Splitting Methods for the Simulation of Tumor Angiogenesis Models

A knife assembly for composite tape laying machines is disclosed which has a knife movable to a fixed distance from a tape support platen so that the knife, which is transversable across the platen will completely sever a composite tape but not a paper backing tape. A floating presser foot serves to hold the reeled tape snuggly against the platen while cutting is taking place, and the float relative to the knife will accommodate variations in composite tape thickness.