Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing appendages from seeds are described. The apparatus includes a chamber to contain the seed to be threshed. Mounted rotatively in the chamber is at least one filament spool means which, upon rotation, causes filament to be paid out and thresh the seed. Means are attached to the chamber to draw a gaseous medium through the chamber to suspend the seed with appendages in the threshing zone. After the appendages are removed, the appendage-free seed is discharged from the cylinder. The invention finds particular use in the threshing of seeds armed with appendages that are difficult or impossible to remove with existing seed threshing equipment.

Abstract: Methods for the management of bronchopulmonary insufficiency and other conditions are disclosed. The methods involve administration of an N-7-substituted derivative of theophylline selected from the group consisting of dyphylline, etophylline, proxyphylline and mixtures thereof. The derivative can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or in the lungs, concurrently with some form of theophylline or administered alone to a patient whose body has a known or an unknown theophylline content. Theophylline and the derivative can be administered in the same dosage form or in separate dosage forms. They can have the same route of administration or different routes of administration; for example, theophylline can be given orally, while the derivative is given as a zero-order intravenous infusion. A high total plasma concentration of methyl xanthine is achieved safely by using a combination of theophylline and one or more of the derivatives.