Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing signals recorded on a selected one of first and second discs of different diameters, such as, a relatively large diameter video disc and a relatively small diameter compact disc, has a disc-transporting tray mounted for substantially horizontal movement between a first or operative position within a housing and a second or disc-inserting and withdrawing position in which the tray projects substantially forwardly from the housing through an opening at the front of the latter, the tray having first and second disc mounting portions dimensioned for receiving and holding the relatively large and small diameter discs, respectively, and the second or relatively small-diameter disc mounting portion being disposed at a front part of the tray and substantially contained within the confines of the first or large-diameter disc mounting portion for minimizing the required size of the tray, and hence the overall size of the apparatus.

Abstract: A 7-formylaminocephalosporin compound represented by general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a carboxy group or an aminocarboxymethyl group ##STR2## R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a protective group for a carboxy group, andR.sup.3 represents a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic group which may be substituted;or a salt thereof, and a process for producing the compound; The compounds are useful intermediates for other cephalosporin compounds having antibacterial activity, and themselves show antibacterial activity, as well.

Abstract: In a multishaft supporting device comprising a barrel and sleeve adapted to receive a plurality of shafts of a kneader, a twin shaft extruder or the like, inserts made of a metal having larger thermal expansion coefficient than the barrel and sleeve are inserted between the barrel and the sleeve to improve heat transfer therebetween.

Abstract: A PVA film successively oriented in two orthogonal directions is prepared by firstly elongating the film in the longitudinal direction by more than 200% while maintaining the water content (Z .times. 100)% at a value of from 10 to 35% and the temperature in a range of from (1.50/Z +20).degree. C to 75.degree. C. The film is then preheated while maintaining its water content at least 7%, and then elongated laterally by more than 200% at a temperature of from 45.degree. to 110.degree. C. Then the film is heat treated at a temperature of 110.degree. to 210.degree. C while permitting the film to shrink by less than 15% in the lateral direction. Finally, the film is cooled to room temperature under tension.