Abstract: For mechanically stress-free assembly of a solid electrolyte capacitor, a system carrier whose cathode terminal and anode terminal are not parted before assembly is employed. The electrode terminals are parted from one another only after the welding of the anode wire to the anode terminal and soldering of the cathode contact to the cathode terminal, preferably being cut by a laser beam.

Abstract: The invention refers to an apparatus which allows the application of a round gasket or liner inside closures. The apparatus consists of a plastic material batching carousel carrying, on a horizontal plate a plurality of shuttles or molds peripherically distributed and whose top surface is provided with a recess or hollow. On the carousel are elements which take and leave batches of plastic material supplied by an extruder inside the recesses. A first star wheel at the bottom of the carousel is provided to transfer the shuttles having the batches therein towards a forming carousel where the batches of plastic material are pressed to form round gaskets. A second star is provided to transfer the shuttles with the molded gaskets toward a further carousel where gaskets are inserted into cups or closures.

Abstract: A machine tool turret, usable in a machine tool having a rotatable workpiece spindle, that includes first and second tool spindles journaled on the turret. The turret is mounted for compound movement in an x-c plane defined by an x axis perpendicular to the c axis of the work spindle. Each tool spindle may be locked against rotation or, alternatively, it may be rotated. In either case, the operative position of each tool spindle may be used in the machining of a workpiece which also may be rotating or non-rotating. The turret axis is perpendicular to the x-c plane so that as the turret is rotated the tool spindles remain in this x-c plane for a plurality of operative positions for machining. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Abstract: A variable-crown roll is disclosed, which comprises a curved arbor, and a plurality of antifriction bearings which are mounted on said arbor, said bearings being asymmetrically disposed with respect to the lengthwise center of said arbor, and bearings on one side of the lengthwise center of said arbor being symmetric with respect to said bearings on the other side of the lengthwise center.

Abstract: During tightening a threaded connector including for example a bolt and a nut a moment is first determined when a bolt starts to elongate, and thereafter the nut is turned only over such an angular distance with which a desired elongation of the bolt below its yield point is reached.

Abstract: The vehicular driving shaft is oriented and conveyed vertically around to plural assembling stations where component parts of a first joint unit are assembled to a lower end of the shaft whereupon the shaft is reversed and the component parts of the second joint unit are thereafter assembled to the now lower other end of the shaft. Plural carriers hold the shaft vertically as they are driven intermittently to plural stations, each station having an appropriate assembling device, the stations being grouped to first assemble the first joint unit and then to assemble the second.

Abstract: Shipping container latch pins are installed utilizing apparatus including o pivotally interconnected working members having opposite endportions. Motive means in the form of a bolt member are carried by one endportion of one working member and are operative to move the associated endportions of the working members away from each other, thereby moving the opposite endportions toward each other to press a pivot pin into a latch. The opposite endportions are biased away from each other by a spring, and include opposed pairs of open-ended slots for receiving the ends of the pivot pin.

Abstract: A method of selectively connecting a set of winding means for a dynamoelectric machine into at least two different electrical configurations. In this method, the leads of the winding means collected in a conduit box of the dynamoelectric machine are each connected with a lead termination. A terminal block is disposed in a preselected orientation adjacent a mounting table in the conduit box, and each lead termination is inserted into a predetermined one of a plurality of connection apertures in the terminal block. The terminal block is moved from its preselected orientation into another orientation in overlaying engagement with an abutment surface on the mounting table, and the terminal block is releasably engaged in its another preselected orientation to the mounting table. A lead termination device and a method of fabricating such are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises a travelling support (13) carrying a headstock (14) and arranged for being displaced relative to a machine table (12). The travelling support is equipped with a magazine (20). The tool magazine (20) is exchangeable. A stationary rack (24) arranged in the travelling area of the travelling support (13) carries a plurality of tool magazines (20a). Transfer means (21) are arranged on the travelling support (13) on the one hand and the rack (24) on the other hand for exchanging tool magazines (20, 20a) between the rack (24) and the travelling support (13) (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A magnetic head comprises a pair of magnetic core halves (1a, 1b), which are abutted with each other through a nonmagnetic material to define a magnetic gap (2), and ferromagnetic thin films (3a, 3b). The magnetic core halves (1a, 1b), which are formed of ferromagnetic oxide, have gap forming surfaces to be abutted with each other. The ferromagnetic metal thin films (3a, 3b) are selectively formed on the gap forming surfaces of the pair of magnetic core halves (1a, 1b). A ferromagnetic thin film (3b) is so formed that portion (12b, 12c, 12d) to be provided with a track width regulating groove (13b), a coil groove (13c) or a joining member receiving groove (13d) is exposed within a gap forming surface of one magnetic core half member (7b).

