Abstract: The end mill grinding device of the present invention includes a tool spindle assembly and a motor tower which enables multi-axis positioning of a sharpening wheel in relation to an end mill cutting tool being sharpened, for sharpening the end mill tool. The present invention combines linear sharpening and radial tool end grinding capability in the same device.

Abstract: An inner rotary retaining member has an annular outward rolling surface formed of part of a radially outward tapered surface centering on the central axis of a first rotary drive shaft. An outer rotary retaining member has an annular inward rolling surface formed of part of a radially inward tapered surface centering on the central axis of a second rotary drive shaft. The rolling surfaces are opposed to each other. A pocket that supports a workpiece such that the workpiece rotates and revolves as the retaining members rotate is formed at a portion of the carrier, the portion being positioned between the rolling surfaces. The central axis of the workpiece supported by the pocket is inclined relative to the central axis of the rotary drive shafts.

Abstract: A polishing brush includes: a brush body that includes a cylindrical base section and linear abrasive materials extending from a bottom surface of one side of the base section along a direction of a center of an axis of the base section, and removes burrs and performs polishing on a surface of a workpiece metal by relatively moving the abrasive materials and the workpiece metal while tips of the abrasive materials come into contact with a surface of the workpiece metal; a brush guide that is coaxial with the center of the axis and is disposed on the outside of the brush body in a radial direction so that the tips of the abrasive materials protrude from an end portion; and a displacement mechanism that changes protruding lengths of the abrasive materials from the end portion.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a surface plate provided at a wafer double-side grinding device for grinding a wafer. The surface plate includes a plurality of first surface plate grooves formed in a first direction, and a plurality of second surface plate grooves formed in a second direction different from the first direction. The first surface plate grooves and the second surface plate grooves have first and second surface plate groove portions arranged therein, the first and second surface plate groove portions having steps formed in a direction toward the center or an outer periphery of a lower surface plate.

Abstract: System and method for CMP station cleanliness. An embodiment comprises a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) station comprising a housing unit covering the various components of the CMP station. The CMP station further comprising various surfaces of a slurry arm shield, a slurry spray nozzle, a pad conditioning arm shield, a platen shield, a carrier head; and the interior, vertical surfaces of the housing unit. A cleaning liquid delivery system configured to dose a cleaning liquid on the various surfaces of the CMP station at set intervals.

Abstract: A particle blast apparatus transport is capable of generating granular sized particles and delivering them without substantial storage to a single hose feeder assembly. The apparatus is configured to be used with solid blocks of cryogenic material, such as carbon dioxide, and with individual pellets of such material.

Abstract: A method and method for processing grit used for abrasive blasting may include receiving grit blasted onto a surface, where the grit includes moisture content. Air in which the grit being recycled is being processed may be heated. The moisture content may be evaporated from the grit using the heated air to produce dry recycled grit. The dried recycled grit may be stored.

Abstract: A pipe alignment tool for aligning abutted ends of first and second pipe sections to be joined includes a clamp member adapted to be clamped circumferentially about the first pipe section and one or more pipe engaging members mounted on the clamp member adapted to extend across a seam between the abutted ends of the first and second pipe sections to overlap the second pipe section. A bearing member is rotatably supported on each pipe engaging member for rolling contact with the second pipe section to assist in positioning the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section. The clamp member may be formed of modular sections connected circumferentially in series in which each modular section defines a mounting location upon which a pipe engaging member can be removably attached.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pair of adjustable pliers comprising a first handle having a first gripping part arranged at the front end thereof and a second handle having a second gripping part arranged at the front end thereof. The first gripping part and the second gripping part forms a jaw span, and the first handle and the second handle are arranged in an intersectional manner and relatively fixed via a connecting mechanism, characterized in that, the second handle is provided with an elongated rack slot at a position of the connecting mechanism and the rack slot is provided with a toothed rack on a inner side part thereof. The connecting mechanism comprises a toothed block and a link mechanism, the toothed block is arranged inside the rack slot and engaged with the toothed rack of the rack slot, and the link mechanism connects with the toothed block, drives the toothed block to rotate and disengages from the rack slot.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench has a wrench body, a clamping element, and a ratcheting jaw. The wrench body has a handle, a head, and a thumbscrew. The head is formed on the handle and has a connecting block, a fixed jaw, a curved slot, two pin holes, a positioning pin, a mounting recess, two pivot holes, and a sliding slot. The clamping element is connected to the wrench body and has a sliding bar, a ribbed slab, and a movable jaw. The ribbed slab is formed on the sliding bar and is mounted in the sliding slot. The movable jaw has an engaging surface and a positioning block. The ratcheting jaw is a curved block capable of sliding forward and retracting backward inside the curved slot and has two mounting boards, a receiving recess, an engaging surface, an abutting surface, an engaging protrusion, a holding recess, and an elastic element.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of impact tools with speed controllers and methods of controlling such impact tools are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, an impact tool may comprise a ball-and-cam impact mechanism including a hammer and an anvil. The hammer may be configured to rotate about a first axis and to translate along the first axis to impact the anvil to cause rotation of the anvil about the first axis. The impact tool may further comprise a motor and a speed controller. The motor may include a rotor configured to rotate when a flow of compressed fluid is supplied to the rotor to drive rotation of the hammer of the ball-and-cam impact mechanism. The speed controller may be coupled to the rotor and may be configured to throttle the flow of compressed fluid supplied to the rotor based on a rotational speed of the rotor.

