Abstract: The substrate drying apparatus has a substrate processing vessel 1, a substrate supporting section for supporting plural substrates 2 in a standing condition and lined up condition in the interior of the substrate processing vessel 1, fluid reservoir section 3 for drying provided at an upward predetermined position of the substrate processing vessel 1, a first inert gas supplying section 4 for blowing inert gas against the drying fluid 6 pooled in the fluid reservoir section 3 for drying so as to generate droplet of the drying fluid, and for guiding the droplet towards the center of the substrate processing vessel 1, and a second inert gas supplying section 5 for supplying inert gas vertically and downwardly so as to supply the generated droplet of the drying fluid towards the substrates 2, consequently safety is improved without providing special safety device, and sufficient amount of drying fluid is supplied to the dipping boundary face of the substrate and the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: In the dry clearing machine, a common refrigerator is used for both the solvent cooler and the drying cooler, and the coolant compressed and liquefied in the refrigerator is supplied either one of the heat exchanger of the solvent cooler or that of the drying cooler, depending on the state of a switch. In the heat exchanger selected by the switch, the coolant is supplied and the solvent or the air is cooled when the coolant evaporates. That is, only the cooler selected by the switch works, but the other cooler not selected by the switch does not work. While the laundry is washed, normally, it is not necessary to supply air to the outer tub through the air path, and the drying cooler need not be operated. Thus, in the process of washing, the solvent is adequately cooled because an enough amount of coolant is supplied to the solvent cooler, and the temperature rise of the solvent is prevented.

Abstract: A manually operated vehicle blow-drying device having a swingable overhead boom and an air supply hose extending down from a distal end of the boom.

Abstract: A shoe with permeable/breathable upper that covers, at least partially, an impermeable breathable sole, comprising a sole layer made of rubber connected internally to a wraparound upper made of synthetic or natural leather, the sole layer having nubs that pass through holes of the upper to constitute a tread, at least some of the nubs having at least one through hole, a breathable or perforated protective layer, a membrane permeable to vapor and impermeable to water and a breathable or perforated insole or anatomical inner sole being arranged in succession from below, at least at the holes of the nubs, above the sole layer, the protective layer and the membrane having edges substantially adjacent and joined hermetically to the sole layer and to the inner sole.

Abstract: Footwear, in the category of a sandal, and which may include a thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal, wherein one side or the other of a tongue, upper vamp, or sandal strap may be adhered to an upper part of the sandal sole, or its vamp or cross strap, so that one side of the sandal strap structure may be displayed during its wearing, and can be turned to expose its opposite surface for varying the styling of the worn sandal. The tongue, upper vamp, or strap may be secured by a fastening device, such as a swivel, that allows for turning of these components to expose a selected surface in order to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the worn sandal.

Abstract: A shoe cleat with improved traction includes a hub with an exposed surface facing away from the shoe sole when the cleat is secured to the shoe, at least one traction element extending from the hub in a direction away from the exposed surface of the hub, and a cleat connector extending from a surface of the hub opposing the exposed surface and securable within a receptacle of the shoe. The cleat connector is positioned on the hub such that the radial distance defined between the hub perimeter and a central axis of the cleat connector differs at varying locations along the hub perimeter in order to facilitate different orientations of the hub with respect to the shoe sole when the cleat is secured to the shoe.

Abstract: A snow removal system (100) for melting snow into water includes a container (110) having a storage chamber (124) adapted to store snow and a predetermined amount of water (114). The snow removal system also includes a heating assembly (104) at least partially disposed in the storage chamber and adapted to heat water stored in the storage chamber to a selected temperature. The snow removal system further includes a mixing system (106) adapted to pressurize water and discharge the pressurized water through at least one nozzle (168). The nozzle is oriented to direct the pressurized water into the storage chamber. A method of snow removal whereby the snow removal system (100) is used to mix snow with heated water by spraying of pressurized water.

Abstract: A display panel, for example an advertising panel, for use on an external surface of a vehicle is described. The display panel comprises a substantially non-permeable flexible sheet and is removably fastened to the vehicle around the around the majority of the perimeter of the flexible sheet. An adapted vehicle, a vehicle and panel assembly, and a method of application are also described. In one embodiment, the fastening material is provided with strategically placed gaps to act as fluid outlets.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying indicia and securing an object to a support includes a body member that defines an indicia bearing surface and a resilient hoop member that normally extends around an object. The body member includes a cup segment that defines a cavity and a plug segment that extends into the cavity of the cup segment. The resilient hoop member extends between the cup member and the plug member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laminating frame employing a partial hologram, in which a photograph or picture is placed. The laminating frame includes a first laminating film of a desired dimension; a backing sheet adhered to the first laminating film and having a dimension slightly less than that of the laminating film; a partial hologram film disposed on the backing sheet and having a rim adhered to the first laminating film and a transparent window of a dimension slightly less than that of the backing sheet, wherein the transparent window is patterned with a plurality of dotted-hologram pixels and the rim is patterned on the upper and lower surfaces of the rim with a plurality of deeply colored hologram pixels; and a second laminating film adhered to the partial hologram film.

Abstract: The variable weight diamond jig fishing lure has a jig body with an elongated diamond shape, having a greater length than width, with eyes formed into the opposing longitudinal ends for attachment to a fishing line and a fishhook, respectively. The jig body is formed from two symmetrical plates having their central portions stamped, molded, or otherwise formed outward to form a central chamber or cavity for receiving a weight or ballast. Slots are formed in the plates between the cavity and the eye. A lock plate having an eye defined in one end and a lock tab attached by a tang depending from the opposite end are inserted through the slots and rotated to lock opposing ends of the jig body together.

Abstract: A support for a trap, a combination thereof and a method of supporting a trap are disclosed. The support provides a mechanism for more stable support of a trap such that the chance of premature activation is greatly reduced, and increases trap activation speed. Since the support is not trap-size specific, it is capable of use with practically any body-gripping trap regardless of size. The support is also operational on any terrain including land, water or manmade structures, e.g., concrete bridge abutments or culvert pipes.

Abstract: A decorative flower stand includes a decorative plate and one or more vases. The decorative plate is bored with at least one insert groove and each vase has its outer wall provided with an engage block to be fitted with the insert groove to fix the vase on the decorative plate. The decorative plate has its rear side provided with fastening members, such as screws, magnets, sucking disks, magic blankets or two-sided adhesive tapes so that the decorative plate can be assembled on the stationary surface of a certain location where people wish to place fresh flowers, such as the faceplate of a cinerary cabinet, the surface of a wall, the surface of a refrigerator or the glossy surface of a piece of furniture and glass, and the vase has fresh flower set therein, having an effect of beautifying the interior of a house.

Abstract: A panel (10) for use as a side wall of a plant growth container is disclosed. In one embodiment the panel (10) comprises an elongate cuspated sheet (11) having apertures formed in at least some of the outwardly projecting cusps to facilitate air root pruning of the root structure of a plant grown within the container. The sheet (11) includes a non-cuspated edge section (12), the non-cuspated edge section (12) being co-operable with a complementary edge section (13) of the same sheet (11) or of an adjacent sheet. The co-operable edge sections (12, 13) form a guideway for holding means (32), the holding means (32) passing along the guideway releasably hold the edge sections (12, 13) in use form a side wall of the container. A plant growth container having at least one panel (10) as described is also disclosed.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping which includes a floral holding material and a sheet of fluid impermeable material disposed about the floral holding material. The floral holding material is a preformed shape-sustaining support member which is moveable between an expanded condition and a flattened condition. In the expanded condition the preformed shape-sustaining support member as an open upper end, an open lower end, a peripheral sidewall defining an internal chamber extending between the open upper end and the open lower end thereof and a groove disposed circumferentially about the peripheral sidewall. The peripheral sidewall is provided with creases to facilitate movement of the preformed shape-sustaining support member between the expanding condition and the flattened condition.

Abstract: A power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor. A bracket is guided within a guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide and connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the door. The translator mechanism can include a rotatable hub, operably engageable with the drive member, a gear transmission for driving the hub, and a clutch mechanism for connecting the motor to the transmission. The translator mechanism preferably has sufficient power to pull the sliding door into a primary latch position with respect to the corresponding portions of a latch mechanism attached to the door and frame defining the door opening.

Abstract: The leaf guard for gutters is an elongated sheet of enamel coated aluminum adapted to fit over the rain gutter on a house in a manner that directs water flow from the roof into the gutter while preventing leaves and other debris from entering the gutter. In a first embodiment, the guard is formed into a planar section that is secured to a roof, a curved nose section extending from the planar section, a trough under the curved section and a cornered lip extending from the trough to secure the device to the outer rim of a gutter. In a second embodiment, the guard is formed into a planar section, an inwardly bent connection section that is connected to the inner rim of a gutter, and a curved nose section that hangs over the outer rim of the gutter. The guard also has rows of elongated slits in the planar section that permit some water to drip through to prevent bees and other insects from nesting beneath the device.

Abstract: A storage shed for attaching to the railing at the edge of a deck, such shed having an enclosure assembly mounted on the deck railing while being held in place by doors. The shed preserves deck floor space by hanging principally within and on the outside of the deck railing, and provides a stable storage container that may securely hold a variety of items. The shed can be finished to match the deck or the building to which the deck is attached. A plurality of shelves, hooks, drawers, pegboard, hangers, and partitions within the shed can be arranged for convenient storage of a variety of items.

Abstract: There is provided a framework for a construction enclosure system comprising a plurality of brackets, a plurality of rigid elongated frame members, and a plurality of reinforcement members. The brackets are adapted to be attached to a structure under construction. The frame members are adapted to be retained by the brackets in a desired spatial relationship with an outer face of the structure. The frame members are adapted to retain one or more sheet-like enclosure panels. The reinforcement members are adapted to be secured against respective frame members to increase the rigidity of such frame members. One embodiment of the invention provides a frame member comprising a pair of elongated bodies adapted to be retained in a mated configuration to cooperatively define first and second channels therebetween, wherein each channel is adapted to retain one edge portion of a sheet-like enclosure panel.

Abstract: A cremated remains holder and marker combination device includes a panel having a top side and a bottom side. The panel has at least one opening extending through the top and bottom sides. Indicia are selectively engraved in the top side for identifying cremated remains. At least one receptacle includes a bottom wall and a peripheral wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge attached to and extending along a length of a perimeter edge of the at least one opening. The receptacle is adjacent to the bottom side of the panel and defines a receiving device for receiving cremated remains. A plate is positionable over the at least one opening and is removably attached to the panel for selectively closing the at least one opening.

Abstract: An elongated truss boom structure is adapted to be flattened and coiled to a stowed configuration. The truss boom includes longerons, battens, and diagonals. A fixed ladder shaped structure is formed by a plurality of fixedly coupled battens which interconnect two adjacent longerons. The truss boom is flattened for stowage by arranging all of the longerons coplanar to the plane of the fixed ladder shaped structure. The longerons preferably have a corrugated cross section. For stowage the longeron is heated and compressed into a ribbon shaped cross section, and upon deployment the longeron is heated to restore its corrugated cross section. A mechanical assembly machine includes a drum, a stowed flattened truss boom rolled into a coil around the drum, a device for unrolling the coil, an actuating and locking mechanism, and a control arm which connects the actuating and locking mechanism to the drum.

Abstract: A waterproofing and humidity control system is provided for a building which includes drain members located in trenches provided in ground beneath and adjacent the basement of the building. A suction and fan and motor assembly is located within a housing positioned within the building. Conduits communicate with the drain members and the motor and fan housing. An exhaust vent is located in the wall of the building spaced from the motor housing and has an air inlet and outlet. A separate conduit or duct communicates with and connects the inlet of the vent with an outlet of the motor and fan housing. The duct may extend between joints in the wall of the building. An adapter conduit is used with the system and is positioned between the motor and fan housing and the duct. The adapter conduit has portions which are offset from each other to allow the fan housing to be positioned in front of a finished basement wall.

