Various embodiments of a system and method for stow management of similar items are described. According to one method, a device handle database is created for storing data identifying the protocols that have been installed on one or more device handles. M-1 dichroic filters, wherein each of the M-1 dichroic filter transmits a corresponding one of the M laser beams and reflects all other wavelengths, and a fiber coupling device collecting the M laser beams to produce a respective one of the N output beams. The pre-branch shield sock is likewise disposed over the interconnect ring, overlapping the tail portions, and a retaining ring is tightly placed over both to clamp them onto the interconnect ring in metal-to-metal contact with one another so as to create shield continuity between the pre-branch shield sock and the post-branch shield socks. A coupling which connects the drive apparatus with at least one extractor element or disengages it therefrom.