Abstract: A rotary digital contacting encoder (FIG. 1) including a base (5), comprising--a base epoxy disk (501) with three external, pre-molded in place, connector pins (P.sub.1 -P.sub.3) on its exterior side extending through it, and a conductive layer in the form of two concentric layer rings (502 & 503; FIG. 4); and--an encoder element made of a "Kapton" insulating substrate (510) carrying two, like concentric cog rings (511A & 511B; FIGS. 3 & 7) on its top side. Conductive vias (512 & 513) electrically interconnect each respective cog ring with its respective conductive layer ring and its respective external connector pin, the vias forming conductive paths through the insulating substrate between the conductive layer and the cog rings. The presence of the conductive layer 502/503, which can be screen printed on the base disk, greatly simplifies the relative alignment of the encoder element, conductor pads and terminals.

Abstract: A wire press-installing apparatus having a ram which is lowered onto the joint block to press wires into rows of receiver terminals that are erected at a specified pitches on the joint block of a wiring harness. The joint block is intermittently fed by a distance equal to the pitch of the terminal rows and only the predetermined wires are selectively taken out and seated into the associated rows of receiver terminals. This prevents wrong wires from being seated in unintended terminals or the joint block from being fed by a wrong pitch. The apparatus has a wire misinstallation detection mechanism which includes wire guides mounted vertically slidable on the lower front and back side of the vertically movable wire press-installing blade through a resilient member.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and transferring discrete coupling elements successively one at a time for attachment onto a stringer tape comprises a feed unit including a vertically disposed feed chute and a transfer unit including first and second slides both supported on a base for horizontal movement effected by a cam. The thickness of the first slide is substantially equal to the height of the leg portions of the element. A pocket is formed in the junction of the first and second slides for receiving an element from the chute and communicates with a slit in the base which provides a suction air for facilitating the fall by gravity of a leading element apart from an ensuing element. The base includes a transfer chute for receiving one element from the pocket and transferring same onto the tape.

Abstract: By a pick-up device having pick-up elements, components are picked up one by one from differently spaced positions in tray packings, are moved together above component receiving supports and are then placed one by one on different ones of the supports. The supports are transported along a supply and discharge track. The tray packings are displaced through a supply and discharge mechanism to a presentation position and remain fixed in the presentation position during removal of the components. The components have varying shapes and are of comparatively large dimensions.

Abstract: A method of nondestructively testing electronic chips adapted for direct attachment to metallized pads on circuitized substrate is disclosed, wherein an electrically conductive liquid eutectic joint is formed at room temperature with low pressure between electrical terminals on the chip and pads on the substrate. The eutectic joint remains liquid at test temperature, enabling test completion. At the end thereof, chips and pads are separated and any eutectic material residue thereon removed. The eutectic is preferably gallium/indium.

Abstract: A method for mounting a waterproof plug to the front end of a covered electric wire, comprising the steps of feeding waterproof plugs to a first position of a transfer path one by one from a magazine in such a manner that the opening of each waterproof plug is in parallel with the transfer path; feeding a covered electric wire to a mounting position as a second position of the transfer path in an uncovered state of the front end thereof; and transferring the waterproof plug from the first position to the second position and inserting the uncovered end of the electric wire into the opening of the waterproof plug.

Abstract: A method of producing a cam shaft or a similar member that has a core pipe upon which are secured, via expansion of the core pipe, components that are spaced from one another and have a precribed position on the core pipe, with the expansion of the core pipe being effected by introducing a hydraulic fluid into the core pipe. The surface of the components that are secured on the core pipe and are made of a ductile spheroidal graphite iron or sintered material, are subjected to a mechanical abrasion and are melted via a controlled laser beam in such a way as to first slightly reduce the adhesive pressure betewwn the components and the core pipe as a consequence of the melting of the surface layer, and subsequently, after hardening of the melted layer and due to temperature equalization in the components and the core pipe, to increase the adhesive pressure to a higher value. The melting results in a ledeburitic structure having an adequate depth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided whereby a fluid-tight seal is at least substantially assured between registered passage ends opening through mating surfaces of removably secured together components having a gasket sheet disposed therebetween provided with openings communicating the aforementioned registered passage ends.