Abstract: A piling based pool system uses standard pilings, which are either pre-cast concrete, wood, or steel, etc., which pilings are drilled or driven into the ground in standard fashion with appropriate beams interconnecting the pilings. Some of the pilings are used to support a house while others of the pilings are used to hold the swimming pool shell, allowing a user to walk out of the house and use the pool without having to ascend or descend stairs. The foundation of the building as well as the swimming pool shell are each formed from a plurality of hollow core concrete panels.

Abstract: In a roof window with a frame structure and an openable, pane supporting sash structure, the top, bottom and side members (1–8) of the frame and sash structures are for the major part made as wood profiles, which on the outwards facing sides are covered by covering members of weather-shielding material connected with the wood profiles by means of engagement and securing means. The covering members (11, 12, 15, 17, 20, 21, 32) serve as sealing enclosure for the subjacent wood profiles in the frame and sash structures on all surfaces on the outside of the roofing, and engagement and securing means (23–29, 40) are designed in such manner and/or positioned such relative to the covering members that water and moisture penetration into the wood profiles is substantially prevented.

Abstract: A fenestration brickmould having an integral J-channel formed therein, along with a fastening and flashing flange extending therefrom, such that the brickmould may be attached to the perimeter of the fenestration assembly and may become an integral part thereof. Accordingly, the fenestration assembly, in combination with the brickmould of the present invention, preferably are attached to the frame of the building as a single unit. The J-channel is formed between the flange and the decoratively molded portion for receiving a variety of sidings, including, but not limited to, vinyl, cementious siding, and wood. The present invention eliminates the need for separate J-channel attachments when utilizing vinyl siding.

Abstract: Installation of a basement window system by assembling the window system between a pair of novel window forms releasably secured thereto. This assembly is maintained during the erection of the foundation wall into which the window system is incorporated and the erection of above grade wall after which the window forms are removed.

Abstract: A wall includes a plurality of wall members stacked substantially vertically and including a bottom wall member and a top wall member. Each wall member has an upper surface in opposed relation to a lower surface and a through opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. A through opening in each wall member is aligned with a through opening in all other wall members so as to form a through opening in the wall extending from the upper surface of the top wall member to the lower surface of the bottom wall member. A rod, having an upper end in opposed relation to a lower end, is positioned in the through opening of the wall and a lower fastener attaches to the lower end of the rod adjacent the lower surface of the bottom wall member. An upper fastener attaches to the upper end of the rod adjacent the upper surface of the top wall member, and an actuator is positioned between the upper fastener and the upper surface of the top wall member for applying a downward force to the top wall member.

Abstract: A system is provided for facilitating the temporary hanging of at least one object from vinyl or aluminum siding while maintaining the integrity of the siding during and after the use thereof. The system comprises a hanger and a removal tool. The hanger has an upper portion designed to non-destructively be engaged between two rows of siding. The lower portion of the hanger provides the means to support the hanging of at least one object therefrom. The removal tool is designed for non-destructive cooperation with the upper portion of the hanger when the hanger is installed between two rows of vinyl or aluminum siding.

Abstract: A roof panel clip that extends ten feet in length rather than the usual prior art one to two inches, enabling the clip to span the distance between two purlins to support roof panels over these distances. The extended length of the clip enables it to provide greater strength against uplift loads than that which was possible with the older narrower clips and this continuous clip can be installed more quickly than a series of the ususal smaller clips used to cover the same span.

Abstract: Affix a membrane roof cover structure, comprising a polyester foam layer and a new membrane layer, over a roof deck structure such that the polyester foam layer is between the roof deck structure and the new membrane layer.

Abstract: The present invention provide an apparatus, devices and/or systems for the installation of building material which allows one individual on his own to install building material. The device includes at least one resting surface spaced apart from a fastener.

Abstract: A machine is used for packing bottles by assembling cardboard boxes starting from an unfolded sheet (2) with adhesive strips, in such a way that in an initial step the bottles (6) to be packed are placed on a central part of the unfolded sheet of the box, a central part that will correspond with the bottom of the box. Once the bottles have been put on this central part of the unfolded sheet (2), in a downward movement, the sheet will encounter a funnel-shaped structure (14), whose mouth and due to the weight of the bottles (6), causes the box (8) to be partially assembled, introducing itself inside this funnel-shaped structure (14), resting at its bottom on a movable platform coupled on longitudinal guides (16).

