Device automatically bench tests paper tape punches and readers in a simulated operating environment following routine maintenance. The reader and punch operate back-to-back and the paper tape output feeds the reader. The tape leader is prepunched with an arbitrary pattern that is continuously reproduced during the check

Mazer, L.

Mc Murchy, D. D.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Character 
Information 
Reader 
Disable-Enable 
Punch 
Ready 
Character 
Information 
August 1967	 Brief 67-10267 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Tester Automatically Checks Paper Tape Punch and Reader 
After Maintenance 
-------------I I	 I	 I 
Paper Tape
Punch	
r-	
Reader 
I	 I	 I	 I 
L------------  
.
The problem: 
To develop a device for bench testing paper tape 
punches and readers under conditions that simulate 
their actual in-service operating environment. This 
device should be relatively simple and provide an 
automatic method for continuously checking a punch 
and reader following routine maintenance. 
The solution: 
Operate the reader and punch back-to-back and let 
the paper tape output of the punch feed the reader. 
The leader of the tape is prepunched with an arbitrary 
pattern that is continuously reproduced during the 
check. An error that occurs at any time is continu-
ously propagated.
How it's done: 
Any pattern of codes is prepunched on the tape, 
the length of the pattern exceeding the distance be-
tween punch and reader to prevent "tight tape" to 
allow continuous operation. Each character read by 
the reader causes the same character to be recorded by 
the punch. The 1-character buffer is used when the 
punch and reader operate at different synchronous 
speeds. In this case, the buffer stores the character for 
the time necessary to allow the effective reading rate to 
be equal to the punching rate in order to maintain 
slack tape between the punch and reader. With this 
closed loop operation, an error that occurs at any 
time is continuously propagated. Therefore, by 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19670000267 2020-03-11T20:39:12+00:00Z
observing the pattern that is being punched at any 
time, one may determine if any errors have occurred 
from the start of the test. If desired, a parity check 
bit may be used to allow stopping the operation when-
ever an error is detected. 
Note: 
Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Ames Research Center 
Moffett Field, California 94035 
Reference: B67-10267
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: D. D. McMurchy and L. Mazer 
(ARC-66) 
Brief 67-10267	 Category 01


Tester automatically checks paper tape punch and reader after maintenance

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