I once found a 5-foot pipe wrench at Farm and Fleet. It looked like some kind of joke, but there it was next to lots of other useful tools. I suppose there’s a right tool for every job.

This link describes FLIRTSS, Forward Looking Infrared Terrain Sensing Shock. On first read it reminded me of that 5-foot pipe wrench. But if it works, it would be the coolest geeky thing available for a mountain bike. FLIRTSS will replace SPV and terra logic

This modified FOX ® fork utilizes:

pressure transducer to calculate weight bias
speed computer to calculate damping rates in compression and rebound modes
Infrared terrain mapping sensors
Microprocessor to compile input data and set damping rates, ride height

Highly modified Stratos ID® cartridge with magnetic inertia valve

The two terrain mapping (t/m) sensors are mounted on the fork crowns, pointing and intersecting forward at a spot approx.
five feet in front of the bike. The microprocessor receives data from these sensors and with additional data about speed, weight bias/angle of attack from the pressure transducer, controls a magnetic field around specially built inertia valve.

The t/m sensors will accurately *map* the upcoming terrain in front of the bike.
The speed input tells the computer exactly when the features (bumps, holes ledges, etc.) of this map intersect with the front wheel.
With the pressure transducer sample rate at 128 per second an average will be calculated to determine;
A) angle of travel
B) speed of angle change.
type of feature that require preprogrammed settings.
1. drop-off =fast initial rebound followed by slow compression.
2. hole=fast rebound>fast comp
3.ledge=fast comp>fast rebound
4. large jump / drop = medium (default) comp> slow rebound

The weight bias transducer circuit also controls a set of piezoelectric check valves in a piston above the mainspring. This is achieved by Bluetooth wireless transmitter on the computer and receiver on the piston. The piston separates the spring chamber into two sections. Below the piston rides the spring, above the piston is an air (dry nitrogen) chamber. The check vales constantly vary the pressure difference between the upper and lower chambers to adjust sag depending on the terrain pitch.
i.e. flat>level of descent.

The computer is mounted in a waterbottle at this time so as to be programmed and download data.

We are currently aquiring data and programming the output controls.
As soon as we are able will post pictures and data.