Abstract: The decapsulating method is for an integrated circuit package and includes the steps of subjecting the encapsulant to electromagnetic radiation, and, more preferably microwave radiation, to break the polymer bonds of the polymer resin and convert the encapsulant to loosened particles. The loosened particles can then be removed to thereby decapsulate the integrated circuit package. The method may further include the step of maintaining the integrated circuit package below a predetermined temperature during the subjecting step. The step of maintaining the temperature below the predetermined temperature may be performed by controlling a power of the electromagnetic radiation, such as based upon sensing a temperature of the integrated circuit package. The method may further comprise the step of varying a frequency of the microwave radiation during the subjecting step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hoisting and handling systems and methods. The present invention is a system and method to facilitate the hoisting, positioning, installation and removal of continuous track drive units. Continuous track drive units are used as a means for propelling certain vehicles, such as farm tractors, construction machines and military vehicles. The present invention allows for simplified, efficient handling and transfer of continuous track drive units.

Abstract: A device for removing eyelets, in particular stainless steel eyelets, from textile or plastics sheets is provided. Eyelets in textiles or plastics sheets, for example in lorry tarpaulins, wear through in the course of their use and thus have as a rule a significantly shorter service life than the textile or plastics sheet. Thus, it is usual and economically worthwhile to replace the worn-through eyelets with new ones, in order thus to be able to exploit the total service life of the textile or plastics sheet. The removal of eyelets previously has been effected as a rule by hand, which is time consuming and uneconomical. Thus, there is provided a device for removing eyelets, in particular stainless steel eyelets, from textile or plastics sheets, having a claw head for pressing a beading of the eyelet in the direction of the eyelet center point or in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A method for removal of a vehicle hub and rotor assembly from a steering knuckle that includes partially removing the bolts that attach the assembly to the knuckle followed by driving the bolts and the attached assembly from disengagement with the knuckle and subsequent total removal of the bolts thereby releasing the assembly. A special driving tool to effect the driving of the bolts, in particular, flange headed bolts, is depicted.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing a bonded lid from a substrate of variable size including nesting jaws to support and secure the substrate; and gripping jaws to grip the lid; wherein, in operation, the gripping jaws pivot with respect to the nesting jaws and create a, peeling action which separates the lid from the substrate with minimum force and without damage to the substrate or attached semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removing a component from a fuel rail in an automotive fuel system. The tool has a pair of jaws connected to a pair of pivoting handles, which allow the jaws to be opened and closed. The jaws have an inner cavity shaped to conform to an outer surface of the component. A pair of release members are slidably mounted on an outer surface of the jaws. When the release members are moved relative to the jaws, rims on the release members contact a retention clip holding the component to the fuel rail. Contact between the rims and the clip causes the clip to disengage from a retention surface on the fuel rail, freeing the component.

Abstract: For the removal of a connector from a printed circuit board (12, 28) wherein the connector consist of a connector housing (14) including contact pins (16) being of the right angle type (bent at an angle of about 90°), whereby a portion of the contact pins include a compliant attachment (press-fit) area by means of which the connector is attached to the board, and wherein use is generally made of a press with a push ram (10) and a table (11) provided with an anvil, whereby the anvil (20) comprises a base portion (22) and an upper hook-shaped portion which is formed as a comb (24) wherein the openings or slots (26) are in register with the position of the contact pins (16) along the longitudinal direction of the connector (14) and which is introduced into an open side of the connector housing up to the level of the contact pins in order to provide appropriate support to the printed circuit board while the compliant attachment area's of the contact pins are being pushed out of the holes of the board.

Abstract: Techniques are described for assisting disassembly of an article by triggering shape transition of shape memory material within the article. In one form, a de-fastener (16) is triggered to expand to break apart first and second parts (10a, 10b) which may be integrally formed, or fastened together. In another form, shape memory polymer is used as a releasable fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus for the maintenance of a needle-bearing plate of a needle-punching machine equipped with an operating head movable in two perpendicular directions in a parallel relation to the plate mounted on the apparatus. The operating head includes a unit for extracting a damaged or worn needle, a unit for positioning a new needle in the respective seat of the plate, a data processing and storage unit for the operating control and for storing the needle map of each plate. The apparatus further has a unit for detecting the position of the needle seats cooperating with the data processing unit for carrying out the mapping of each plate. The apparatus also has a unit for detecting the presence of a needle in the respective position on the plate to indicate whether the needle is damaged or not.