Abstract: The principle utility of the blade modification tool is as a work holder for holding a helicopter blade in a firm position and a process for cutting at least two feet from the end. More specifically, in conformity with FAA regulations, a Bell Helicopter Model UH-1H rotor blade assembly may be modified for FAA approved installation on the Bell Helicopter Model UH-1B.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric dry shaving apparatus with a housing, a movably carried shaving head, a shaving assembly including at least one circular upper cutter and rotary lower cutter and having its axis of rotation at right angles to a shearing plane extending parallel to the outer surface of the upper cutter. The movable shaving head axis of symmetry intersects the shearing plane in any direction in the geometric center of the shaving assemblies. The geometric center is provided as the stationary pole.

Abstract: A vibrating razor having a shaver head adapted to receive a cartridge. The shaver head is pivotally attached to a housing containing a power source and an electric motor having a rotatable shaft. The shaver head is directly and eccentrically coupled to the rotatable shaft with an eccentric coupler for imparting oscillatory movement to the cartridge.

Abstract: Scissors for both right and left handed use include a front blade and a rear blade which are connected so that they may slidably pivot in relation to each other. A front handle and a rear handle are connected to front and rear blades, respectively, in such a manner that a finger receiving portion on each of the front and rear handles is allowed to take an upper or lower position, alternatively. With the finger receiving portion on the front handle taking the upper position while the finger receiving portion on the rear handle takes the lower position or vice versa, the scissors can cut with the opposing upper and lower cutting edges of the front and rear blades, respectively, or with the opposite lower and upper cutting edges of the front and rear blades respectively.

Abstract: A bag opener of a generally "U" shaped configuration formed of a memory retentent polymeric material, including a first leg and a second leg arranged parallel relative to one another in a first position, and wherein a blade member is mounted within an interior surface of the first leg arranged parallel to beveled terminal ends of the legs to receive a bag therethrough, wherein the blade member is directed across the surface of a bag inserted between the interior surfaces of the leg members to sever a bag positioned therewithin.

Abstract: The power saw is provided with a shoe pivotally mounted on a post which is mounted in a cavity of the nose section of the gear case of the saw. The post has a multiplicity of grooves separated by lands which are flat between the grooves. A lock pin is mounted in the nose section transverse and spaced from the post. When the pin is in its normal locking position, the round exterior of the pin engages one of the grooves on the post to retain the post and shoe in position relative to the saw. The lock pin has a flat section which is parallel to and spaced from the flats on the post when the pin is rotated to the release position freeing the post and shoe for movement to adjust the position relative to the saw. A lever is mounted on the end of the pin which projects through the side of the gear case. The inside of the lever has a dimple which engages the soft boot covering the gear case.

Abstract: A gasoline engine powered hand held cutting tool is disclosed, which includes a gasoline engine incorporated into the body, or frame, of the circular saw cutting tool. The engine is preferably a two-stroke engine, though, it should be emphasized, other gasoline powered engines of various shapes and sizes may be employed, as practical. The hand held circular saw cutting tool of the present invention further, preferably, includes a throttle trigger to control the engine speed, for increased efficiency, with the saw blade of the tool being connected to an engine crank shaft, preferably through a centrifugal clutch. The power tool of the present invention, in its preferred embodiment also preferably includes a plate for resting the tool of the invention on a piece of lumber intended for cutting.

