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Ultimate successful measurement of riding-qualities is indicated by the design and construction of several new accelerometers. Experimental work with these new instruments has served to emphasize the desirable and the undesirable instrument-characteristics essential to accuracy, and thrown light upon some conflicting results heretofore obtained. One of the chief detriments to the development of accurate riding-qualities instruments has been the lack of satisfactory calibration. In the past, space-time curves have been used largely for calibration but, from the viewpoint of accuracy, these curves generally are acknowledged to be unsatisfactory. An elaborate machine has been constructed which will produce simple harmonic-motion to a very high degree of accuracy.

AN accelerometer of the contact type, that employs a new means of suspending the weight, has been developed which is said to eliminate all the contact error and troubles previously experienced with this type of instrument. A counter of sufficient speed to count accurately the accelerations which occur in road service has been developed also, and a complete instrument comprising six elements has been constructed and is described. Due to the relatively small size of the accelerometer and to its remote connection with the counter, the instrument can be mounted on a vehicle axle or on any other portion of the vehicle desired. This enables measurement to be made of the accelerations transmitted through the tires alone, through the tires and springs, or, if desired, through the tires, springs, body, and seat cushions.