System and method for visually indicating usage of magnetic tape cartridges

摘要

A system and method are disclosed for visually indicating a usage of a magnetic tape that is included in a magnetic tape cartridge. The apparatus includes a take-up spindle for receiving magnetic tape when the magnetic tape is moving in a forward motion. The apparatus also includes a meter assembly having a meter coupled to the take-up spindle. In a first embodiment, the meter is incremented only in response to each full rewind of the magnetic tape. In a second embodiment, the meter is incremented in an amount that is directly proportional to the amount of each rewind of the tape.