Abstract: A measuring device for topographic sheets includes top and bottom transparent arms that pivot relative to a connecting pivot. A plurality of different distance scales on each arm provide for measuring the distance between two points on a topographic sheet. A protractor on the top arm and pointer marks on the bottom arm provide an indication of the extent of rotation of one arm relative to the other. The device is suitable for measuring distance between points, azimuth, scale and position of true north on an aerial photo. A slidable cross-hair member is used on either arm. One embodiment has a protractor affixed to the top arm and another has the protractor rotatable and removable from the top arm. A third embodiment has the bottom arm offset from the center of the protractor and the bottom arm slidable relative to the top arm.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for materializing in space a point whose coordinates in a system of reference axes are known, comprising:an optical aiming apparatus, occupying a pre-determined position with respect to said system of axes and making it possible to determine, in said system of axes, the coordinates of any point aimed at, anda tooling assembly comprising a stand, one part at least of which is movable with respect to said system of axes and a hemispherical ball joint mounted in a spherical concave seat fixed to said movable part of the stand, the center of said ball joint being marked so as to be visible by said aiming apparatus.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring angles, vertical line or horizontal line includes a square casing having two axial lines crossing at a center of the casing and having a colored liquid filled in the casing, and a rotating disc rotatably mounted on the casing, in which the rotating disc is formed with an upper half circle portion radially formed with a plurality of angular graduations in terms of degrees, and formed with a lower half circle portion having two vertical columns parallelly formed below a diametrical line dividing the two half circle portions, and at least a reference line linked between any two horizontal graduations respectively formed in the two vertical columns, whereby upon a rotation of the disc to parallel the reference line to a liquid level of the colored liquid, an angle can be obtained by matching the angular graduation with any one axial line when the casing is laid on or coincided with a plane to be measured.

Abstract: The incremental measuring system comprises a scale member with an incremental scale and a scanning unit comprising scanning sets for generating analog measured-value signals in response to the scanning of the scale. The system also comprises an evaluating unit for deriving digital countable signals from the analog measured-value signals and for generating a reference pulse. At least one pair of reference marks are spaced along the scale on a carrier releasably fixed to the scale member. The scanning unit comprises a reference mark scanning set to scan the reference marks and connected to the evaluating unit. A reference point which registers with a selected increment of the scale is disposed on the carrier between the reference marks of the pair and can be defined by the distances from the reference point to the reference marks, and these distances are stored in a memory.

Abstract: A measuring tape device which includes a casing having an aperture through which a coilable measuring tape can be extracted and retracted. A coilable measuring tape is disposed in the casing with a distal end projecting from the aperture. A first brake mechanism is mounted on the casing for normally applying a controlled drag on the tape which allows the tape to be extracted or retracted against the drag to any given length and held at that length. A second brake mechanism is mounted on the casing and is selectively operable for applying a positive lock on the tape greater in magnitude than the drag of the first brake mechanism, to prevent accidental extraction or retraction of the tape.

Abstract: A solvent vapor control apparatus used in conjunction with a degreaser or defluxer into which articles to be degreaser or defluxed are conveyed into intimate contact with liquid solvent and/or a vapor phase thereof is disclosed. The vapor control apparatus includes a housing having a conveyor flow path with an inlet opening in communication with solvent vapor in the degreaser/defluxer and an outlet in communication with ambient air. The inlet is preferably disposed elevationally above the solvent vapor zone to impede outflux of solvent vapor. A baffle defining the uppermost extent of the conveyor flow path establishes a low point in the path disposed elevationally below adjacent upstream and downstream sections of the path. The low point is provided with chilled air which condenses solvent vapor as the articles are forced to enter the chilled air section.

Abstract: In the case of a method of separating condensable harmful substances and solid particles from the process gas or used air from particularly a textile finishing plant such as for example a drier or a coating plant, for example in the paper or synthetic plastics industry, the used air is pre-filtered, cooled and passed through a mechanical final filtering apparatus. So that a considerable extent of separation from the used air is possible already at the pre-filtering stage, the warm used air is pre-filtered by being cooled to below the dewpoint of the condensable harmful substances and dispersed solid particles. The resultant condensate which contains impurities is extracted.

Abstract: A method for making stir-in type halophosphate phosphors to obtain a fluffy, deagglomerated powder is disclosed. A wet phosphor filter cake is fed into a toroidal-shaped direct-fired glass flash dryer in which a hot gaseous stream is circulating. The wet phosphor particles are suspended in the stream while the remaining liquid is evaporated. The dried phosphor powder is ejected from the dryer by centrifugal force and collected. Recovery efficiency of the process is about 99.9 percent.

