Patent ID: 7169248

Claim:
A method for processing a microfeature workpiece, the method comprising: applying adhesive material to a non-active portion on a first side of a workpiece, the workpiece having a first active portion and a second active portion separated from each other at least in part by the non-active portion, wherein applying adhesive material to a non-active portion includes keeping the adhesive material at least generally out of contact with the first active portion and the second active portion; adhesively attaching the first side of the workpiece to a first support member; releasably attaching the second side of the workpiece to a second support member; and separating the first active portion from the second active portion while the workpiece is attached to the second support member by cutting through the first support member and the non-active portion of the workpiece to remove at least approximately all the adhesive material from the non-active portion of the workpiece.