Abstract: A wedge anchor driver comprising: a first member having a first opening configured to fit onto the nut of a wedge anchor and a second opening configured to receive a predetermined length of the outer end of the wedge anchor's bolt; and a second member associated with the first member, wherein the second member's distal end is configured to fit, and be lockable, into the chuck of a hammer drill, such that, after the wedge anchor driver is locked into the chuck of the hammer drill, a user can drive the wedge anchor into a corresponding hole with the hammer drill in hammer mode and then tighten the nut of the wedge anchor by switching the hammer drill from hammer mode to drill mode.

Abstract: A torsion-adjustable impact wrench, includes a housing, a powering unit including an impact mechanism configured to generate an intermittently increasing torque, an adjusting unit configured to manually set a first torsion value and generate a corresponding a first torsion signal, a detecting unit configured to detect a rotational speed of the powering unit and generate a corresponding first rotational speed signal, and a control unit configured to generate a control signal for controlling the output of the rotational speed of the powering unit. The control unit generates a second rotational speed signal according to the first torsion signal outputted by the adjusting unit, compares the first rotational speed signal with the second rotational speed signal, and generates a control signal enabling the rotational speed of the powering unit to approach the second rotational speed.

Abstract: A socket wrench includes a wrench body, a driving seat and a retaining ring. The driving seat disposed in a head of the wrench body, and has a central hole, an aperture defined in and through an inner wall of the central hole, and a cutout defined in an outer periphery thereof. The retaining ring mounted around the driving seat has a hook portion and a straight leg. The hook portion has a distal end extending through the aperture of the driving seat. The straight leg is rested in the cutout of the driving seat. The straight leg has a distal end extending outside the cutout. The straight leg could be operated to an open position where the distal end of the hook portion is retracted in the aperture of the driving seat.

Abstract: A tool for securing items together closes C-rings to create hog rings. A drive mechanism allows the tool be used continuously for a greater length of time than heretofore possible without inserting a new string of C-rings. The drive mechanism utilizes one-way clutch bearings to provide a ratchet-like mechanism. Each time a trigger on the tool is pulled, a C-ring is closed and another C-ring is advanced to a position in which it may be closed by the same jaws. A pneumatic system moves a piston inside a cylinder to move the C-rings along a magazine towards the jaws.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the application, a device for the driving in of an affixing element into a substrate has an energy transfer element for the transfer of energy to the affixing element. Preferably, the energy transfer element can be moved between a starting position and a placement position, wherein the energy transfer element is located in the starting position before a driving-in process and in the placement position, after the driving-in process. In accordance with another aspect of the application, the device comprises a mechanical energy storage unit for the storage of mechanical energy. The energy transfer element is then preferably suited for the transfer of energy from the mechanical energy storage unit to the affixing element.

Abstract: A flat clinch assembly fits upon or within a base of a stapling device. The assembly preferably includes a slot with extended resiliently biased arms or toggles, where a rest position has the arms at or near a level of a working surface. An ejecting staple deflects and energizes the arms to cause the arms to rotate and create a clearance recess whereby points of the staple legs slide inward along the anvil. A restorative bias acting on the arms causes the arms to rebound to a rest position and to bend the legs upward. The legs thereby are normally pressed flat against the back sheet of a paper stack at the working surface. The arms or toggles are lightweight whereby the inertia of a fast moving staple moves the arms or toggles.

Abstract: An impact system for a hydraulic hammer is disclosed. The impact system may include a piston, a sleeve disposed co-axial with the piston, and an accumulator membrane disposed external to the sleeve. A first seal may be located at an end of the sleeve, and configured to connect the sleeve to the piston. The accumulator membrane may have an extension configured to engage a recess in the sleeve.

Abstract: A tool and method for measuring, marking and/or scoring drywall sheets. The tool includes a housing having front and rear housing sections forming an internal chamber; a spool rotatably mounted within the chamber; a flexible tape stored on the spool and expandable and retractable from the housing; a brake mechanism mounted on the housing and engageable to maintain the tape in an extended position; a guide mounted on a second end of the tape; and a contact device extending from the housing for marking and/or scoring the surface of the sheet. The guide is placed in abutting contact with an edge of the drywall sheet and the contact device is positioned on the exterior surface thereof. The housing is moved across the exterior surface while the guide remains in abutting contact with the edge, and the contact device marks or scores the surface as the housing is moved thereover.

Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, an angle impact tool may comprise a handle assembly extending along a first axis and supporting a motor, the motor including a shaft configured to rotate about the first axis, and a work attachment coupled to the handle assembly. The work attachment may comprise an impact mechanism including an anvil configured to rotate about a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis and a hammer configured to rotate about the second axis to periodically deliver an impact load to the anvil, a gear assembly configured to transfer rotation from the shaft of the motor to the hammer of the impact mechanism, and a housing supporting the impact mechanism and the gear assembly. The housing may be partitioned along a first parting plane that is perpendicular to the second axis such that the housing includes first and second housing sections.

Abstract: A handle having ergonomic and heat dissipation properties. For example, the handle can include a cross section that is concave in a first direction at a position closest to a body to which the handle is attached, and concave in a second direction opposite the first direction at a position closest to the user's hand, opposite the body. The handle can include a base with a surface wider and taller than an extension coupled to the base, so that the handle can act as a heat sink and dissipate heat that would otherwise burn a user.

Abstract: Drill guides for right angle drills include an elongate base, a fore guide, a fore mount, an aft guide, and an aft mount. The fore mount and the aft mount are configured to be operatively coupled to a right angle drill, and the fore guide and the aft guide are configured to permit selective translation of the right angle drill toward and away from the base.

Abstract: A system includes digital servo modules and building blocks that are assemblable in several permutations to construct robotic figures. A central controller communicates with the modules via communication channels, each subdivided into sub-channels. The system utilizes a discovery process wherein the central controller periodically transmits a discovery signal in each sub-channel until a newly attached module transmits a reply to the discovery signal. The central controller transmits position commands to the recognized servo modules and receives position feedback from the recognized modules.

Abstract: A method of operating a robot includes electronically receiving images and augmenting the images by overlaying a representation of the robot on the images. The robot representation includes user-selectable portions. The method includes electronically displaying the augmented images and receiving an indication of a selection of at least one user-selectable portion of the robot representation. The method also includes electronically displaying an intent to command the selected at least one user-selectable portion of the robot representation, receiving an input representative of a user interaction with at least one user-selectable portion, and issuing a command to the robot based on the user interaction.

Abstract: An evaluation value Ek on a trajectory error ek between an actual trajectory yk and a target trajectory x is calculated. In a case where the calculated evaluation value Ek is better than a best evaluation value Ebest, the best evaluation value Ebest is updated by the evaluation value Ek and is stored. A commanded trajectory uk in this situation is employed as a best commanded trajectory ubest and stored. In a case where the calculated evaluation value Ek is worse than the best evaluation value Ebest, a compensator that calculates a correction of the trajectory ?uk+1 is changed to another compensator and the correction of the trajectory ?uk+1 is calculated. A commanded trajectory in the next-time operation uk+1 is calculated from the correction of the trajectory ?uk+1 and the best commanded trajectory ubest.

