20 Facts About Paper tape

The Paper tape, punched with the keyboard, was later read by the caster, which produced lead type according to the combinations of holes in up to 31 positions.

The Paper tape reader used compressed air, which passed through the holes and was directed into certain mechanisms of the caster.

In computer numerical control machining applications, paper tape is uncommon, but some modern systems still measure the size of stored CNC programs in feet or meters, corresponding to the equivalent length if the data were actually punched on paper tape.

Row of smaller sprocket holes was always punched to permit synchronized movement of the Paper tape, originally using a wheel with radial teeth called a sprocket wheel.

The bits on the narrower width of the Paper tape were generally the least significant bits, when the code was represented as numbers in a digital system.

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The plastic Paper tape was sometimes transparent, but usually was aluminized to make it opaque enough for use in high-speed optical readers.

Chad from oiled paper tape was particularly problematic, as it tended to clump and build up, rather than flowing freely into a collection container.

Variation on the Paper tape punch was a device called a Chadless Printing Reperforator.

Disadvantage to this technology was that, once punched, chadless tape did not roll up well for storage, because the protruding flaps of paper would catch on the next layer of tape so it could not be coiled up tightly.

However, the mechanical tape readers used in most standard-speed equipment had no problem with chadless tape, because they sensed the holes by means of blunt spring-loaded mechanical sensing pins, which easily pushed the paper flaps out of the way.

Paper tape was an important storage medium for computer-controlled wire-wrap machines, for example.

Premium black waxed and lubricated long-fiber papers, and Mylar film tape were developed so that heavily-used production tapes would last longer.

The Paper tape was used for inventory tracking, recording department and class numbers of items sold.

The paper tape canister is a tamper-resistant container that contains features to prevent undetected alteration of the contents.

The hole patterns of punched Paper tape can be decoded by eye if necessary, and even editing of a Paper tape is possible by manual cutting and splicing.

In cryptography applications, a punched Paper tape used to distribute a key can be rapidly and completely destroyed by burning, preventing the key from falling into the hands of an enemy.

Rewinding a Paper tape required a takeup reel or other measures to avoid tearing or tangling the Paper tape.

In some uses, "fan fold" Paper tape simplified handling as the Paper tape would refold into a "takeup tank" ready to be re-read.

Paper tape loop controlling paper positioning in a IBM 1403 line printer .

Late-1970s heavy-duty Paper tape punch used by the US National Security Agency for secret code distribution.