supports 
lighting fixture L, partially shown. Cover plate 2.78, constructed of a 
suitably strong non-conductor material and preferably fabricated as a 
well-known "printed circuit" board, has a second set of contacts, 
preferably concentric rings 2.88 shown in FIG. 15, laminated to the upper 
surface thereof as shown, mounted for receipt of electricity from the 
first set of contacts 2.68 when the light fixture is in the raised 
position, adjacent the ceiling. Together, the first set and second set of 
contacts, 2.68 and 2.88, are seen to comprise contact means for supplying 
electrical power to the light fixture when the light fixture is in the 
raised position. The circular symmetry of contacts 2.88 will be understood 
to allow proper contact between contacts 2.68 and 2.88 for any rotational 
orientation of canopy junction box 2.56 with respect to ceiling junction 
box 2.52. Wires 2.92 attach to contacts 2.88 preferably by means of 
slide-on fasteners 2.95 which connect to terminals or clips 2.94 which are 
riveted to contacts 2.88 by rivets 2.91. Wires 2.92 also pass through 
holes 2.98 in adaptor 2.89 and through a hole, not shown, in threaded 
hanger 2.86, and attach to lamps, not shown, in light fixture L, in the 
usual manner. It shall be understood that, alternatively, adaptor 2.89 
could be omitted, causing threaded sleeve 2.80 to include sleeve 2.79, and 
having holes drilled therethrough for wires 2.92 as in the first 
embodiment. If desired, a grounding terminal 2.97 may be riveted to metal 
bar 2.81 using one of rivets 2.83, for connection to lamp fixture L in a 
manner well known to those skilled in the art. 
In the preferred second embodiment, shown in FIG. 12, means are provided, 
such as peripheral edge 2.100 of canopy cover 2.76, extending toward 
ceiling surface S, for covering contact means, such as first and second 
set of contacts 2.68 and 2.88, from substantial access when the light 
fixture is in the raised position as shown in FIG. 12, as now will be 
understood by those skilled in the art. 
Referring to FIG. 12, ceiling junction box 2.52 may additionally comprise 
limit switch means, preferably such as normally closed plunger type 
switches 2.102, interconnected with power control means 2.160 in a manner 
hereinafter described, so as to remove power from light fixture L when 
canopy junction box is not in the raised position, and also in a manner so 
as to remove power from motor 2.34 as canopy junction box 2.56 enters the 
raised position, thereby preventing canopy junction box from being hoisted 
past the raised position. Plunger switches 2.102, attached to ceiling 
junction box body 2.58 by nuts 2.101, are positioned with actuating 
plungers 2.104 extending downwardly for contact with actuating plate 
2.105, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Actuating plate 2.105, shown in FIG. 17 
and preferably constructed of a rigid insulating material such as 
synthetic plastic resin sold under the trademark PLEXIGLAS, has a hole 
2.107 in the center thereof for the passage therethrough of cable 2.24, 
allowing plate 2.105 to freely move up and down relative to cable 2.24. 
Hole 2.107, while larger than cable 2.24, is smaller than the outer 
diameter of threaded sleeve 2.79. It will now be apparent that plate 2.105 
is urged upwardly by sleeve 2.79 as the light fixture L enters the raised 
position adjacent the ceiling, see FIG. 12. As actuating plate 2.105 is 
urged upwardly by threaded sleeve 2.79, plate 2.105 contacts plungers 
2.104, thereby opening limit switches 2.102 which appropriately control 
power to lighting fixture L and motor 2.34 in a manner hereinafter 
described. Although only one of switches 2.102 is required, as the two 
switches 2.102 are wired in series and are actuated substantially 
together, two are preferably provided for balanced and symmetrical 
contacting actuation with plate 2.105 and for safety in case one switch 
seizes in the close position. Conversely, as light fixture L leaves the 
raised position, the flow of electricity from the source of electrical 
power to first set of contacts 2.68 is interrupted, in a manner 
hereinafter described, as plunger switches 2.102 assume the normally 
closed condition when plungers 2.104 are allowed to proceed downwardly 
when threaded sleeve 2.79 stops urging plate 2.105 upward against plungers 
2.104. In this manner, when light fixture L is not in the raised position, 
and contacts 2.68 are exposed for access, electrical power is removed from 
contacts 2.68, in a manner hereinafter described, providing greater safety 
to a maintenance worker. Obviously, other appropriate safety and limit 
switch means could be equivalently provided to remove power from contacts 
2.68 when they are exposed for access, in a manner that will now be 
apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of 
the present invention. 
Referring to FIG. 12 and 15, hoist cable 2.24 is seen to allow raising and 
lowering of light fixture L, preferably by attachment to canopy junction 
box 2.56 using attachment means such as anchor or ferrule 2.108 secured to 
threaded sleeve 2.79 by securing means such as a press-fit pin 2.110 
inserted through hole 2.114 drilled transversely through threaded sleeve 
2.79 and ferrule 2.108. Hoist cable 2.24 is securely fastened to anchor 
2.108 by means well known to those skilled in the art, such as by being 
crimped or welded within a portion of anchor 2.108. 