Abstract: A force-controlling robot having a function of drawing a fitting part from a receiving part. A fitting part held by a robot hand is moved form an approach start position in a set approach direction under speed and force control. When the fitting part comes in contact with a receiving part and a reaction force thereof exceeds a set threshold value, the fitting part is moved under speed and force control with the set target speed and force and in the set inserting/fitting direction so as to perform fitting. If stoppage occurs before the fitting is completed, the fitting part is moved under speed and force control in the set drawing direction and with the set target drawing speed and drawing force, to draw the fitting part from the receiving part. As the drawing operation is automatically performed, restoration is automatically made without manual operation even if stoppage occurs in the fitting operation. Further, assembled parts can be automatically disassembled.

Abstract: An invention directed to the partial or whole disassembly of products. An article includes a first and second portion fastened together by a releasable fastener device. The releasable fastener device includes shape memory material and is in the form of a female element threadedly engaged with a complementary male element through a first threaded engagement region of the shape memory material provided on one of the elements and a second threaded engagement region provided on the other element. The releasable fastener device is operative upon shape transition to change the cross-sectional shape of the first threaded engagement region to radially move the first threaded engagement region clear of the second threaded engagement region so as to release the threaded engagement between the male and female elements and leave the male element free to withdraw from the female element without having to be unscrewed therefrom.

Abstract: A method of removing a photosensitive belt of a printing apparatus from rollers of a belt unit. In this method, since the photosensitive belt is circulated with at least one roller slanted with respect to the others so that the photosensitive belt moves in a lengthwise direction of the rollers and part of the photosensitive belt is projected through the belt passage, and then the photosensitive belt is removed by pulling the portion projected through the belt passage, the worker can remove the photosensitive belt without a separate removing device and damage of parts in the printing apparatus and an accident due to carelessness can be fundamentally prevented.

Abstract: A handheld installation tool for installing and removing vinyl and plastic resilient bumper inserts into the channels of gunnel rails on the sides of boats, motorhomes, and the like, as well as on the sides of tables, walls and shelves. The gunnel rail insert or the rub rail insert is placed in the handheld tool and is mechanically advanced while the tool is placed about and abuts against the gunnel rail channel. The tool has a single elongated handle on one end. On the opposite end is a pair of wheels that is positioned to run about the sides of the gunnel rail channels with a rear portion of the wheels abutting against the channels at a tilted angle of approximately 30 degrees to the channel. After the tool passes over the gunnel rails/rub rails, portions of the insert material strip expand into inside lip portions of the gunnel rail/rub rails locking the strip material in place.

Abstract: There is provided a connecting material which can form a detachable connecting structure. According to the connecting material, the connecting portion between a certain object and other object can be more readily formed, and said certain object can be more readily detached from said other object after the formation of the connecting portion.

Abstract: A slide hammer tool is particularly useful for replacing worn teeth of a trenching machine. The teeth are retained in chain links of the trenching machine by respective open keeper rings. The tool has a rod with stops proximate both ends. A hammer is slidable on the rod between the stops. On one rod end is a wedge with converging surfaces that match radial surfaces on the keeper rings. The other end of the rod has a concave surface that matches the keeper ring outer diameter. To remove the keeper ring from a worn tooth, the wedge converging surfaces are abutted against the keeper ring radial surfaces. The hammer is rapidly struck against the corresponding stop. The impact of the hammer on the stop is transmitted to the wedge converging surfaces and to the keeper ring radial surfaces. The impact is sufficient to cause the keeper ring opening to expand, and the keeper ring is pushed off the tooth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removably mounting a planar electrical component, such as a computer motherboard, to a chassis. The method comprises positioning a first fastener of a mounting device adjacent a mounting slot in the chassis, inserting the first fastener of the mounting device through the mounting slot in the chassis, releasing the mounting device so that the first fastener clamps onto the chassis through the mounting slot, positioning a second fastener of the mounting device adjacent a mounting hole on the planar electrical component, and inserting the second fastener of the mounting device into the mounting hole until the second fastener clamps onto the planar electrical component through the mounting hole.

