Patents by Inventor N. Eric Knudsen

N. Eric Knudsen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11886775
    Abstract: Interactive systems and methods are provided for designing and constructing fences or other structures supported by posts, including methods which enable users to design custom fence panels and be presented with dynamic visual representations of such custom fence panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 11738890
    Abstract: A rocket landing stabilization system can include one or more upright support structures such as posts, columns, or walls, from which one or more stabilizing elements can be supported. The stabilizing elements can be used to stabilize a rocket as it lands at a landing site. The rocket landing stabilization system can also include a cradle, funnel, or cone to catch or otherwise support a rocket as it lands at the landing site. The rocket landing stabilization system can be located on land or at sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventors: N. Eric Knudsen, Matthew Niels Knudsen, Andrew Niels Knudsen, Jacob Niels Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20230243182
    Abstract: A system for positioning post sleeves is provided including a plurality of post sleeve positioning devices and a spacing mechanism. Each post sleeve positioning device is configured to receive a respective post sleeve and to enable selective adjustment of a position and orientation of the respective post sleeve. The spacing mechanism is coupleable between the pair of post sleeve positioning devices to determine or control the position and orientation of the post sleeve received by one of the pair of post sleeves positioning devices relative to the post sleeve received by the other one of the pair of post sleeve positioning devices. Related systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventor: N. Eric KNUDSEN
  • Patent number: 11709051
    Abstract: A system for measuring fence posts in a fence run includes a leading unit and a trailing unit. The leading unit includes a first measurement wire extending through a first rotary encoder and terminating in a second rotary encoder, a second measurement wire terminating in a third rotary encoder, and a third measurement wire terminating in a fourth rotary encoder, as well as a clamp to secure the leading unit to a fence post. The trailing unit includes a first rotary encoder to engage with the first measurement wire of the leading unit and a measurement wire terminating in a second rotary encoder, as well as a clamp to secure the trailing unit to a fence post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20230229820
    Abstract: Interactive systems and methods are provided for designing and constructing fences or other structures supported by posts, including methods which enable users to design custom fence panels and be presented with dynamic visual representations of such custom fence panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20220374557
    Abstract: Interactive systems and methods are provided for designing and constructing fences or other structures supported by posts, including methods which enable users to design custom fence panels and be presented with dynamic visual representations of such custom fence panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 11505964
    Abstract: A fence panel construction device includes a structural member and a pair of post members coupled to the structural member. Each post member includes a pair of attachment devices configured to removably attach a pair of fence stringers to the pair of post members. A pair of actuator mechanisms are coupled to a respective one of the pair of post members to position the pair of post members corresponding to a pair of fence posts on a property. A finishing assembly is coupled to the structural member and includes at least one fastening device and at least one trimming device both operable to move vertically. The finishing assembly is operable to move horizontally while the at least one fastening device fastens fence boards to the pair of fence stringers and at least one trimming device trims the fence boards. A method of making a fence panel is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 11454044
    Abstract: A system for positioning post sleeves is provided including a plurality of post sleeve positioning devices and a spacing mechanism. Each post sleeve positioning device is configured to receive a respective post sleeve and to enable selective adjustment of a position and orientation of the respective post sleeve. The spacing mechanism is coupleable between the pair of post sleeve positioning devices to determine or control the position and orientation of the post sleeve received by one of the pair of post sleeves positioning devices relative to the post sleeve received by the other one of the pair of post sleeve positioning devices. Related systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 11386244
    Abstract: Interactive systems and methods are provided for designing and constructing fences or other structures supported by posts, including methods which enable users to design custom fence panels and be presented with dynamic visual representations of such custom fence panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20220170291
    Abstract: A fence post layout system and method includes a measurement device to collect data corresponding to a length of a fence run and presenting a visual representation of the length of the fence run to an operator through a user interface. The measurement device also collects data corresponding to installation site characteristics, such as topography. The system analyzes the installation site data to determine fence post spacing and fence post installation locations along the fence run and outputs a visual representation to the operation of the fence post installation locations via the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20220135259
    Abstract: A rocket landing stabilization system can include one or more upright support structures such as posts, columns, or walls, from which one or more stabilizing elements can be supported. The stabilizing elements can be used to stabilize a rocket as it lands at a landing site. The rocket landing stabilization system can also include a cradle, funnel, or cone to catch or otherwise support a rocket as it lands at the landing site. The rocket landing stabilization system can be located on land or at sea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: N. Eric Knudsen, Matthew Niels Knudsen, Andrew Niels Knudsen, Jacob Niels Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20220106811
    Abstract: A fence panel construction device includes a structural member and a pair of post members coupled to the structural member. Each post member includes a pair of attachment devices configured to removably attach a pair of fence stringers to the pair of post members. A pair of actuator mechanisms are coupled to a respective one of the pair of post members to position the pair of post members corresponding to a pair of fence posts on a property. A finishing assembly is coupled to the structural member and includes at least one fastening device and at least one trimming device both operable to move vertically. The finishing assembly is operable to move horizontally while the at least one fastening device fastens fence boards to the pair of fence stringers and at least one trimming device trims the fence boards. A method of making a fence panel is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20220098892
    Abstract: A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20220075909
    Abstract: Interactive systems and methods are provided for designing and constructing fences or other structures supported by posts, including methods which enable users to design custom fence panels and be presented with dynamic visual representations of such custom fence panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20210278207
    Abstract: A system for measuring fence posts in a fence run includes a leading unit and a trailing unit. The leading unit includes a first measurement wire extending through a first rotary encoder and terminating in a second rotary encoder, a second measurement wire terminating in a third rotary encoder, and a third measurement wire terminating in a fourth rotary encoder, as well as a clamp to secure the leading unit to a fence post. The trailing unit includes a first rotary encoder to engage with the first measurement wire of the leading unit and a measurement wire terminating in a second rotary encoder, as well as a clamp to secure the trailing unit to a fence post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 11059610
    Abstract: A rocket landing stabilization system can include one or more upright support structures such as posts, columns, or walls, from which one or more stabilizing elements can be supported. The stabilizing elements can be used to stabilize a rocket as it lands at a landing site. The rocket landing stabilization system can also include a cradle, funnel, or cone to catch or otherwise support a rocket as it lands at the landing site. The rocket landing stabilization system can be located on land or at sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventors: N. Eric Knudsen, Matthew Niels Knudsen, Andrew Niels Knudsen, Jacob Niels Knudsen
  • Patent number: 11060321
    Abstract: A fence panel construction device includes a structural member and a pair of post members coupled to the structural member. Each post member includes a pair of attachment devices configured to removably attach a pair of fence stringers to the pair of post members. A pair of actuator mechanisms are coupled to a respective one of the pair of post members to position the pair of post members corresponding to a pair of fence posts on a property. A finishing assembly is coupled to the structural member and includes at least one fastening device and at least one trimming device both operable to move vertically. The finishing assembly is operable to move horizontally while the at least one fastening device fastens fence boards to the pair of fence stringers and at least one trimming device trims the fence boards. A method of making a fence panel is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20210207376
    Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 11035142
    Abstract: A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20210165922
    Abstract: Interactive systems and methods are provided for designing and constructing fences or other structures supported by posts, including methods which enable users to design custom fence panels and be presented with dynamic visual representations of such custom fence panels and related bill of material information. Implementations also include various functionality for ensuring that each fence panel of a fence has uniformly spaced fence boards of a common width with no partial width boards required to laterally fill the fence panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen