A method of distributing railroad ties or other materials in variable quantities at randomly spaced intervals. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. The second BGA package includes a second integrated circuit. An optimization algorithm is used on the energy function to perform the segmentation. Fixing as between the frame and the circuit carrier is effected by resiliently latching barb hook members, and with through-engagement of positioning studs or pillars.