Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is a shape-sustaining support member having an open upper end, an open lower end anda peripheral side wall defining an internal chamber extending between the open upper end and the lower end. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material to form a decorative cover and the decorative cover cooperates with the shape-sustaining support member to define a resevoir for confining a liquid, a securing element secures the decorative cover about the shape-sustaining support member and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A double-walled container having a bottom wall, an exterior wall, and an interior wall disposed in concentric relation to the exterior wall. The bottom wall, the exterior wall, and the interior wall define a liquid fluid-holding reservoir. An annular top wall interconnects the exterior wall and the interior wall at their respective uppermost rims. A fill opening formed in the top wall enables introduction of liquid fluid into the liquid fluid-holding reservoir. The interior wall and the bottom wall define a soil or liquid fluid-holding space. A flow control valve extends through a first opening formed in the exterior wall and a second opening formed in the interior wall. Liquid fluid in the liquid fluid-holding reservoir is introduced into fluid communication with soil in the soil-holding space by opening the flow control valve. In another embodiment, a flask is retrofit into a single-walled container.

Abstract: A plurality of strips are releasably interconnected to a support bar as an assembly for mounting a shutter within a window frame. Male and female connectors such as tongue and groove or pin and socket connectors interconnect the strips to one another and to the support bar. The strips, located between the bar and the window frame, may be manually added or removed from the support bar by transverse motion individually with a low force to adjust the width of the shutter mounting assembly to fit the shutter to window frames of various widths without need for tools.

Abstract: A sliding structure, includes a frame, at least one sliding sash received in the frame, with the sliding sash having upper and lower locking bars. An actuating mechanism is provided for moving the upper and lower locking bars of the sliding sash in opposite directions, to thereby allow attachment of the sliding sash to the frame at several positions.

Abstract: A kennel door apparatus for selectively “opening” and “closing” a kennel door, the kennel door is sized to cover an opening located in a kennel wall between a kennel pen and a common kennel area for selective access thereto. A door opening attachment may be used to cover the opening in the kennel wall. The kennel door apparatus is adapted for horizontal and vertical sliding door actuation. First and second opposing channel guides are secured to opposing sides of a protective panel. A sliding door is slidably received between the wall confronting side and the panel side of the opposing channel guides. The opposing channel guides are secured about an opening in the kennel wall, and at least one cable is used to pull the sliding door between “open” and “closed” positions. A weather strip is secured to the sliding door between the opposing channel guides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vertical slider window system which integrates fixed panes and one and more sliding panes into an integrated unit that is easier to handle and install in an opening of a vehicle (such as the rear window or backlite of a pickup truck or similar style light truck vehicle) and, further, which seals the sliding pane.

Abstract: A sliding door closer assembly including an elongated anchor bracket that is attached to a wall section above the trailing edge of a sliding door. One end of a spring is attached to the anchor bracket at a selected point along the length thereof, and the opposite end of the spring is attached to the leading edge of the sliding door. Upon opening the sliding door, the spring is tensioned between the stationary anchor bracket and the advancing edge of the sliding door, and upon release of the sliding door, the tensioned spring pulls the sliding door back into the closed position as the spring returns to the non-tensioned configuration.

Abstract: A reinforcement assembly for reinforcing a door and door jamb in the vicinity of a door lock aperture in a door frame comprising a wedge shaped rigid plate attached to an inner surface of the door jamb so that the plate is concealed from view. The plate has at least one aperture for receiving the latch and at least one flute along the face of the width of the plate allowing epoxy to be placed between the plate and the door jamb. A U shaped member fit within the free end of a door so that the member is substantially flush with the surface of the free end of the door and concealed from view from the front and the back face of the door. The U shaped member has at least one aperture to allow the latch to pass through the member.

Abstract: An illuminated safety or security gate having an optional audible alarm device. The gate includes an electrically operated light adapted to illuminate the gate directly, to project a visible signal away from the gate, or both. The gate includes an electrical system having a power source to supply power, controls, and conductors connecting the light, power source, and controls. Optionally, the controls include a programmable timer, a light-sensitive (photo-electric) controller or a motion sensor to control operation of the light, and a manual switch which controls intensity of the light. Additionally, the motion sensor controls both the light and the audible alarm. The various controls may be combined if desired. A remote controller is optionally provided.

