Magnetic tape backup device for use with a floppy disk drive

Abstract

A tape backup device for use in a magnetic disk drive unit of a personal computer. The tape backup device comprises a relatively thin housing to be inserted into the disk drive, a supply of magnetic recording tape outside the disk drive, tape drive means, and data transfer means. In one embodiment, the data transfer means can comprise means for bringing the disk drive read/write head and magnetic recording tape into sufficiently close proximity to magnetically transfer data therebetween. In a second embodiment, the data transfer means can comprise a magnetic circuit between the disk drive head and the magnetic tape. In a third embodiment, the data transfer means can comprise a translator head for reading data from and writing data to the disk drive head, means for bringing the disk drive head and the translator head into sufficiently close proximity to interact directly, a tape head for reading data from and writing data to the magnetic tape, and circuit means connected between the translator head and the tape head for transmitting data from one head to the other head. The magnetic tape can be stored on two tape reels in a reel-to-reel fashion or can be stored on an endless tape reel. Where the magnetic tape is stored in reel-to-reel fashion, the tape backup device can further comprise an autoreversing mechanism for causing the tape to reverse direction when the tape supply on one reel is exhausted. A tape drive means for causing the magnetic tape to move past the data transfer means can comprise means for coupling mechanical energy from the drive mechanism of the disk drive unit or from a separate electric motor contained within the data backup device. The energy from the drive mechanism or electric motor can be transferred by means of an endless loop driving the tape reel.