Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for machining a workpiece, the apparatus including: a support; a boom mounted to the support; a machining station mounted to the boom; and displacement means provided on the boom for moving the boom relative to the support through engagement with a support surface. The support includes a boom pivot about which the boom is rotatable, the machining station being mounted on the boom remote from the boom pivot. The displacement means includes wheels or rollers having an axis of rotation extending along a radius from the boom pivot. The wheels or rollers have an at least partly tapered contact surface and have a diameter which increases along the axis of rotation away from the boom pivot.

Abstract: A tape supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved device for advancing and assuring alignment of the tape and an improved mechanism for interfacing and aligning the cartridge with respect to the lettering machine.

Abstract: A lettering apparatus adapted for receiving a replaceable tape supply cartridge comprising a pair of spaced apart, parallel frame members defining a cartridge receiving cavity and a print bar pivotally supported between the frame members. The apparatus also includes an improved linkage for generating the lettering force, an improved tape cut-off mechanism and improved means for driving the tape advancement mechanism in the cartridge. The cartridge also includes a device for sensing the amount of tape remaining and means for aligning the tape and characters to be lettered.

Abstract: A tape supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved device for advancing and assuring alignment of the tape. The cartridge also includes a mechanism for preventing the ribbon supply spool from free wheeling and improved structure for interfacing with the lettering machine to advance the tape.