Abstract: A shifting apparatus for a bicycle includes a fixed shaft, a takeup element rotatable about an axis of the fixed shaft to wind a control cable thereon, a shift lever for rotating the takeup element, and an indicator. The indicator includes a rotatable member interlocked to the takeup element to be rotatable about a rotational axis, and a fixed member for a speed stage of a change gear device based on a displacement relative to the rotatable member. The rotational axis of the rotatable member extends at an angle to the axis of the fixed shaft. At least a portion of the indicator is present on an extension of the axis of the fixed shaft.

Abstract: A watermattress apparatus has a cushion body which is elastically compressed when a load has been exerted thereon. A case is laminated on the upper surface of the cushion body. The case has upper and lower surfaces and a receiving portion opening to the upper surface. A water bag formed of a flexible waterproof sheet and containing a liquid therein is received in the receiving portion. An envelope covers the laminated cushion body and case.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a process for producing a carbon fiber mat, having excellent production and energy efficiencies, comprising successively melt-spinning a fiber-forming pitch by a centrifugal spinning machine having a horizontal axis of rotation (parallel to the plane on which the spinning machine is placed), forming a mat by the thus spun pitch fibers, bringing the mat into an infusibilized state in an air atmosphere containing NO.sub.2 and calcining the thus infusibilized mat in an inert atmosphere, and an apparatus for carrying out the above-mentioned process.

Abstract: A mattress comprises an upper layer having a number of projections formed integrally on the top surface thereof and a lower layer, the upper and lower layers being formed of foamed plastic capable of being deformed by compressive load and restored. A hygroscopic layer formed of a highly hygroscopic material such as cotton is disposed under the upper layer to absorb water from the upper layer. Between the hygroscopic layer and the lower layer lies a middle layer which has a number of columnar core members arranged parallel to and coupled with one another. The core members are formed from relatively hard foamed plastic. An outer covering covers the upper, hygroscopic, middle, and lower layers. Upper and lower spaces are defined between the middle and hygroscopic layers and between the middle and lower layers, respectively, and communicate each other. The water absorbed by the hygroscopic layer is discharged into the upper and lower spaces, where it is discharged into the open air through the outer covering.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprises an apparatus housing divided by a partition plate into upper and lower chambers. An oven chamber is defined in the lower chamber and has a baking heater therein. A vessel having a kneading blade is disposed on the upper chamber. The upper chamber includes a drive mechanism for rotating the blade. A fermenting heater is provided below the bottom of the vessel to heat the interior of the vessel to a fermenting temperature. Dough is kneaded and fermented in the vessel and baked in the oven chamber. Another fermenting heater is disposed in the oven chamber to preheat the interior of the oven chamber for baking, while the dough is being kneaded and fermented in the vessel.