Abstract: An overpack carton for packing a primary shipping case includes a packing strap having interconnected side panels and a latching panel, one or more cushion strips secured to the side panels, and latching elements for latching the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case. A method for packing a primary shipping case includes steps of providing a cushioned packing strap having latching elements, wrapping the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case and interengaging the latching elements.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the automated wrapping of a bundle with a resilient stretchable film. The method comprises the steps of (i) unrolling a desired length of the film from a roll. The film has a first panel overlapping a second panel. The panels are interconnected at a sealed first end. (ii) Sealing a second end of the panels to bond them together by a second seal at the desired length. (iii) Cutting the film along the second seal to form a tube. (iv) Separating the first panel of the tube from the second panel by grasping film edges of each of the panels, whereby the tube may be opened. (v) Loading the tube in an opened position on an expandable frame, whereby at least a portion of the tube is accumulated in a folded condition on the expandable frame. (vi) Stretching the tube by expanding the expandable frame.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided suitable for dispensing at least first and second components in desired ratios especially for multi-component packaged food products. The apparatus comprises a hopper having an outlet at its lower end and a first auger having a hollow shaft disposed within the hopper having component conveying flights and a drive means for rotating the auger. A first component is conveyed by the auger flights and dispensed at an outlet while a second component is conveyed though a hollow shaft of the auger. The apparatus can include a second rotationally driven auger that is positioned within the hollow shaft of the first auger having conveying flights. The second component can be conveyed via the second auger within the hollow shaft. The second auger's shaft also can be hollow whereby a third component can be conveyed through the second hollow shaft of the second auger.

Abstract: A method and a unit for packing groups of products, each group of products is fed together with a respective blank at a loading station to a radial first seat of a first wheel, the blank is first folded into a U and then completely folded about the group to form a packed group, the packed group is then transferred together with a sheet of overwrapping material at a transfer station to a radial second seat of a second wheel, the sheet of overwrapping material is first folded into a U and then folded completely about the packed group to form an overwrapped group; the blank and the sheet of overwrapping material both being fed successively to the same gripper associated with the first seat and fitted to the first wheel at a location downstream from the first seat.

Abstract: A strapping machine for positioning a strap material around an associated load, tensioning the strap material and sealing the strap material to itself around the load includes a frame, a strapping head mounted to the frame, a strap chute mounted to the frame that is configured to position the strap material around the load and release the strap therefrom to pull the strap material to the load and a work surface mounted to the frame at about a bottom of the strap chute. A control system is included. A panel carries at least a portion of the control system. The panel formed as a door for an enclosure. The panel is removable from the enclosure.

Abstract: A walk-behind greensmower includes an operator presence control for selectively determining when power from a source is delivered to an output. The operator presence control includes a handle, a bale coupled to the handle, a control arm and an electromagnet. The bale is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The control arm is moveable between a neutral position and a drive position where the control arm causes delivery of power from the source to the output when in the drive position. The electromagnet is selectively energizable in response to the position of the bale such that the control arm is retained in the drive position when the bale is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A conditioner roll design is provided that employs unique spiraled stepped grooves that enhance feeding of the crop mat when the rolls are abutted or at precise gaps. The groove has a leading edge and increased depth that allow expansion of the crop mat into the trailing gripper edges to provide gripping without intermeshing. The gripping side of the groove is nearly perpendicular to the direction of crop travel for positive gripping and advancing the crop. The grooves on the two rolls may be selectively timed to either mate at the point of contact or align a groove on one roll with a smooth surface on the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of twig-containing yard debris combining a frontally facing twig breaker with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; and impel the reduced debris to a free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained.