Abstract: A physical barrier for sealing an orifice in a panel member is disclosed. The physical barrier includes a carrier that has one or more locating pins mounted on it. The pins are adapted to locate the carrier in the orifice. The physical barrier also includes a sealing material attached to the carrier. A method of installing the physical barrier into an orifice of a panel member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flashing for sealing about a roof penetration includes a first sheet having a first edge. The first sheet includes a substantially planar portion and a portion that is inclined with respect to the planar portion. The inclined portion has a recess open at the first edge. A second sheet has a first edge. The second sheet includes a substantially planar portion and a portion that is inclined with respect to the planar portion. The inclined portion has a recess open at the first edge.

Abstract: A composite roof form includes first, second and third upright building walls laterally connected to define an interior building space, wall upper end segments of the at least a first upright building wall, a second upright building wall and a third upright building wall; the interior building space containing a building floor; an abutment beam and a laterally adjacent roof support beam defining a recessed horizontal lip portion facing the second wall, the beam upper segment defining a fourth roof form side wall; and a roof form support structure comprising at least one support leg extending from the building floor upwardly along the opposing wall to substantially the bottom of opposing second wall upper end segment and including a support panel having a panel connected end joined to the support leg and a panel engaging end with a panel upper surface and with a lip portion engaging structure resting on and supported by the lip portion, so that the panel upper surface extends along the bottom of the wall upper

Abstract: A wall structure comprising a plurality of columns of preformed, lightweight, stacked blocks, with the columns of blocks connected to each other by a plurality of elongated, vertically oriented, support beams. Preferably, the wall structure is operatively connected to a structure by one or more brackets. Each bracket includes a wall engaging portion and a structure engaging portion, and is configured and arranged to allow constrained movement of the wall structure in a predetermined direction. Preferably, the bracket is positioned such that the wall engaging portion is collaterally aligned with the longitudinal axis of a support beam so that one surface of the wall engaging portion is in a confronting relation therewith and an opposing surface of the wall engaging portion is in a confronting relation with a block.

Abstract: A foundation protector for a foundation wall prevents moisture being retained in the foundation wall and also provides drainage for surface water so that water does not rest against the surface of the foundation wall. The foundation protector has a smooth exterior surface so that it remains attached to the foundation if earth subsidence occurs. The foundation protector includes a waterproof dimpled sheet with spaced-apart protrusions and an outer waterproof membrane which covers recesses formed by the protrusions and provides a substantially smooth exterior surface.

Abstract: A pipe boot having a vertical portion adapted to surround a predetermined portion of the pipe to be covered, the vertical portion having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end has a top opening and wherein the bottom end has a bottom opening; a base portion, wherein the base portion is connected to a bottom edge of the vertical portion and wherein the vertical portion extends substantially in the vertical direction when the base portion resides on the roof. It is also preferred that the bottom opening of the boot be adapted to accept a pipe to be covered. The pipe boot may also be open to allow installation on existing pipes. In the preferred embodiment, the top end of the vertical portion has a slit, the slit running vertically down a predetermined distance of the vertical portion of the boot and wherein the slit allows the top opening of the vertical portion to be adjusted in size to fit around the pipe to be covered.

Abstract: In a glazing beam system comprising a glazing beam and upper and lower cappings locatable on the glazing beam, and end cap system comprises an end cap, which is mountable on an end of the glazing beam, via a bracket securable to the glazing beam end. After the bracket and the end cap are formed integrally, the bracket is separable from the end cap for attaching to the glazing beam.

Abstract: The present invention is an accommodation for traveler's providing an inexpensive and safe option for respite while on a journey, comprising a building including a series of connected exterior walls defining a footprint of the building. The building includes a common interior hallway located adjacent at least one of the building's exterior walls. At least one door located in the building's exterior walls allows entrance into the building and more particularly into the building's common interior hallway. The building includes a plurality of rooms, each room having a door for entrance into the room from the common interior hallway. Each room's door is lockable from the inside by the traveler renting the room. Further, the rooms are arranged and constructed to accommodate at least one recliner chair, but no bed. The present invention further includes at least one bathroom in the building having a door with an inside lock.

