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: 9546496
    Abstract: A method of forming a post sleeve within a post hole in the ground to include a post receiving cavity to insertably receive and support a post is provided. The method includes positioning a post sleeve core within the post hole with the aid of an elongate installation member and depositing uncured material into the post hole to at least partially surround the post sleeve core while the post sleeve core is attached to the elongate installation member. The method further includes allowing the uncured material to harden around the post sleeve core to form at least a portion of the post-receiving cavity of the post sleeve and removing the post sleeve core from the hardened material to expose the post receiving cavity to receive and support the post. Other related methods of forming post sleeves are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 9506270
    Abstract: A fence panel can include a plurality of modular fence panel components that can be assembled modularly to form the fence panel. The fence panel components can include a system of keys and keyways that allow the components to interlock with one another when the fence panel is assembled to lock the components to one another to simplify the assembly process and to minimize the number of mechanical fasteners needed to assemble the fence panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20160333603
    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: April 14, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20160311556
    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: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: N. Eric Knudsen, Matthew Niels Knudsen, Andrew Niels Knudsen, Jacob Niels Knudsen
  • Patent number: 9334673
    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: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20160053506
    Abstract: A method of forming a post sleeve within a post hole in the ground to include a post receiving cavity to insertably receive and support a post is provided. The method includes positioning a post sleeve core within the post hole with the aid of an elongate installation member and depositing uncured material into the post hole to at least partially surround the post sleeve core while the post sleeve core is attached to the elongate installation member. The method further includes allowing the uncured material to harden around the post sleeve core to form at least a portion of the post-receiving cavity of the post sleeve and removing the post sleeve core from the hardened material to expose the post receiving cavity to receive and support the post. Other related methods of forming post sleeves are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20160045041
    Abstract: Fence panel display systems can include a unitary foundation including a plurality of steps, at least one rail extending along the width of one of the steps, and at least two clamp assemblies adjustably coupled to the rail. A fence panel can be clamped to the foundation using the clamp assemblies by adjusting the clamp assemblies along the width of the step and by adjusting protrusions extending from main bodies of the clamp assemblies in a direction perpendicular to the width of the step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20160047140
    Abstract: A fence panel can include a plurality of modular fence panel components that can be assembled modularly to form the fence panel. The fence panel components can include a system of keys and keyways that allow the components to interlock with one another when the fence panel is assembled to lock the components to one another to simplify the assembly process and to minimize the number of mechanical fasteners needed to assemble the fence panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 9234365
    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 rigid, elongate body and a cavity extending within the body and configured to receive an end of a post of a selected size and shape. A unique identifier is provided that differentiates the post sleeve from other post sleeves. The unique identifier can be in the form of a string of characters or symbols affixed to the post sleeve, or can be in a machine readable format, such as a bar code or a radio frequency identification tag. The unique identifier can include elements denoting additional information, such as a manufacturer's serial number, a model number, a date of manufacture, a name of a manufacturer, or a place of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 9212463
    Abstract: A method of forming a post sleeve within a post hole in the ground to include a post receiving cavity to insertably receive and support a post is provided. The method includes positioning a post sleeve core within the post hole with the aid of an elongate installation member and depositing uncured material into the post hole to at least partially surround the post sleeve core while the post sleeve core is attached to the elongate installation member. The method further includes allowing the uncured material to harden around the post sleeve core to form at least a portion of the post-receiving cavity of the post sleeve and removing the post sleeve core from the hardened material to expose the post receiving cavity to receive and support the post. Other related methods of forming post sleeves are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20150128507
    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: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8966837
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20150053905
    Abstract: A post cap assembly for covering an upper end of a post is provided. The post cap assembly may include a post cap body having an internal post cavity that is sized and shaped to receive the upper end of the post and having a topper receiving aperture extending at least partially through the post cap body. An interchangeable topper may be positioned within the topper receiving aperture and projecting from the top side of the post cap body. Other post caps and related systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20140331465
    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: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20140259672
    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: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8820007
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation assembly includes: an elastomeric sleeve core shaped to form a post sleeve when positioned in uncured concrete, a removable stiffener inside the core, an aperture extending lengthwise in the stiffener, a locking element positioned within the core, and an assembly plate coupled to the stiffener. The assembly plate clamps to a prefabricated sleeve element, with the core and stiffener positioned within a post cavity of the sleeve element. an installation stake is positioned in the aperture and prevented from sliding upwards by the locking element. A release point on the assembly plate permits an operator to release the locking element for removal of the stake. To install a post sleeve, the operator positions the installation assembly, clamped to a prefabricated sleeve element, in a post hole with the stake resting on the bottom, then fills the hole with concrete, manipulating the stake to position the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20140182238
    Abstract: A method of forming a post sleeve within a post hole in the ground to include a post receiving cavity to insertably receive and support a post is provided. The method includes positioning a post sleeve core within the post hole with the aid of an elongate installation member and depositing uncured material into the post hole to at least partially surround the post sleeve core while the post sleeve core is attached to the elongate installation member. The method further includes allowing the uncured material to harden around the post sleeve core to form at least a portion of the post-receiving cavity of the post sleeve and removing the post sleeve core from the hardened material to expose the post receiving cavity to receive and support the post. Other related methods of forming post sleeves are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: D723189
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: D726343
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: D758611
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen