Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination device for illuminating a periphery of equipment such as an image display device, including: a plurality of illumination parts on which a light source is mounted; and a support part for supporting the plurality of illumination parts, so that a different area of the periphery of the equipment is irradiated with light from the plurality of illumination parts.

Abstract: A washing machine uses a turbidimeter to measure turbidity of cleaning water for controlling the duration of its washing and cleaning cycles. Quality of this control is improved by taking measurements when the water flow is weak so that the effects of foams are negligible and waiting until turbidity drops at the beginning of the cycle to detect the initial value used in subsequent steps. Sensitivity of the turbidimeter is automatically adjusted for accuracy when the operation is temporarily stopped and restarted during a cycle.

Abstract: A progress indicator for a washing machine comprises display means having six light-emitting elements to indicate which stage of a washing or rinsing cycle the machine is in. The display means are controlled by signals outputted from detectors of turbidity and the amount of water in the tank. Although the operation is not temporally controlled, say, but a timer, this indicator can accurately display the progress of operation.

Abstract: Dewatering process in the operation of a totally automated washing machine, centrifugal dewaterer and the like is controlled by monitoring the dewatering rate to determine whether the initial instability period due to motor vibrations, etc. has past. The time to terminate the process is computed on the basis of timer reading at the end of such instability period and this information is kept and utilized later even if the operation is interrupted and restarted during a process so as to prevent errors in estimating the time to terminate the dewatering process.