Abstract: A method of removing and installing two blades and their mounting spindles from the deck of a lawn mower including holding the spindle heads simultaneously against rotation with a wrench have two operative ends and an adjustable connection connecting the operative ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing struts from pivoting landing gear supports of a plane having retractable landing gear includes a stiffening anchor attached to a distal end of the strut wherein the distal end is the end at which the wheel is attached. The apparatus further includes a press collar that slidingly contains the strut within it. In between the press collar and the stiffening anchor is a hydraulic ram that provides up to twenty thousand pounds of urging pressure. The urging pressure provided by the hydraulic ram is axially translated into the aircraft pivoting landing gear support and into the landing gear strut in an opposite axial direction to remove the strut. The stiffening anchor is formed to fit the strut and to distribute the urging pressure in a way that does not damage the strut.

Abstract: A steering wheel puller which is both easy to assemble and safe to use is disclosed. The puller is effective for removing the steering wheels from vehicles such as golf carts and utility vehicles. An actuator portion of the puller is placed through the top of the wheel to positively engage a base plate at the bottom of the wheel. The actuator portion has a screw which engages the steering column shaft of the vehicle at the center of the steering wheel. As this screw is tightened, the downward force on the steering column and the upward force of the base plate on the steering wheel causes the steering wheel to dislodge.

Abstract: A sleeve for a pulling tool (1) of the type used on the end of a shaft (2) to remove a mechanical part (3) force-fitted or stuck to the said shaft (2), which comprises a threaded rod (20) and a body (5) to which legs (6) are hinged, is designed to be mounted on the said threaded rod (20) and to form a bearing member for a member (27) which inhibits rotation of the legs (6) during screwing of the threaded rod, and a member for protecting the threaded rod (20) from the rotation-inhibiting member (27).

Abstract: The stud replacement kit of the present invention operates by supplying force to the inside portion of a damaged stud and pushing that stud forward and out of the wheel. The kit of the present invention comprises a pressure tool that supplies force to a stud. This pressure tool fit around the wheel and damaged stud; and a spacer that fit between the front of the wheel and the pressure tool. This spacer serves primarily to catch the stud once removed. In operation, the broken or damaged stud is removed by placing the placing the pressure tool and spacer around the stud to be replaced. A stud screw mechanism in the pressure tool is rotated to cause the tool to apply force to the stud primarily on the backside of the wheel. This force is increased until it overcomes the force that holds the stud in the wheel. At this point, the force of the pressure tool on the stud causes the stud to move in the desired direction for removal.

Abstract: A device for detaching a suspension assembly, adapted to support a head, staked to an actuator arm of an actuator block of a disc drive. The device includes an expandable device operable between an insertion dimension and a deswaging dimension having a flanged end defining a deswaging surface for forcing the stake from a hole of the actuator arm. In the insertion dimension, the device being sized for insertion through channels of tubular stakes for placement relative to an extended end of the stake. The device being expanded to the deswaging dimension, so that the deswaging surface of the flanged end aligns with an end surface of the stake for removing the stake from the actuator block.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and a method for separating components of a processing system which are mounted to one another and may adhere after being subjected to processing conditions. In one aspect, the invention provides a removal screw that can be threaded into a removal hole on a first component and an abutment screw that can be threaded into an attachment hole on a second component. To separate the first component from the second component, the abutment screw is first threaded into the attachment hole on the second or stationary component, and then the removal screw is threaded into the removal hole on the first component. An important aspect of this invention is that the removal screw does not contact, and damage, the contact surface between the first and second components to separate the components.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing an expander from a ground piercing tool of the type having an elongated tubular tool body with a front nose and a striker disposed for reciprocation within an internal chamber of the body to impart impacts to an impact surface for driving the tool forwardly through the ground. The expander is tightly fitted onto the nose of the tool body. The method of the invention uses a pulling device comprising a pair of arms ending in hooks and mounted at ends opposite the hooks to a yoke having a threaded hole therethrough, and a screw including a threaded stem inserted through and threadedly coupled with the hole. Suitable means are provided for engagement with a device for turning the screw.

Abstract: The breakdown services have many task involving the unlocking of automobile doors. The problem is normally solved by pressing a wedge-shaped element down between the door window and the rubber sealing strip which abuts against the window, whereby access can be gained for the insertion of an unlocking tool without having to remove the sealing stip. However, the downwards insertion of the wedge-shaped element can give rise to damage to the sealing strip. This is avoided with the process according to the invention, in that instead of the wedge, use is made of a flat, inflatable pillow element of flexible, distensible material. The flat pillow element is easy to insert downwards, and by a subsequent inflation it will press directly outwards on the sealing list without at the same time scraping against the list.

Abstract: A device for removing a screw (63) or pin tightly seated in a mounting hole of a bearing eye (45) or the like, especially a pivot pin (49, 50) or axle components (45, 25, 26, 27) of a motor vehicle axle is provided. To attach the device to the bearing eye (45) in the area of the screw (63), a support body (1) with a lateral support wall (2) is provided, wherein the support body (1) has a pressing device acting on the screw (63). To reach extremely strong pressing forces to loosen and/or press out the screw (63) or the pin, the pressing device (85) has a guide cylinder (99), in which a stud (97) is guided axially displaceably in a guide hole (99). A screw-down nut (91), which is screwed onto the guide cylinder (86) and is provided with a pressing surface (95) acting on the stud (97), is provided for the axial displacement of the stud (97).

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus and method for removing a drive coupling component from an oil burner unit housing. A drive coupling comprises a first drive coupling end fitting disposed on an oil pump shaft, a second drive coupling end fitting disposed on a motor shaft and a drive coupling connector which connects the first and second drive coupling end fittings. The apparatus comprises a handle having a proximal and a distal end, a front wall contiguous with the distal end of said handle and including a proximal exterior surface and a distal interior surface. A receiver for receiving at least one drive coupling component is contiguous with the interior surface of the front wall. An engagement member, which engages a distal end of a second drive coupling end fitting, is contiguous with the distal end of the receiver.

Abstract: Semiconductor dice from a scribed wafer are first separated by a stretched cloth. The dice on the stretchable cloth are then lined up with a target unit and transferred by pressure to a target unit to form a matrix. The pressure can be exerted by pressing individually the dice from the stretchable cloth to the target unit. Alternatively, the dice from the stretchable cloth can first be transferred to a transfer unit before being compressed to the target unit. The transfer unit may also be a perforated board to the hold the dice in place before the dice are soldered to the target unit.

Abstract: A bolt retaining device for a nutrunner which includes a socket having a longitudinal axis and being sized to fit the bolt, the device having an electromagnet positioned with respect to the socket to generate a magnetic field directed along the axis of the socket to hold the bolt in the socket when the field is present, and a controller connected to the electromagnet controlling the magnetic field. The bolt retaining device wherein the electromagnet is a coil co-axially mounted with respect to the socket. Each nutrunner can include a motor, a socket, and a shaft connecting the motor to the socket. One or more nutrunners can be provided on a movable frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for freeing laser bars stuck in a facet coating fixture. A roller device is provided that rolls into a facet coating fixture channel and applies a downward force to a stuck laser bar. The roller device provides an uncomplicated and reliable system for handling the bars.

Abstract: A cleaving tool provides pressurized gas to the edge of a substrate in combination with a sharpened edge to cleave the substrate at a selected interface. The edge of the tool is tapped against the perimeter of a substrate, such as a bonded substrate, and a burst of gas pressure is then applied at approximately the point of contact with the edge of the tool. The combination of mechanical force and gas pressure separates the substrate into two halves at a selected interface, such as a weakened layer in a donor wafer.

Abstract: An extractor for removing inaccessible broken key portions from keyways of tumbler locks wherein the extractor tool consists of a pair of thin elongated elements capable of being inserted into the lock on opposite sides of the broken key end portion and wherein twisting of the elements grips the broken key end to permit extraction from the lock. Extraction is aided by a pliers-like spreader tool having thin jaws inserted into the lock keyway for retracting lock tumblers, the dust shutter door and buzzer electric switches to prevent such items from interfering with the key extraction.