Abstract: A corner bead includes an elongated strip of plastic material with a central arcuate nose and a pair of flanges extending outwardly from the nose. The outward faces of the flanges have knurling formed thereon, to retain joint compound in place during dressing of the corner. In the preferred form of the invention, the knurling is in the form of diamond-shaped depressions formed uniformly across the length and width of the flange outward faces. The method of forming the knurled surface in the bead includes the step of forming separate depressions in an outer face of a flange of the bead immediately after the extrusion process, prior to the material cooling.

Abstract: As extruded from a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride, a drywall-trimming strip has a central portion, which has a bullnose region and two planar regions, one at each side of the bullnose portion. Further, the drywall-trimming strip has two lateral flanges, each of which is joined unitarily to the bullnose portion by a stepped junction. The bullnose region has an exterior radius of 0.350 inch approximately. Each planar region has a width of 0.217 inch approximately, as measured in a plane normal to an axis defined by the bullnose region. Each junction has a measurement of 0.095 approximately, as measured between a plane defined by the exterior surface of the bullnose portion and a plane defined by the interior surface of the flange at such junction. Having a thickness of 0.055 inch approximately, the strip is adapted to fit along an elongate corner defined by two drywall panels, each of which has a thickness not less than 0.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of joists. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a joist rim having a web and first and second rim legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the web. The apparatus may also include a plurality of joist attachment tabs integrally formed in the web. Each of the joist attachment tabs may extend from the web at an angle relative to the web and form a corresponding opening in the web. The apparatus may include at least two reinforcing ribs between at least two adjacent openings. In another embodiment the apparatus may include joist locator tabs not attached to the joists.

Abstract: A protective stake cover for covering the top of a metal stake. The stake cover is designed to prevent injury should someone fall and accidentally hit the top of the cover when working or playing near the stake. The stake cover includes an elongated split housing having a first housing half releasably attached to a second housing half. The split housing is adapted for receipt around an upper portion of a metal stake having a “T” shaped cross section. The split housing, when the first and second half are joined together, includes an exterior with a rounded top portion, a center portion and a lower portion. The lower portion has a groove therearound for receiving one end of a rope used in holding a tree, bush, plant or other item in an upright position. The inside of the first and second housing halves include an elongated channel with an “L” shaped cross section contoured for receiving one half of the upper portion of the metal stake.

Abstract: Laminated materials having decorative motifs and surface textures that are mechanically embossed-in-registration, and that include locking mechanisms. Those locking mechanically are located such that they enable formation of embossed-in-register laminate systems in which the embossed-in-registration continues across connecting joints.

Abstract: A corner form for forming concrete having panels connected by a plurality of tie brackets. Each panel comprises a short led and a long leg. The exterior panel has an eighteen inch long, and a thirty inch long leg. The panels have projections formed in the upper surface and corresponding, vertically aligned notches formed in the lower surface. The projections and notches receivingly cooperate to interlock with one another and vertically align the tie brackets. The corner forms are configured such that the long and the short legs enable alternating, overlapping projections of succeeding courses. The tie brackets, each having perpendicularly arranged flat plates extending the full height of the form, are spaced apart twelve inches on centers, measured from the corner edge of the exterior panel. A vertical bracket is optionally embedded in the corner of the exterior panel. The combination of the above inventive features constitute the novel corner form.

Abstract: Decking including a profiled panel having a plurality of open-faced spaced ribs attached to a plurality of respective connecting sections. Each of the ribs defines a recessed area. A panel is received within each of the recessed areas and attached to the profiled panel defining a cavity. Each cavity is defined by at least a portion of the rib and the panel, respectively. The cavity is adapted to receive a tip of a fastener passing through the rib. The fastener is used to secure roofing material to an upper surface of the decking when used to form a roof.

Abstract: A panel pet door is an insert into a sliding glass door and has a panel door frame and a movable door flap assembly mounted on the panel door frame. The door flap assembly can slide vertically on the panel door frame along tracks in the vertical stiles of the panel door frame. A plurality of riser spacer panels are also mounted on the panel door frame and are also vertically slidable on the frame via the vertical tracks. The door flap assembly and spacers are selectively removable and replaceable to effect a change in the rise of the door flap assembly and the height of the door flap assembly.