Abstract: According to a method according to the invention for controlling a robot, in particular a human-collaborating robot, a robot- or task-specific redundancy of the robot is resolved, wherein, in order to resolve the redundancy, a pose-dependent inertia variable of the robot is minimized.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the invention for modification of a robot path which has a plurality of path points comprises the following steps of specifying a modification region which has at least two path points of the robot path, specifying a modification of a reference point of the modification region, and automated modification of the modification region, in particular of path points of the modification region, on the basis of the specified modification.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to a robotic system that provides feedback. The robotic system is configured to receive information related to a path in an environment of the robotic system. The robotic system is also configured to initiate a recording process for storing data related to motion of a component in the environment. The robotic system is additionally configured to detect, during the recording process, movement of the component along the path in the environment, where the movement results from application of an external force to the robotic system. The robotic system is further configured to determine, during the recording process, deviation of the movement away from the path by at least a threshold amount and responsively provide feedback including one or more of (i) resisting the deviation of the movement away from the path and (ii) guiding the at least one component back towards the path.

Abstract: An intelligent mobile robot having a robot base controller and an onboard navigation system that, in response to receiving a job assignment specifying a job location that is associated with one or more job operations, activates the onboard navigation system to automatically determine a path the mobile robot should use to drive to the job location, automatically determines that using an initially-selected path could cause the mobile robot to run into stationary or non-stationary obstacles, such as people or other mobile robots, in the physical environment, automatically determines a new path to avoid the stationary and non-stationary obstacles, and automatically drives the mobile robot to the job location using the new path, thereby avoiding contact or collisions with those obstacles. After the mobile robot arrives at the job location, it automatically performs said one or more job operations associated with that job location.

Abstract: A remote controller enables a user to manipulate behavior of a robot so that the robot does not stray away from a given area and also avoids contact with an object. If a route designated by the user satisfies a stable movement requirement, a first command signal is transmitted from the remote controller to the robot. By doing so, it is possible to move the robot according to the designated route. On the other hand, if the route designated by the user does not satisfy the stable movement requirement, the first command signal is not transmitted from the remote controller to the robot. Therefore, it is possible to stop the robot from moving according to the designated route, and further to avoid the situation where the robot strays away from the designated region, or comes into contact with the object.

Abstract: A workpiece mounting system mounts a sunroof member to an inner panel of a body. The workpiece mounting system is provided with a first robot, a second robot, and a control device for controlling the first and second robots. The control device performs a step of calculating as positional information the position of the sunroof member and the position of the inner panel by a CCD camera of the first robot, a step of holding and conveying the sunroof member by the first robot on the basis of the positional information and positioning the sunroof member relative to the inner panel, a step of temporarily fixing the sunroof member to the inner panel by the first robot, and a step of finally fixing the sunroof member to the inner panel by the second robot on the basis of the already calculated positional information.

Abstract: A folding tool with improved locking features is provided. The locking feature comprises a substantially rigid member disposed between or proximal to a handle portion of the tool. The substantially rigid member comprises a bifurcated end forming at least one biased member for contacting a tang of the tool and securing the tool in at least one of a closed and an open position with additional locking features.

Abstract: A shaving head for an electric dry shaver includes a base element for carrying at least three cutter units. Each unit provides an outer cutter and an inner cutter arranged to be moved in sliding contact relative to each other. At least one cutter unit includes a foil-type outer cutter. The shaving head further includes a first trimmer-type cutting unit that has a plurality of slots defined by a plurality of adjacent bar elements featuring cutting edges. The shaving head also includes a second trimmer-type cutting unit having an outer cutter that includes a plurality of teeth featuring cutting edges and spaced apart from each other so as to define a plurality of slits.

Abstract: A shaving head having a shaving unit that includes a shaving unit frame with a skin contacting face, and at least two cutting units each having an external cutting member and an internal cutting member A pivot structure includes inter-engaging portions of a support structure and the shaving unit that enable the shaving unit to pivot relative to the support structure. Each internal cutting member is rotatable by a central driving member via a separate cutter driving member, the central driving member being configured to transmit a driving force to each cutter driving member in a transmission location. The pivot structure is located in an internal area of the shaving head between the skin contacting face, the cutter driving members and the transmission locations. The pivot structure further enables the central driving member and the cutter driving members to pivot together with the shaving unit relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A lighted razor system with a lighted razor assembly having a handle having a proximate end, a distal end, a transparent shaft, and an inner volume; a head; at least one blade; an illuminator; an on/off switch; and a powerer. The lighted razor assembly has in functional combination the handle, the head, the at least one blade, the illuminator, and the powerer. The lighted razor system is useful to permit the lighted shaving means with illumination present such that accuracy in cutting and movement of the lighted razor assembly is improved in relation to a body surface of a user.