Abstract: A hinge pin remover comprised of a pair of plier members, each having a jaw portion and a handle portion, wherein the plier members are pivotally connected. A circular indentation is formed in each of the jaw portions of the plier members that is configured to fit around the shaft of a hinge pin. An edge is formed in the circular indentations which can be interposed between the bottom of the head of the hinge pin and the top surface of a flange forming a channel for the hinge pin. Pivoting the jaw members together results in the edges being interposed between the hinge pin head and the flange. Subsequently, an upward force can be exerted against the hinge pin remover to remove the hinge pin. Further, a bevelled surface is formed adjacent the edges of the indentation so that the bevelled surface can be interposed between the head of the hinge pin and the flange which results in the bevelled surface exerting an outward force against the hinge pin to remove the hinge pin from the channel.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for removing the bead wires from discarded tires prior to further processing of the rubber of the tire casing employs an intermittently movable infeed conveyor that brings each tire to a position where it drops into a chute leading to a debeading chamber. In a particular embodiment, the tire comes to rest on pivoted gates in the chute, which open to drop a tire into the debeading chamber. In the debeading chamber, the tire rests upright on a spring-loaded platform that forms the floor of the debeading chamber. Side plates with cruciform die openings form sidewalls of the debeading chamber that confront the sidewalls of the tire. The tire is positioned so that the openings in the tire sidewalls are generally aligned with the die openings. Hooks of movable bead pullers extend through the vertical slots of the die openings and through the central openings of the tire sidewalls to positions where their downwardly open hooked ends overlap between the tire sidewalls.

Abstract: An improved tool for pulling off a rotor of a motor from a shaft or a fan from a shaft, which improved tool is provided with hooked arms that are releasably but securely held at one end in the housing, without the use of retaining clips, so that the arms do not fall off during use or become lost, and so that they do not interfere with the use of the tool when using the securing bolts for pulling off a rotor. The housing of the improved tool of the invention is circular in shape, and in a first version , is provided with a plurality of equally-spaced holes about its circumference, which holes received the hooked ends of the hooked arms, so that various configurations of hooked arms may be provided to best suit the configuration of vanes and type of fan being pulled off a shaft.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip transferring method and apparatus is described having a movable member, a flexible structure having adhesive on a lower surface thereof, a first transport assembly, and a second transport assembly. The first transport assembly is positioned beneath the support structure and includes a rotatable base upon which is mounted at least one arm. The movable member is extended into and flexes the support structure to transfer a semiconductor chip supported on a first side by the support structure to the arm which supports it on a second side. The first transport assembly moves the chip to the second transport assembly which may, in turn, move it to an output container which supports the second side. The chip has now been inverted from its initial orientation.

Abstract: A steering arm assembly for use with railway car trucks having pivotal frames and brake systems is disclosed. The steering arm assembly has two U-shaped sub-assemblies. Each sub-assembly has two side arms connected by a center arm. The side arms each have vertical open paths between top and bottom holes in their surfaces and open side paths through side access holes in their sidewalls. The open side paths intersect the vertical open paths. The vertical open paths are positioned to be aligned over the brake system brake shoe keys and the side access holes are positioned to be aligned with the side windows in the side frame. When it is desired to remove or replace a brake shoe, the brake shoe key may be moved upwardly through the vertical open path. This movement may be facilitated through use of a tool inserted through the side access hole and open side path in the side arm. A method of changing brake shoe keys and the combination of such a steering arm assembly in a railway car truck is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for removing a shim from a dovetail of a fan blade for a turbine engine rotor includes a clip and a handle. The clip includes a release edge configured to engage a flared lip of a dovetail shim. The handle extends from the clip and contacts the exterior surface of the shim. When the handle and the clip are rotated about a longitudinal axis of the handle, the release edge separates the flared lip of the shim from the dovetail and the handle applies a downward force to easily remove the shim from the dovetail.

Abstract: A tool-actuated ejector for extracting electronic modular components. The ejector, which functions as a levered cam, has a body with a first end, a second end and a pivot located intermediate the first and second ends. A tool-receiving socket mounts at the second end. A tool, such as a screwdriver with a blade that matches the shape of the socket, actuates the ejector by applying a force to the socket. A cam, located at the first end, engages the electronic modular component. To provide a mechanical advantage, the distance between the tool-receiving socket and the pivot, which constitutes one lever arm, is greater than the distance between the cam and the pivot, which constitutes a second lever arm. In addition, a shock absorber mounts on the body and gliders extend below the body to provide stability and balance to the ejector. The ejector mounts in a casing having a tool passage that communicates with the tool-receiving socket and the exterior of the casing.

Abstract: A blind hole bushing puller and method, wherein the puller comprises: a rectangular cross block having a first end-portion and a second end portion, a pair of elongated leg screws, a circular bushing insert, and a bolt with a matching washer and a nut. Each of the end-portions of the cross block have a threaded leg hole formed therethrough, the cross block also has a centrally located unthreaded cross block hole. One of the leg screws passes through one of the threaded leg holes, and the other leg screw passes through the other threaded leg hole. The bushing insert has a centrally located unthreaded bushing insert hole and is sized to snugly fit about an inside diameter of the bushing. The bolt is sized to pass through the bushing insert hole and the cross block hole with a head of the bolt being positioned adjacent an upper portion of the bushing insert.

Abstract: An automatic plug removing apparatus has a conveying section and a plug removing section and, while a plurality of containers having test samples therein and sealed with plugs are being conveyed on a batch basis, the plugs are automatically removed from the containers. The plug removing section includes a member for holding a plurality of containers in an immovable state, a member for grasping the plugs provided to the containers and then removing the plugs from the containers, the grasping member being rockable and vertically movable by driving members, and partition plates insertable into gaps between the containers to provide isolated spaces for respective containers and prevent contamination between samples. A suction block may be added to suck the air in the vicinity of upper openings of the containers to eliminate a mist of samples floating thereabout.

Abstract: A pivoting split nut and spacer assembly used in a method of removing failed glow plugs from diesel engines. Main body halves of the split nut, when assembled together with a pin form the pivoting split nut with opposing front and rear faces, a hexagonal outside periphery and threads on the inside periphery allowing for engagement with the threads of the glow plug. The spacer assembly is fabricated by forming cylindrical spacer bodies, forming lead-in gaps, and tether cables through holes for the tether cables. The tether cables are connected to a cable ring. After removing the sensor wire from the glow plug, a wrenching tool is used to unscrew the glow plug until all threads are exposed. A failure deformation, e.g. swelling on the heating element of the glow plug, is extracted through the narrow combustion chamber passage on a diesel engines' head by installing the pivoting split nut onto the glow plug threads and a spacer between the head and pivoting split nut.

Abstract: A tool for removing a propeller from a drive shaft having a damaged shear pin. The tool has a plurality of fingers for engaging the blades of the propeller and an advancement member for leveraging against the distal end of the shaft. The advancement member leverages against the drive shaft to cause the tool to pull the propeller assembly from the drive shaft to facilitate the replacement of the damaged shear pin. The tool fingers engage and restrict the rotation of the propeller blades with respect to the tool as the advancement member is leveraged against the drive shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disconnect tool with a pair of fixtures having a central tool aperture or bore. The fixtures of the tool are placed around a second fitting of a spring-lock® type connector of a tubular conduit or pipe to be disconnected along a tubular axis of the conduit. The fixtures also provide a cage aperture to receive a cage portion of a first fitting of the connector. A pair of annular projecting collars extend between the tool aperture and the cage apertures. A pair of handles each have a lever arm and a shaft that is rotationally retained in a cylindrical bore of a respective fixture. The shafts of the handles each have a cutout forming a prying surface exposed to the cage bore within the respective fixture. In a first operating mode the fixtures are displaced along the tubular axis so that the collars inter a chamber of the cage and contact a circular locking spring within the cage.

Abstract: A method of die bonding electronic components. A wafer is mounted on a dicing tape (17) comprising at least one layer of shrink film and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer so that the wafer is stuck thereto by the pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The wafer is then diced so that the wafer is cut apart into a multiplicity of chips (16). The dicing tape (17) having the multiplicity of chips stuck thereto is placed on a table equipped with heating means. This is followed by shrinking the shrink film forming part of the dicing tape by the heating means (3, 7) so that an area of adhesion and adhesive strength between the chips and the adhesive layer are decreased and so that the chips are arranged with predetermined spacings. The final step is suctioning the chips (16) arranged with predetermined spacings one at a time by a suction collet (19) disposed above the chips so that the chips are separated from each other. This method enables effective die bonding without damaging the chips.