Abstract: A device for combining two rakes to provide a combination raking and picking up apparatus comprises a pair of sleeves pivotally attached to one another. A first rake handle is secured into the first of the connected sleeves. A third sleeve is separately attached to a second rake handle. The third sleeve and rake handle fit into the second sleeve. The attachment of the second sleeve to the third sleeve allows the second rake to rotate at least 180 degrees within the second sleeve. This allows a user to use the apparatus for raking lawn debris and to easily convert the apparatus to enable the user to pick up debris as well.

Abstract: Steel cord includes a first group and a second group. The second group is helically twisted around the first group with a cord twisting step. The first group includes a first number of first steel filaments. The first number ranges between three and eight. The second group comprises a second number of second steel filaments. The second number is equal to or greater than the first number. The first filaments having a twist step greater than 300 mm. At least one of the second filaments is polygonally performed in order to allow rubber penetration.

Abstract: Thread-guiding device for collecting spun yarns on bobbins, particularly for open-end spinning frames, constituted by a common thread-guiding rod which carries the thread-guides for the spinning stations, said rod being operated in alternative movement in front of the bobbins being formed by a linear electric motor driven by the control unit of the spinning frame in its alternate backward and forward movement as regards instantaneous speed, amplitude of excursion, and axial coordinates of the ends of the travel of the thread-guiding rod.

Abstract: Several methods of forming links for use with the creation of rope chains is disclosed, whereby the outer peripheries of such links are contoured prior to assembly into rope chains. In one embodiment, the wire used in the formation of intertwinable links is contoured and then cut into individual, pre-contoured links. In another embodiment, the outer periphery of non-contoured links are individually contoured prior to the intertwining of such links to form actual rope chains. In another embodiment, individual links are collectively contoured, preferably after arrangement on a support such as a mandril. Such contouring can be accomplished by hand, machine or the like.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a turbine is provided wherein the heat exchanger comprises a heat transfer cell comprising a sheet of material having two opposed ends and two opposed sides. In addition, a plurality of concavities are disposed on a surface portion of the sheet of material so as to cause hydrodynamic interactions and affect a heat transfer rate of the turbine between a fluid and the concavities when the fluid is disposed over the concavities.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission comprising a housing formed with a fluid sump, a center section, a hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic motor. A fluid passage is formed in the center section. A bore is open at an outer surface of the center section in communication with the fluid passage. An output operation device is provided for controlling discharged fluid of the hydraulic pump. A piston having an outer surface is reciprocally inserted into the bore so as to be allowed to project outward from the center section. A valve is disposed within the bore. The valve is biased to be closed by a spring disposed between the valve and the piston. A member interlocks with the output operation device so as to contact with the outer surface of the piston.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one polyoxymethylene structural support member. The polyoxymethylene structural support member includes a polyoxymethylene component that is a propellant that provides thrust to the vehicle upon pyrolysis or combustion of the polyoxymethylene component of the product of pyrolysis of the polyoxymethylene component. The vehicle can be a satellite or other type of spacecraft.

Abstract: A pulse detonation system for a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal centerline axis extending therethrough includes a rotatable cylindrical member having a forward surface, an aft surface, and an outer circumferential surface, where at least one stage of spaced detonation passages are disposed therethrough. The pulse detonation system further includes a shaft rotatably connected to the cylindrical member and a stator configured in spaced arrangement with the forward surface of the cylindrical member and a portion of the shaft. The stator has at least one group of ports formed therein alignable with the detonation passages as the cylindrical member rotates. In this way, detonation cycles are performed in the detonation passages so that combustion gases exit the cylindrical manner in a substantially tangential direction with respect to the outer circumferential surface to create a torque which causes the cylindrical member to rotate.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine for low emissions include an inner feedback control loop to control the engine fuel/air ratio with feedback provided by a first exhaust gas sensor and an outer feedback control loop that modifies a reference fuel/air ratio provided to the inner feedback control loop based on feedback signals provided by a second exhaust gas sensor positioned downstream relative to a portion of the catalyst and a third exhaust gas sensor positioned downstream relative to the second exhaust gas sensor. Catalyst gains are determined by modeling the catalyst as an integrator with an unknown gain and estimating the catalyst gain based on the exhaust gas sensors with the gain used to monitor catalyst performance and/or modify the engine fuel/air ratio.