Abstract: End portions of face plates 111 and 112 of a frame member 110 are connected by a rib 116A. To protrusion chips 117b1 and 117b2 end portions of face plates 101 and 102 of another frame member 100 are overlapped. The corners between the rib 116A and the rear faces of the face plates 111 and 112 are in the form of a convex circular arc 131 which protrudes into a hollow portion 119 of the frame member 110. Both end portions of the circular arc 131b1 are connected to the rib 116A and the face plates 111 and 112 by two smooth recessed circular arcs 132b1 and 133b1. Accordingly, since a flow-out of metal does not occur from this portion, the cross-section can be small and a light weight structure an be obtained. A structural body formed of hollow frame members which are joined by friction stir welding provides a light weight structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to modular building blocks with the minimal possible number of types which can be used for construction of buildings or other structures. The block has cellular structure defined by though openings made in the block body. The number of cells depends on the number of through holes. Each block has an upper and inner insert made of a heat/cold-insulation material and inserted into through openings of the hollow block. The inserts, in turn, have though holes and recesses arranged so that after the blocks with inserts are assembled into a building or a structure, the openings and the recesses in the inserts form a continuous lattice-like space suitable for pouring concrete or another hardenable material which after curing form a load-carrying lattice-like framework of the building or the structure. Thus, the inserts are used as formwork elements for pouring the concrete.

Abstract: A reinforcement includes two parallel walls formed with braces arranged along two orthogonal directions, the walls being spaced apart by tie rods. The structure further includes on at least one of its formwork surfaces a permeable structure for retaining aggregate and allowing excess water of cast concrete to escape. According to the invention, at least one of the parallel walls includes two mutually independent grates, one the grates being associated with the other wall by a first set of tie rods, and the other of the grates being associated with the other wall by a second set of tie rods, independent of the first set. When the grates are displaced in opposite directions along an axis parallel to the plane of the grates, the spacing between the walls is modified.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reinforcing an opening in a support member such as a joist.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a post-style poultry house to a clear span style poultry house. The apparatus includes a truss assembly including a center truss section adapted to be mounted to the roof beams and first and second outer truss sections adapted to be secured to the center truss section. The trusses are installed without the removal of the roof and without removal of the drinker and feeder equipment of the existing post-style poultry house. In installing the trusses, first the center sections of the trusses are attached to the roof beams and then the upper ends of the outer sections are attached to the center sections. Then the lower ends of the outer sections of the trusses are secured to the poultry house footers. Once the truss sections are all secured to each other and secured to the footers, the posts are cut away and removed.

Abstract: A method of installing differently colored roofing shingles to create the appearance of a substantially random colored pattern. The method includes the selection of at least two colors of roofing shingles. The shingles are installed in a plurality of rows on a roofing substrate in a repetitive pattern. Advantageously, the method creates a visually aesthetic roof at a desirably low cost.

Abstract: A drug packaging system including a bag supply unit (A) for printing injection drug information on bags and feeding the bags, a drug feed unit (B) for putting drugs specified the doctors' orders into each of the bags (206) received from the bag supply unit (A), and a packaging unit for putting the bags (206) into a bucket (209). The packaging unit includes a bed (230) for supporting bags, a mouth-opening means (231, 232) for opening the mouth of the bag on the bed, and a chute (233) through which drugs are fed into the bag on the bed through the bag mouth. The bed (230) is pivotable between a position for putting drugs into the bag and a position for dispensing the bag.

Abstract: A packaging machine for making substantially air-tight bags at high speed. The machine includes a film drive and pinch roll pair, a pair of film pull belts, and a pair of zipper drive rollers for pulling plastic film and zippered strip through the machine. The machine can produce recloseable bags with zipperlocks by including zippered strips and a zipperlock applicator and feed and apparatus selectively releasing the tension from the zippered drive rollers.

