This, slightly bizarre, patent describes an electro-mechanical, powered, gear lever for operating a 5-speed rear derailleur. As such, it is the direct ancestor of the, equally bizarre, Maruishi PC derailleur control system.

I don't know if this electrified gear lever ever made it into production - but I certainly hope that it did!

• Publisher: US Patent and Trademark Office
• Inventor: Eikichi Yamaguchi
• Country: USA
• Date: priority date March 1971
• Derailleur brands: Maruishi
• Derailleurs: none