Abstract: A knife for relieving pressure on the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint of one using the knife by pressing down with the index finger on a top portion of the knife, comprising a handle having a top and bottom portion and two opposing sides and a proximal and distal end, a blade having a top portion and bottom, cutting edge portion and two opposing sides and a proximal and distal end and configured so the handle and blade overlap and the blade proximal end is connected to the handle distal end, a finger rest having a top and front portion and is connected to the blade at a point proximate the proximal end of the blade, and wherein the finger rest, handle and blade are configured to minimize pressure on the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint of one using the knife by pressing down with the index finger on the finger rest.

Abstract: The invention provides a processing method of a seal mounting groove in a metal plate, which can form the seal mounting groove with a small pressing pressure, whereby it is possible to respond to request for easily manufacturing and achieving a low cost, and can achieve a problem caused by a protruding phenomenon of a metal which plastically deforms going with formation of the seal mounting groove. In order to achieve the object, in a method of pressing a seal mounting groove by using a punch on a plane of a metal plate, a leading end portion of the punch is formed into an inclined surface shape which is inclined in a punch width direction, and the seal mounting groove which inclines in a groove width direction in its groove bottom portion and is formed into an inclined surface shape is formed by pressing while using the punch.

Abstract: A grate for use in forming potato stick products having a wavy cross-sectional shape is provided. The grate includes a plurality of alternating convex segments and concave segments extending in a repeating pattern along a length of the grate. A plurality of spaced apart teeth extends from the plurality of convex segments and the plurality of concave segments. A distance between the spaced apart teeth defines a width of the potato stick products.

Abstract: In a device for processing flat products using a processing tool which processes the product between the tool and a counter-tool, the processing tool is supported by an ultrasonic sonotrode. The processing tool performs a processing movement together with an ultrasonic sonotrode, wherein the processing movement results in a partial separation of the flat product.

Abstract: A waterjet safety enclosure formed by walls using a detection device or light curtain to detect unsafe conditions. The waterjet safety enclosure walls can be used in new work areas or retrofitted and shaped to fit existing work areas. The waterjet safety enclosure walls may form a partial or complete perimeter about a work area and may be adjustable or mobile. The waterjet safety enclosure wall detects unsafe conditions when a high pressure stream of water from a waterjet cutting machine approaches, contacts or penetrates the waterjet safety enclosure wall. The detection device detects the high pressure stream of water and sends a signal to a controller to stop the operation of the waterjet cutting machine.

Abstract: Perforating equipment (111) for high speed transversal perforations of variable lengths on a continuous form (32) in movement is disclosed. The perforations are carried out by means of a perforating blade (39a) against a projecting profile (41a) of a blade contrast (39a) and blade and contrast servomechanisms (43, 128) for rotating a support for the blade and the blade contrast. The projecting profile (41a) has sectors with axial extensions different in dependence on their angular positions. The contrast servomechanism (128) is settable for selecting an angular phase of the blade contrast (39a), such to positioning, for the contrast with the blade, a sector of the projecting profile (41a) having axial extension equal to the requested length of the perforation (P). The blade contrast can be constituted by a hollow cylinder (113) rotatable around a support shaft (114) as a radial air bearing of pneumostatic type.

Abstract: A fabric circle cutter having a cutter base, a pivot pin assembly, and a blade assembly. The cutter base has a flat, smooth bottom surface with a turned up edge. The cutter base also has a raised base section which has a pivot point slide slot. The pivot pin assembly is slidably mounted on the raised base section and slidably mated with the pivot point slide slot which provides for selective positioning of the pivot pin assembly. The blade assembly has a rotary blade with a blade axis which is aligned approximately horizontally with and approximately parallel to the center line of the pivot point slide.