Abstract: An elevator device in a machine for forming packs of rolls includes an auxiliary plate member, situated between wrapping sheet folders and a constraining plate of a conveying line. The auxiliary plate member moves vertically between a lower end position near and above the folders, and an upper end position in alignment with the constraining plate. When an elevation plate is raised to push a group of rolls partially wrapped with a wrapping sheet against the constraining plate, the auxiliary plate member keeps the rolls and the sheet firm and is moved synchronously with the plate thus carrying the group of rolls and the sheet upwards until they are received within holding means of a conveying line.

Abstract: Packs of rod-shaped smokers' products comprise containers of a material which permits monitoring of their contents by a suitable detector serving to generate signals which indicate the presence of characteristic indicia on one or more packed smokers' products. Such signals are encoded and the encoded information is applied to the respective containers. The information can be decoded and compared with signals furnished by the detector in order to ascertain whether or not the smokers' products are genuine, i.e., made by the manufacurer whose trademark(s) and/or other identifying information appear or appears on the containers.

Abstract: A separable laminated container (A) of the present invention comprises an outer layer (1) made of synthetic resin and having an air suction hole (10) and an inner layer (2) made of synthetic resin and separably laminated on the inside of the outer layer, the inner layer having a portion previously separated from the outer layer just around the air suction hole. The air suction hole can be formed by driving a punch into the outer layer at a neck (4) of the separable laminated container from the outside, and punching just the outer layer leaving the inner layer behind. The portion of the inner layer previously separated from the outer layer may be left in the inwardly extended state. The inner layer is preferably made of synthetic resin having flexural modules of less than 10,000 kg/cm2.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: An advertising arrangement applicable to laminar strips of plastic material for shrink-wrapping and protecting luggage, which consists of incorporating inside the tunnel (3) of a machine for protecting luggage means for positioning labels (5) and (5′) of any shape considered appropriate, provided with means for fixing in the central area of the luggage (9). The labels to be incorporated or the similar means are made up of a spool (6) and (6′) situated in the upper part and tensioned in the lower part by appropriate means (7) and (7′). The luggage (9) exits by means of a conveyor or roller belt (4′).

Abstract: A humane horse headgear having one or more portions, encircling and conforming to a horse's head, constructed, in whole or in part, of a resilient material, preferably exhibiting elastic properties, softness and conformability to the horse's head at one or more pressure points on the horse's head. A contoured crown piece and a curb device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An equine saddletree has increased strength and minimal torquing due to the alternation of the multiple wood layers with layers of graphite. The interior graphite layers consist of at least one layer of woven graphite sheet material having a warp and fill and extending from the cantle to the pommel. The woven graphite sheet placement on the wood layer defines whether the wood layer is considered a parallel or an angled layer. The parallel and angled graphite layers are alternated to form the saddletree. Additionally, each of the graphite layers has at least one strip of graphite tape covering the pommel, approximately perpendicular to the sidebars. Strips of graphite tape extend diagonally, in alternating directions, along each length of both the first surface and the second surface to prevent torque. A second layer of graphite tape pommel strips is applied to both the first and second surfaces covering at least a portion of the pommel.

Abstract: A crop lifter for harvesting machine reaping systems with reaping fingers (2). The crop lifter (2) has a support bar (6). An attachment element (10) is mounted on, and connected to the support bar (6). The attachment element (10) retains the crop lifter on the reaping finger (2) in different alignment positions. The attachment element (10) comprises a holding element (11) with two distanced legs (12). The tip of the reaping finger (2) can be inserted between the legs (12). A retaining lever (16) is supported between the two legs (12) on a pivot pin (15). The retaining lever (16) has a first lever arm (17) with an adjusting screw (20). The adjustment screw (20) can be brought into contact with the upper side of the reaping finger (2). A second lever arm (18) of the retaining lever (16) has two retaining faces (24, 24a). A retaining element, in the form of a leaf spring (25) has a front face (26).

Abstract: A vibratory shaker for mounting on a crop harvester framework for removing crops from vines, bushes, and trees has a crop foliage engaging brush that is driven directly about a brush rotation axis by a brush driving motor. The crop foliage engaging brush and the brush driving motor are supported for rotation on the crop harvester framework. The power for driving the brush driving motor is controlled to provide oscillatory motion subject to operator controlled frequency, amplitude and oscillatory wave shape.

