Patent ID: 6208488
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A magnetic tape apparatus comprising:a threader mechanism for pulling out a magnetic tape in a cartridge along a predetermined track and anchoring said magnetic tape to a machine reel;a magnetic head for reading data from and writing data into the magnetic tape;a first arm having a center of rotation at a position displaced toward said cartridge relative to said magnetic head in the direction of the track, and, upon rotation thereof, being able to assume an approach position where said first arm intersects said track so that a rotating end thereof approaches said magnetic head and a retracted position where said first arm is pushed back in a direction in which said first arm does not intersect said track;a second arm having a center of rotation at a position displaced toward said machine reel relative to said magnetic head in the direction of the track, and movable with said first arm to assume an approach position where said second arm intersects said track so that a rotating end thereof approaches said magnetic head and a retracted position where said second arm is pushed in a direction in which said second arm does not intersect said track;a cleaning member movable with the rotating ends of said first and second arms and contacting said magnetic head when said first and second arms are at said approach position; andsaid first arm being pushed by said threader mechanism to return back to said retracted position when the magnetic tape is being pulled out from said cartridge.