Abstract: A magnetic tape apparatus for backup stores data provided from a computer on a magnetic tape. A writing circuit writes data provided from the computer on the magnetic tape, and switches a writing destination for data from the magnetic tape to a memory module when it is determined that data cannot be written on the magnetic tape, and writes address information and data following the data written on the magnetic tape onto the storage medium. The address information indicates a position on the magnetic tape where writing data should originally be written. A reading circuit determines a timing at which a reading source for data is switched from the magnetic tape to the storage medium according to the address information of data written on the memory module, and reads data from the magnetic tape to switch the reading source for data to the storage medium at the determined timing.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape drive for accessing a magnetic tape contained in a memory built-in cartridge, a logical beginning of tape is assigned and updated for the magnetic tape that is being accessed. The quality of data that is read from the magnetic tape is monitored and the number of times the magnetic tape has been accessed is recorded. It is determined whether the quality of data that is read and the number of times the magnetic tape has been accessed satisfy predetermined criteria. When the criteria are satisfied, the logical beginning of tape is caused to be updated. Information on the logical beginning of tape position of the magnetic tape is stored to the built-in memory. When the magnetic tape is loaded, the information on the logical beginning of tape position of the magnetic tape is read from the built-in memory.

Abstract: A magnetic tape apparatus for backup stores data provided from a computer on a magnetic tape. A writing circuit writes data provided from the computer on the magnetic tape, and switches a writing destination for data from the magnetic tape to a memory module when it is determined that data cannot be written on the magnetic tape, and writes address information, which indicates a position on the magnetic tape where writing data should be originally written together with data continuing to data written on the magnetic tape, onto the storage medium. A reading circuit determines timing at which a reading source for data is switched from the magnetic tape to the storage medium according to the address information of data written on the memory module, and reads data from the magnetic tape to switch the reading source for data to the storage medium at determined timing.

Abstract: The magnetic tape apparatus is provided with: a magnetic head for writing/reading a predetermined data to/from a magnetic tape 1; a driving mechanism 2 for driving the magnetic tape 1; a blade member 4 for cleaning a surface when coming in contact with the magnetic tape 1; and a blade moving mechanism 5 for holding this blade member 4 and further moving the blade member 4, irrespectively of a condition that the blade member 4 is in contact with the magnetic tape 1 or it is not in contact.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape drive for accessing a magnetic tape contained in a memory built-in cartridge, a logical beginning of tape is assigned and updated for the magnetic tape that is being accessed. The quality of data that is read from the magnetic tape is monitored and the number of times the magnetic tape has been accessed is recorded. It is determined whether the quality of data that is read and the number of times the magnetic tape has been accessed satisfy predetermined criteria. When the criteria are satisfied, the logical beginning of tape is caused to be updated. Information on the logical beginning of tape position of the magnetic tape is stored to the built-in memory. When the magnetic tape is loaded, the information on the logical beginning of tape position of the magnetic tape is read from the built-in memory.