Hoist cable 2.24 and anchor 2.108 are seen to pass through hole 2.118 of 
ceiling junction box cover plate 2.60, with hoist cable 2.24 continuing to 
pass through hole 2.107 in actuating plate 2.105, then through tube 2.57 
and through base 2.26. Cable 2.24 then passes over cable guide 2.122, 
preferably a pulley as shown, and on to take-up shaft 2.46 of hoist 
mechanism 2.22, where it is secured for winding into windings 2.124 on 
winch means 2.45. Referring to FIG. 10 and 12, pulley 2.122, preferably 
attached to base 2.26 using means well known to those skilled in the art, 
such as screws 2.125, nuts 2.121, and standoffs 2.127, guides cable 2.24 
emerging from the upper end of tube 2.57 onto take-up shaft 2.46. 
Standoffs 2.127 provide clearance between pulley housing 2.123 and base 
2.26 for conduit connector 2.150. As hoist cable 2.24 winds and unwinds on 
take-up shaft 2.46, light fixture L is raised and lowered, traveling from 
a raised position adjacent ceiling C, as shown in FIG. 12, to a lowered 
position, not shown, distant from the ceiling, for cleaning, maintenance, 
and changing of bulbs. 
FIGS. 20 and 21 show the third preferred embodiment, substantially similar 
to the second embodiment, and with identifying reference designators 
marked similarly to the second embodiment, except with the prefix "3.". 
The operation and all parts are similar to the second embodiment except 
that winch means 3.45, rather than having gear means as in the second 
embodiment (see 2.47 in FIG. 10), instead is a direct drive winch means, 
still with braking means 3.43 similar to that described in the second 
embodiment. A suitable winch means for this purpose is the Model K650 
winch, manufactured by Fulton Performance Products, P. O. Box 19903, 
Milwaukee, Wis. 53219. Again, it will be noted that, by re-arrangement of 
parts, a motor without a right-angle drive shaft (i.e., one with an output 
shaft as in the first preferred embodiment) could be used, with an 
appropriate sacrifice of the density of the items on base 3.26, without 
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
A fourth embodiment is similar to the second an third embodiments, but 
instead omits braking means 3.43 from winch means 3.45, and uses a motor 
3.34 with self-contained braking means. A suitable motor for this purpose 
is the Model V80320AA33 gearmotor with optional brake, manufactured by the 
Von Weis Gear Company, St. Louis, Mo. A suitable winch means for this 
purpose may be made by The Chantland Company, P. O. Drawer A, Humboldt, 
Iowa 50548. 
Referring now to FIG. 22, the details of the preferred wiring 
interconnection for the second, third, and fourth embodiments are shown. 
The standard house wiring H, comprising a power source P, typically a 110 
Volt AC power source, and an on-off switch 0, supplies electrical power to 
power control means 2.160. Power control means 2.160 comprises first 
switching means, such as normally-open "UP" relay 2.162, normally open 
"DOWN" relay 2.164, and first set of normally-open contacts 2.165 of limit 
relay 2.166, for applying power to and reversibly controlling motor 2.34, 
as well as second switching means, such as normally-closed lamp power 
relay 2.168 and second set of normally-open contacts 2.169 of limit relay 
2.166, for applying power to and removing power from light fixture L. It 
should be noted that relays 2.162, 2.164, 2.166, and 2.168 all preferably 
have coil energizing voltages of 24 Volts AC, being driven by step-down 
transformer 2.170, well known to those skilled in the art, having a 
primary winding voltage of 110 Volts AC, selected for compatibility with 
power source P, and having a secondary winding voltage of 24 Volts AC, 
selected for compatibility with the coil energizing voltages of relays 
2.162, 2.164, 2.166, and 2.168. 
When wall switch 2.140, similar to wall switch 140 previously described, is 
in the center or "OFF" position, neither of relays 2.162 or 2.164 are 
energized. When switch 2.140 is thrown in the "DOWN" position, contacts 
2.172 and 2.174 are connected to each other, thereby energizing "DOWN" 
relay 2.164 (but not "UP" relay 2.162), applying power to the windings of 
motor 2.34 and causing it to turn in one direction in a manner well known 
to those skilled in the art. 
When light fixture L is not in the raised position, i.e., lowered a 
distance from the ceiling surface S, normally-closed limit switches 2.102 
are both closed because actuating plate 2.105 is not causing switches 
2.102 to be actuated, as previously described. This closing of switches 
2.102 energizes limit relay 2.166, closing contacts 2.165 and 2.169. When 
contacts 2.169 are closed, lamp power relay 2.168 is energized, opening 
first and second set of normally-closed contacts 2.178 and 2.180, 
respectively, on relay 2.168, thereby removing power from contacts 2.68, 
thereby providing safety for a maintenance worker who might accidentally 
come in contact with them. 