Abstract: A body dryer especially suitable as a portable body dryer is provided. A platform for supporting the feet of the user is formed with apertures therethrough and an upwardly extending surface portion at least in the region of the user's toes to spread same. An upwardly extending region along the central longitudinal axis may be provided to spread the feet of the user. A fan is provided below the platform to force air through the apertures.

Abstract: A vacuum drier apparatus capable of preventing the thermal deformation of the protection member as well as scattering of the tempered glass plate in a case of an accidental breaking of the tempered glass plate. The apparatus includes elastic supporter members located between the glass plate and the protection member, for supporting the glass plate and the protection member with respect to each other, such that the glass plate can be pressed tightly to seal off the opening section of the vacuum drying space, while the protection member can be pushed away from an edge of the front side of the opening window by an external pressure exerting on the protection member. The protection member is preferably a transparent plastic plate in an outwardly curving dome-shaped form.

Abstract: A safety shoe including a steel toe box having an inwardly turned relatively wide flange, the flange having a larger width at two end portions and having a smaller width at a central portion, the flange having a gradually thinner thickness from the junction portion to the edge; a polyethylene liner for cooperating with the toe box; a U-shaped pad made of hardened material having a size and shape substantially matching with a size and shape of the flange of the steel toe box for supporting the steel toe box; and a middle sole having a U-shaped cutout for matching and retaining the U-shaped pad.

Abstract: A cleat cover for use on a bicycle shoe equipped with a pair of bicycle pedal engaging shoe cleats. The cleat cover is formed as an elastomeric shallow oval cup shaped housing for engaging, covering and protecting said front and rear cleats. The cup-shaped housing defines a parabolic toe portion cup for receiving the front cleat, and a rectangular heel portion cup for snugly receiving and covering the rear cleat. The cleats are enclosed and protected by the cover to adapt the bicycle shoe for temporary use as a walking shoe.

Abstract: In a device for improving the seal between the cuff (3) of a ski boot (1) or an inner (5) and the leg with a band (6) mounted on boot (1) or on inner (5), said band surrounding boot (1) and the leg and being closable beltwise, band (6) has at least one coupling member (13, 14) for optional mounting on cuff (3) or inner (5) of boot (1), said member being connectable with a matching computing member (11, 14) on cuff (3) or inner (5) of boot (1).

Abstract: A snow plow member is attached to selected ones of the shanks of a cultivator frame by inserting the leading edges of the sweep at the lower end of the shank into slots formed on the rear surface of the snow plow member. A leading edge of the snow plow member follows the C-shaped curvature of the shank. The shank is clamped to the underside of the snow plow member. With such snow plow members attached to selected ones of the cultivator shanks, the snow plow members can be used to form furrows in the snow which acts to trap additional snow and to prevent the snow from being stripped from the field. The resultant increased accumulations of snow provide additional moisture retention for the field.

Abstract: A framing system for paintings comprises a foam plastic board surrounded by a channel in gripping engagement. The channel is provided with a pocket around the outer wall into which canvas can be tucked and gripped. The channel has a slot on the underside for receiving a mating wall of a framing member which extends above the opening to the pocket to provide a decorative mask.

Abstract: The present device, in a preferred embodiment, is a flexible plastic strip which is formed to be substantially in the shape of the letter L. The flexible plastic strip is shaped so that it can sit on the rabbet of a frame which displays art, such as a picture frame. The plastic strip is secured to the inside wall and the ledge of the wooden frame so that moisture and/or tiny life forms, such as tiny insects or larvae, which normally reside in the wooden frame cannot penetrate the seal and do damage to the art work. The plastic strip is flexible so that it can be cut and used with any shape of wooden frame such as an oval shaped frame, a rectangularly shaped frame, or the like.

Abstract: A solar house-number indicating device comprises a box-like body having a front opening and an inner space for receiving a solar-powered battery, a digital L.E.D. device with its control circuit for presetting a series of number corresponding to the house number, a door member pivotally attached to the box-like body for closing its front opening and having means for retaining and displaying a house-number plate and a road-name plate and a sensor unit for automatically turn off the L.E.D. device in bright time and turn on the L.E.D. device in dark time to produce a digital light sign of the house number.