Abstract: A guide assembly, or rip fence, supported by guides of a table saw includes a clamping apparatus having locking mechanisms located at each end of the guide assembly. Each of the locking mechanisms is independently adjustable to provide accurate and repeatable positioning of the guide assembly with respect to the table and with respect to the saw blade with self-alignment and desired force. An adjustable locking self-alignment spring provides for self-alignment of the rip fence with respect to the blade.

Abstract: A gear box for a reciprocating kneader. A primary rotational gear is attached to a gear box primary shaft and rotates in concert therewith. A secondary rotational gear is engaged with the primary rotation gear and rotates therewith. A secondary shaft is attached to the secondary rotational gear and rotates therewith. A primary oscillation gear is attached to the gear box primary shaft and rotates therewith. A secondary oscillation gear is rotationally engaged with the primary oscillation gear and rotates on the secondary shaft. An eccentric is coupled to the secondary oscillation gear and rotates in concert therewith. A yoke is engaged with the eccentric and oscillates on an axis perpendicular to the secondary shaft in response to the lobe. The gearbox secondary shaft moves along its axis in concert with yoke oscillation. A housing is pivotally attached to the yoke and pivotally attached to a casing at a casing.

Abstract: A device for fabricating a composite material part by injecting resin into a fiber structure. The device includes: a first die presenting two adjacent support surfaces defining a reentrant angle between them; at least one chock with a wedge-shaped portion configured to press the fiber structure into the angle; and a second die movable relative to the first die, the first and second dies being configured to clamp on the fiber structure and the chock. The chock is connected to the second die by at least one link, the link being hinged relative to the second die and relative to the chock to guide the wedge-shaped portion towards the angle to press the fiber structure into the angle when the second die approaches the first die.

Abstract: An imprint (18) that represents a predefined pattern on an article. Article (10) comprises a body (12) made of a first material with a first thermal expansion coefficient (C1). The method comprises a step of incorporating a piece (22) in body (12) made of a second material with a second thermal expansion coefficient (C2), lower than the first coefficient, a step of heating article (10) to a predefined temperature to induce expansion of the materials, and then a step of cooling article (10) to induce shrinkage of the materials, generating a mechanicals stress that deforms article (10). Piece (22) is shaped so that the deformation generated corresponds to predefined pattern (20).

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for forming a polymer, including continuously depositing a polymer extrudate that is above its glass transition temperature onto a lower molding surface of a first mold in a manner that reduces shear stress in the polymer extrudate, heating the lower molding surface to maintain the polymer extrudate above the glass transition temperature, applying an upper molding surface of a second mold to at least the exposed upper surface of the polymer, allowing the polymer to transition to below the glass transition temperature while within or between the upper and lower molding surfaces, and providing heat sinks spaced relative to each other through the pressure forming zone, wherein a heat sink more advanced through the pressure forming zone is controlled to a lower temperature to progressively reduce the temperature of the polymer as it advances through the pressure forming zone.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided. The pocket can be a molded pocket including individual molded strings, combined strings, shooting strings and support rails extending around a perimeter of the pocket. Certain pocket elements can include transition parts to smoothly transition components having different cross sections. The pocket can include a pre-formed ball channel and hole units having broadsides for connection to a head or other component. The pocket can be attached to a pocket frame, and optionally constructed from a mesh or other synthetic material that is tensioned with the pocket frame. A mold and related molding method are also provided.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided. The pocket can be a molded pocket including individual molded strings, combined strings, shooting strings and support rails extending around a perimeter of the pocket. Certain pocket elements can include transition parts to smoothly transition components having different cross sections. The pocket can include a pre-formed ball channel and hole units having broadsides for connection to a head or other component. The pocket can be attached to a pocket frame, and optionally constructed from a mesh or other synthetic material that is tensioned with the pocket frame. A mold and related molding method are also provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling temperature rise in divided heating zones of a barrel of a molding machine includes: setting tentative target temperatures for the respective heating zones; simultaneously raising temperatures in the heating zones to the set tentative target temperatures; when temperatures in the heating zones reach the respective tentative target temperatures, selecting a master zone from the heating zones, and selecting, as a slave zone, a heating zone which is other than the master zone among the heating zones; and after temperatures in the heating zones reach the respective tentative temperatures, raising the temperatures in the master zone and the slave zone to respective final target temperatures according to an attainment degree of temperature rise in the master zone.