In contrast, when light fixture L is in the raised position, switches 2.102 
are opened by plate 2.105, causing limit relay 2.166 to not be energized, 
opening contacts 2.165 and 2.169. When contacts 2.165 are opened, the 
throwing of switch 2.140 in the "UP" position, connecting contacts 2.172 
and 2.176 to each other, has no effect, as open contacts 2.165 prevent 
"UP" relay 2.162 from being energized, thereby preventing the light 
fixture from being hoisted past the raised position adjacent the ceiling 
surface S. Similarly, when contacts 2.169 are opened, again, only 
happening when light fixture L is in the raised position, lamp power relay 
2.168 is caused not to be energized, closing normally-open contacts 2.178 
and 2.180, thereby applying power to contacts 2.68, rings 2.88, and light 
L. 
Now, when wall switch 2.140 is thrown in the "UP" position, causing 
contacts 2.172 and 2.176 to be connected to each other, if the light 
fixture L is not in the raised position so that contacts 2.165 are closed 
as previously described, "UP" relay 2.162 will be energized, applying 
power to motor 2.34 in a manner to cause the motor to rotate in a 
direction opposite that when "DOWN" relay 2.164 was energized, due to the 
permuted interconnection of the wires 2.138 to motor 2.34, as will be 
understood by those skilled in the art. When the light fixture L enters 
the raised position, adjacent the surface S of the ceiling C, switches 
2.102 will become opened, applying power to the light fixture L through 
contacts 2.68, and removing power from motor 2.34 by de-energizing "UP" 
relay 2.162, in a manner previously described. 
In practice, a maintenance worker would operate wall box key switch 2.140, 
causing motor 2.34 to lower light fixture L for maintenance. As light 
fixture L leaves the raised position, plunger switch 2.102 removes power 
from first set of contacts 2.68 as they become exposed for access, the 
light fixture descends further to a lowered position distant from the 
ceiling, allowing maintenance, and the key switch is returned to the "off" 
position. After maintenance is completed, key switch 2.140 is placed in 
the "up" position, causing motor 2.34 to raise light fixture L toward the 
ceiling. As light fixture L enters the raised position, switch 2.102 is 
actuated, restoring power to first set of contacts 2.68, restoring 
electricity to light fixture L. Also, as light fixture L enters the raised 
position, power is interrupted to drive motor 2.34, preventing light 
fixture L from being raised past the raised position adjacent the ceiling. 
Light fixture L will remain in the raised position until key switch 2.140 
is again turned to the "down" position, repeating the lowering process. 
As a variation on the present invention, a third pair of contacts 2.68 and 
2.88 could be provided on cover plates 2.60 and 2.78, respectively, 
connected through presently unused contacts 2.180 on relay 2.168 to 
another on-off switch, not shown, in house wiring H, for operating another 
electrical device on light fixture L such as a second light or a ceiling 
fan. 
If desired, for any of the embodiments, a wireless remote control means, 
preferably such as shown in FIG. 23, may be used in place of wall box key 
switch 2.140. Remote control means 2.182, well known to those skilled in 
the art, comprises a transmitter portion 2.184 and a receiver portion 
2.186, with receiver portion preferably mounted on base 2.26 and 
connected, at terminals 2.188, in place of wall box key switch 2.140 at 
terminals 2.190. Transmitter portion 2.184 comprises transmitter control 
means 2.192, well-known to those skilled in the art, with an "UP" button 
and a "DOWN" button, not shown, for causing transmitter means 2.194 to 
transmit a certain radio signal 2.200 from antenna 2.196 to antenna 2.198 
of receiver portion 2.186. Receiver portion 2.186 receives the radio 
signal 2.200 using receiver means 2.202, well-known to those skilled in 
the art, and causes receiver control means 2.204, responsive to receiver 
means 2.202, to actuate switching means 2.206 or 2.208, alternately, 
depending on whether the "UP" or "DOWN" button was pressed on transmitter 
control means 2.192, in a manner well-known to those skilled in the art. 
It will now be understood that, acting together, switching means 2.206 and 
2.208 perform the same function as did contacts 2.176, 2.172, and 2.174 of 
wall switch 2.140. It also be understood that, rather than employing a 
radio signal 2.200 to convey the desired "UP" or "DOWN" movement of light 
fixture L, an infrared transmitter and receiver, well known to those 
skilled in the art, could be used instead, passing an infrared signal 
between the transmitter and the receiver. In such a case, as is well known 
to those skilled in the art, an infrared transmitting means would replace 
transmitting antenna 2.196 and transmitting means 2.194, while an infrared 
detector and receiving means would replace receiving antenna 2.198 and 
radio receiver means 2.202. Obviously, in such a variation of the present 
invention, it would be necessary to place the infrared detector on a 
surface of the room in which the infrared transmitter would be used. 
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with 
respect to preferred embodiments and a preferred use therefor, it is not 
to be so limited since modifications and changes can be made therein which 
are within the full intended scope of the invention.