Abstract: In a spinning position of a spinning machine a longitudinal fibre array first is refined in a drafting process, and the refined fibre array then is subject to a twist imparting process, and is taken off the twist-imparting zone as a yarn. In case of an interruption of the spinning process, the intake into the refinement zone is stopped before the delivery from the refining zone is stopped in such a manner that the longitudinal fibre array is severed between the intake and the delivery zones forming a free front end zone. The free end of the yarn, generated by the interruption of the spinning process, is treated in such a manner that a yarn end zone is tapered and is positioned upstream from the twist imparting zone. When the spinning process is resumed, the movements of the yarn end zone and of the fibre array front end zone for imparting twist are coordinated in time sequence in such a manner that these two zones overlap as they are subject to the twist imparting process.

Abstract: An opening cylinder (1) for an open-end spinning device with a detachably fixed opening ring (2) which can be fixed by a torque-free rapid tension device (7) in a readily replaceable manner on a rotatably supported structural component of an opening cylinder (1) driven by an opening cylinder drive (4).

Abstract: A gas turbine (5) according to the invention, which comprises a main combustion chamber (10), a cooling system for air cooling of at least the guide vanes (26, 29) and guide rings (28, 38) of various stages (25, 27) of the gas turbine (5), and a main gas passage, also includes a further combustion chamber (34), which is arranged downstream of the main combustion chamber (10) as seen in the hot-gas main direction (H). The cooling air (15) used to cool a stage (25) of the gas turbine which is arranged upstream of the further combustion chamber (34) is fed into this further combustion chamber (34). In this context, it is particularly advantageous for the cooling air (15) used to cool the various stages (25, 27) of the gas turbine (5) to be fed for combustion. This makes it possible, inter alia, to increase the output of the gas turbine (5) without having to increase the supply of fuel.

Abstract: A gaseous-fuel rocket engine in which an expanding oxidizer driven turbine or electric motor drives the an axial gaseous-fuel turbine compressor. The oxidizer is subsequently injected into a gaseous-fuel duct surrounding the axial gaseous-fuel compressor and defining a gaseous-fuel path having an inlet. The gaseous-fuel and oxygen mixture is ignited and the burned gases are expanded through a converging-diverging exhaust nozzle.

Abstract: Insulation for a rocket motor is provided, as is a method for insulating a rocket motor. The insulation includes a cured elastomer and vapor-grown carbon fibers dispersed in the cured elastomer. The cured elastomer is preferably formed from a precursor composition comprising an EPDM terpolymer. Generally, the vapor-grown carbon fibers have an internal graphitized tube surrounded by a sheath of vapor-deposited amorphous carbon.

Abstract: The reference valve timing for an intake valve and an exhaust valve are set based on operating conditions such as an engine load, an engine rotation speed and the like. A cold state of the engine is detected, and when an air-fuel ratio is set to lean during the cold state, the valve timing of the intake and exhaust valves are controlled so that the opening timing of the exhaust valve is retarded with respect to the reference valve timing while reducing a valve overlap amount.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for closed-loop monitoring of temperature within a vehicle emission control device to control air-fuel ratio (AFR) and corresponding production of exotherm to accurately maintain a desired temperature range. A temperature sensor is positioned within the emission control device to provide a direct measurement of temperature within the device. Inlet temperature can be either directly measured or estimated using a temperature model. Actual temperature within the device is estimated as a function of the inlet and measured temperatures. The estimated actual temperature is used to modify the AFR in the exhaust gases flowing through the emission control device.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine provided with a NOx trap catalyst which is disposed in an exhaust gas passageway and arranged to trap NOx when the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing to the NOx trap catalyst is lean and to release and reduce trapped NOx when the air-fuel ratio is rich. The air-fuel ratio control system comprises a sensor for detecting an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas in the exhaust gas passageway downstream of the NOx trap catalyst. Additionally, a control circuit is provided and configured to cause the engine to operate at a rich air-fuel ratio to accomplish a rich air-fuel ratio engine operation after an engine operation at a lean air-fuel ratio, and continue the rich air-fuel ratio engine operation for a duration even after the sensor has detected that the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas is rich.