Abstract: A business card is formed as a laminate comprising an information-carrying face sheet and a protective backing sheet which enhances the rigidity of the face sheet. The face sheet has a contact adhesive at its back surface which bonds the face sheet and backing sheet together, and is provided with a score cut about its edge portions which defines a lift-out panel whereon the information is printed and margin portions at the edges of the card. The backing sheet has a release surface engaging the lift-out panel permitting the lift-out panel to be removed and be affixed to other surfaces such as a file card while the marginal surfaces of the backing sheet engage the margin portions of the face sheet and are tightly and permanently adhered thereto. In the preferred embodiment, the release surface extends a short distance beyond the score cut to facilitate removal of the lift-out panel. The panel may be proportioned to properly fit the surface of file cards of standard sizes.

Abstract: An improved navigation lapboard having two clear sheets clamping sheets of paper between them which allows viewing of the paper and writing on the acrylic sheets without writing directly on the paper. The lapboard is sized to hold an aviation chart and a flight plan side by side and also has holders for writing instruments and clips to compress the plastic sheets together. The lapboard also holds additional writing and reading material on top of the plastic sheets.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure has a multi-strand skirt of flexible, coalesced multi-filament strands formed of clear spandex or clear thermoplastic elastomer. Each strand is colored or colorless and has a large void fraction and high glitter.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure (10) embodying the concepts of the present invention is adaptable for use with a fish hook (11, 26 or 30) and comprises a body (12) having a forward, head portion (13) and at least one trailing appendage portion (14). The body (12) exhibits supple flexibility, at least when immersed in water, and a plurality of relatively long fibers (15) extend outwardly from the head portion (13). To facilitate use of the lure (10) the head portion (13) is adapted to be penetrated by the point (18,28 or 31 and 32) of a fish hook (11, 26 or 30). The body (12) is preferably planar to at least one surface (16), and the relatively long fibers (15) extend outwardly from that surface (16). Ideally, the body (12) is natural sheepskin, and the relatively long fibers (15) are the natural wool fibers presented from the sheepskin. Moreover, the body (12) may be chemically treated in order to assure that the sheepskin will exhibit supple flexibility, even upon re-immersion in water after having been dried.

Abstract: A weedless fish hook comprising a conventional fish hook having a shank with a hooking end and an eyelet end and a length of thin, flexible pliable and pierceable tubing. One end of the tubing is snugly fitted over the hooking end of the fish hook so as to protectively conceal the tip and barb until ready for use. The other end of the tubing may be inserted through the eyelet and trimmed to a suitable length when ready for use. To expose the tip, the tubing is manually flexed between the eyelet and the tip of the hook toward the shank. To insure exposure of the barb, the user need only slide the tubing prior to piercing the tip through the side wall of the tubing. A weedless treble hook and a lure having either form of the weedless hook are also disclosed and claimed. The tubing may also be internally lubricated for further corrosive resistance for the hooking end.

Abstract: A non-toxic, non-chemical device and system for repelling crawling insects from a structure such as a building and training the insects to go elsewhere includes closely-spaced elongated conductors mounted on an insulating base and having a potential difference applied thereto for providing a insect-stunning short-circuit current of about fifteen microamps. When insects bridge the conductors, they receive a current as a function of their internal resistance. The conductors are mounted via the base along the foundation and about posts and other structures which connect into the building. Preferably, the conductors are also slippery and reflective to assist in repelling and training the insects without bridging the conductors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of termite treatment, comprising first determining proper spacing for the drip tubing by using a sample of the drip tubing on compacted soil in a slab area to determine rate of water movement into the soil. Then based on this predetermined distance, the drip tubing is placed on top of the soil with openings of the tubing facing downward. The first and second ends of this tubing are exposed and extend outward from the slab area. This tubing is covered with sand, the sand is then covered with a vapor barrier, and this vapor barrier is covered with gravel. Cement is the poured on top of the gravel and vapor barrier, thereby forming a slab. The insecticide is released through the drip tubing into the soil beneath the slab.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a novel process which facilitates the rapid and economical production of seedless watermelon seed. The novel process involves cloning desirable tetraploid watermelon parental lines. These parental lines are essential in the production of triploid seed for the seedless watermelon. The subject invention makes possible the use of self-sterile tetraploid parental lines in the production of triploid seed.