The invention relates to methods and systems for transferring a stream of a components (28, 84, 100, 100'), either as individual components (28, 84, 100') or as a continuous strip (100) or band from which individual components are cut, from a component feeder (62a) to a component receiver (92, 108), e.g., in a processing machine, with controlled, e.g., continuous, motion escapement of the individual components (28, 84, 100, 100') from the feeder (62a).