The development of a high-performance tape handler

Modern data processing systems are limited by the low input and output repetition rates of the electromechanical devices available. A number of forms of storage devices exist, bu the greatest attraction of magnetic tape is the capacity of storage and the price per bit of stored information. This paper describes one way of achieving the development of a high-performance tape handler designed to reduce the severity of the problem of input and output rates. The main points of interest are: (1) The 1 in. wide tape is handled completely out of contact at 200 in./sec.; (2) Vacuum techniques are employed for tension control, drive and braking of the tape; (3) Start/stop and reverse times are better than 5 msec.