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.