coat the braking means with a non stick surface so that it will not adhere to the adhesive side of the tape a spring loaded lever 8 may pivot in order to trap the tape in this assembly an air release mechanism 10 releases the brake it is beneficial to maintain a constant tension on the tape during tape application in the preferred embodiment a nip roller 25 provides a point of constant tape tension regardless of the amount of tape on the roll as the radius of the tape on the roll decreases the tension on the tape can vary unless such a tape tensioning means is employed in order to keep the tape moving completely in line with the tape applicator head side guides can be provided in the preferred embodiment crown guides 28 on the idler rollers 29 keep the tape moving in a straight line with the applicator head these side guides can also be covered with a non stick coating in order to prevent the tape from dragging thus avoiding unwanted tensions side guide plates 31 can be located at one or more locations on the head of the applicator in order to help guide the tape as set out above a spring applied air release braking means 21 keeps the assembly locked during cutting of the tape in order to prevent tape movement it is intended that the tape should remain in contact with the.