Abstract: A process for converting a substrate such as carbon monoxide to useful chemicals has been developed. The process involves providing a substrate comprising CO to a bioreactor which contains a culture of one or more micro-organisms and anaerobically fermenting the substrate to produce 2,3-butanediol (BDO). The BDO is next converted to one or more of butane, butadiene and/or methyl ethyl ketone which in turn can be converted to other compounds. The source of the CO can be an industrial process such as the ferrous metal products manufacturing. The microorganism can be Clostridium autoethanogenum, Clostridium ljundahlii or Clostridium ragsdalei.

Abstract: A personal hygiene device for cleaning the hands or feet has an outer enclosure of generally donut-like shape which forms an open ended cavity for receiving a user's hand or foot. The innermost surfaces of the enclosure which face inwardly into the cavity are covered with bristles. The enclosure has an internal reservoir within its walls for containing a suitable detergent or soap solution, and one or more outlet openings in the innermost surfaces of the enclosure are connected to the reservoir. A pump mechanism allows the user to pump fluid from the reservoir to the outlet openings, so that the user can move their hand or foot back and forth over the bristles to work up a cleansing lather.