Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of device along a transport path are provided. One system includes a transport tube having a feed end and a point of use end and a plurality of device carriers operable to move through the transport tube from the feed end to the point of use end. The plurality of device carriers has a common external surface for operation in the transport tube to allow transport through the transport tube. At least some of the plurality of device carriers has a different internal configuration than at least some of other ones of the plurality of device carriers, wherein the internal configuration is determined based on at least one physical characteristic of a device to be inserted therein.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus to cut a tow includes a tow support, first blade, and tow support deflector. The tow support supports the tow. The first blade cuts the tow. The tow support deflector is disposed in cooperative alignment with the first blade to exert a deflecting force upon the tow support. The deflecting force substantially prevents the first blade from striking the tow support.

Abstract: In a system for coating a plurality of items, a tank unit prepares the plurality of items for painting, a painting unit paints the plurality of items, a drying unit dries the plurality, and an item conveyer conveys the plurality of items through the system as a flow of single items.

Abstract: A multiple head tape placement system includes several tape heads. Each tape head includes: a guide chute and a compaction roller for delivering a composite material to a mandrel. A backing is removed from the composite tape material before it reaches the compaction roller. Each tape head also includes a material cutter disposed to cut the composite tape material after the backing is removed and before the material reaches the compaction roller. The material cutter includes a curved blade with a convex cutting surface and a flat blade that contacts the curved blade in at most two contact points along a cutting edge of the flat blade as the flat blade moves vertically up and down past the curved blade with a horizontal rocking motion. The curved blade and the flat blade cut the composite tape material simultaneously in two opposing directions without laterally misaligning the composite tape material.