A unitary model for meson-nucleon scattering

In an effective Lagrangian model employing the K-matrix approximation we extract nucleon resonance parameters. To this end we analyze simultaneously all available data for reactions involving the final states $\pi N$, $\pi\pi N$, $\eta N$ and $K \Lambda$ in the energy range $m_N + m_{\pi} \le \sqrt s \le 1.9$ GeV. The background contributions are generated consistently from the relevant Feynman amplitudes, thus significantly reducing the number of free parameters.