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: 8756824
    Abstract: A system for positioning post sleeves is provided including a pair 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 methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20130239423
    Abstract: A system for positioning post sleeves is provided including a pair 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 methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20130227911
    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: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20130212966
    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: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20130212958
    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: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8453342
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device is used to install post sleeves at selected positions and orientations to support the fence posts of a fence. Data, such as relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of the post sleeves is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. A consumer views a rendering of the fence and selects a fence design on a web site or at a retail location. A manufacturer obtains the collected data and the consumer-selected design, and fabricates the fence panels accordingly. The panels are then transported to the fence location and installed on the fence posts. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20130061555
    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: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20130035907
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device is used to install post sleeves at selected positions and orientations to support the fence posts of a fence. Data, such as relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of the post sleeves is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. A consumer views a rendering of the fence and selects a fence design on a web site or at a retail location. A manufacturer obtains the collected data and the consumer-selected design, and fabricates the fence panels accordingly. The panels are then transported to the fence location and installed on the fence posts. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8307565
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device is used to install post sleeves at selected positions and orientations to support the fence posts of a fence. Data, such as relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of the post sleeves is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. A consumer views a rendering of the fence and selects a fence design on a web site or at a retail location. A manufacturer obtains the collected data and the consumer-selected design, and fabricates the fence panels accordingly. The panels are then transported to the fence location and installed on the fence posts. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20120124800
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device is used to install post sleeves at selected positions and orientations to support the fence posts of a fence. Data, such as relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of the post sleeves is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. A consumer views a rendering of the fence and selects a fence design on a web site or at a retail location. A manufacturer obtains the collected data and the consumer-selected design, and fabricates the fence panels accordingly. The panels are then transported to the fence location and installed on the fence posts. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8109006
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20110278423
    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: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8052106
    Abstract: A folding workbench includes a rectangular benchtop frame and first and second leg assemblies pivotably coupled to the frame. Each leg assembly includes first and second legs coupled to respective side rails of the frame, the leg assembly rotatable between a folded position, in which the leg assembly lies substantially within the benchtop frame, and an open position in which the leg assembly extends from the benchtop frame at about a 90 degree angle. Each leg assembly includes a shelf bracket extending between the first and second legs, with a notch extending lengthwise in the shelf bracket. With the leg assemblies in their open positions, a shelf assembly extends between and engages the notches of the shelf brackets, preventing rotation of the leg assemblies away from their open positions. Ends of the legs can be shaped to bind against the frame at selected positions, to provide detents to hold the leg assemblies in their folded or open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20110252658
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8011149
    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: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 7966740
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20110098969
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 7861434
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20100277290
    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: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20100229415
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen