Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

LINCtape
     
         A formatted, block-oriented, high-reliability,
        {random access} tape system used on the {Laboratory Instrument
        Computer}.  The tape was 3/4" wide.
     
        The funny {DECtape} is actually a variant of the original
        LINCtape.  According to {Wesley Clark}, DEC tried to "improve"
        the LINCtape system, which mechanically, was wonderfully
        simple and elegant.  The DEC version had pressure fingers and
        tape guides to force alignment as well as huge {DC} servo
        motors and complex control circuitry.  These literally
        shredded the tape to bits if not carefully adjusted, and
        required frequent cleaning to remove all the shedded tape
        oxide.  That was amazing, because the tape had a micro-thin
        plastic layer OVER the oxide to protect it.  What happened was
        that all the forced alignment stuff caused shredding at the
        edge.
     
        An independent company, Computer Operations[?], built LINCtape
        drives for use in nuclear submarines.  This was based on the
        tape system's high reliability.  Correspondent Brian Converse
        has a picture of himself holding a LINCtape punched full of
        1/4" holes.  It still worked!
     
        (1999-03-29)