Abstract: An inclinometer 300 includes a sensing unit 302 for providing a signal dependent on the orientation of the inclinometer 300. The inclinometer 300 includes a rescaling unit 322 which improves the performance of the inclinometer providing additional compensation for any change in the sensor 302 over time and temperature. The inclinometer 300 further includes an angle offset function 91, 360 which provides a permanent angle offset to any angle determined by the inclinometer.

Abstract: An inclinometer 20 includes a module 22 which is mounted to a rail 32. The rail 32 has a hollow I-shaped cross-section which affords substantial resistance to torsional and bending loads about the longitudinal axis 34 of the inclinometer 20. The rail 32 and in particular a first end 36 of the I-shaped cross-section includes first and second curves 48, 50 which define lobes which provide a rail design more suitable for gripping and placement by the user.

Abstract: An inclinometer 20 has a sensing unit 40 for providing a varying capacitance signal depending on the orientation of the inclinometer 20. An oscillator circuit unit 82 includes the sensor unit 40 as a capacitive element for providing a signal having a period and a frequency depending on the capacitance of the sensor unit 40. A unit 92 is provided for determining the period of the signal. A look-up table unit 96 stores a predetermined relationship between the period of the signal and the angle of orientation of the inclinometer 20. A comparison unit 94 then compares the period of the signal to the period stored in the look-up table unit 96 and selects the corresponding angle which is the angle of orientation of the inclinometer 20. The angle is then displayed on the inclinometer display 25.