Abstract: A separate sequence controller is connected to each washer within a multiple washer laundry system for controlling the sequential operations of that washer. Each of the controllers has an intercommunication channel to every other one of the controllers. The controllers are operable to intercommunicate by signals through those channels to operate together on the basis of those signals to permit only one washer at a time to perform a common function that is to be performed by only one washer at a time.

Abstract: An improved alkaline detergent composition is provided having a reduced tendency to discolor upon aging at room temperature and/or elevated tempertures. The detergent composition contains:(a) an alkali material such as alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal silicates and mixtures thereof; and(b) at least one nonionic surface active agent having a tendency to discolor the composition in the presence of such alkaline material. The improved composition contains a discoloring inhibiting amount of an alcohol of 3 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 6 carbon atoms, having not more than one primary alcohol group and at least one secondary or tertiary alcohol group, e.g. 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, and 1,2-propanediol.A method is also provided for inhibiting the discoloration of such alkaline detergent composition by adding a discoloring inhibiting amount of the aforementioned alcohol to the composition.