Abstract:
An apparatus and method of utilizing water level sensors within a water tray of a refrigeration system having: a first float switch to determine when a water tray is full and discontinue supplying of water to the water tray, a second float switch to determine when the water inside the watery tray is ready for expulsion, and releasing remaining water in the water tray, a third float switch to determine when the water tray is empty and initiating a harvest cycle. The apparatus may integrate with a low pressure sensor to receive low pressure sensor input to initiate or delay a harvest cycle. The apparatus may integrate with multiple timer controls to initiate certain actions within the refrigeration system.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to the field of refrigeration system utilizing float switches within a water reservoir tray to control the refrigeration system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Refrigeration systems, utilize water trays as a means to transfer water to the evaporator for freezing. A typical refrigeration system will sense water level within the water tray by means of manual tank floats or utilizing timers to control the inlet water valve to continue to distribute water into the water tray. The refrigeration system transfers the water in the water tray into the evaporator by the assistance of a water pump integrated into the refrigeration system. As the water cycles up into the evaporator, the amount of water in the water tray will be reduced and the inlet water valve will be re-initiated to permit more water to enter the water tray to maintain fullness of the water tray. As a result of this, the refrigeration system water tray is always full with water. 
         [0003]    As the water is re-circulated within the refrigeration system certain impurities are collected within the water and only pure water, water free of impurities, can be frozen. As a measure to defend against having a water tray filled with a mixture of pure and impure water, the refrigeration system will introduce cleaning cycles whereby the water tray water is discharged as a means to maintain only pure water within the refrigeration system to increase efficiency of the refrigeration system. As a result of the inefficient manual floats or timers to control the inflow of water into the water tray and the introduction of cleaning cycle to fend off impure water, the water tray discharges more water than necessary during the cleaning cycles resulting in higher water and power usage which is costly for refrigeration system owners and operators. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A need therefore exists for efficient water supply sensors within a water tray to integrate with or bypass timer controls to reduce the amount of water discharged unnecessarily by the refrigeration system. 
         [0005]    The present disclosure articulates the integration of three specific float switches within a refrigeration system water tray to facilitate the control of the refrigeration system. The first float switch is designed to control the flow of water into the water tray. The second float switch is designed to control the action of discharging of water from the water tray. The third float switch is designed to control the action of initiating an ice harvest (or release of ice from the refrigeration system). 
         [0006]    In one inventive aspect, a water level sensor control apparatus. In apparatus includes, a water tray, wherein the water tray may be a sloped water tray and used as a reservoir to maintain water supply for the evaporator. The apparatus also includes, a first float switch configured to determine when a first water level has been reached within the water tray, and send a first signal to an inlet valve to discontinue supplying of water to the water tray. The first float switch may further be configured to transmit a harvest delay timer signal to a harvest valve timer with a predetermined harvest valve delay time limit. The first float switch may be further configured to transmit a dump valve delay signal to a dump valve timer with a predetermined dump valve delay time limit. The first float, the second float, and the third float may be configured within at least one reed switch. The apparatus also includes, a second float switch configured to determine when a second water level has been reached within the water tray, and send a second signal to a dump valve to discharge water not yet frozen within the water tray. The apparatus further includes, a third float switch configured to determine when a third water level has been reached within the water tray, and sends a third signal to a harvest valve to initiate a harvest cycle. The third float switch may be further configured to bypass the delay time limit configured within the harvest valve timer. The third float switch may further be configured to bypass the delay time limit configured within the dump valve timer. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the invention, a water level sensor control apparatus. The apparatus includes a water tray, wherein the water tray may be a sloped water tray and used as a reservoir to maintain water supply for the evaporator. The apparatus includes a first float switch configured to send a close inlet valve signal to an inlet valve to discontinue supplying of water to the water tray if a first water level has been reached within the water tray. Alternatively, the first float switch configured to send an open inlet valve signal to an inlet valve to begin supplying of water to the water tray if a first water level has not been reached within the water tray. The apparatus also includes, a low pressure sensor configured to receive a low pressure signal from an evaporator and transmit an intermediate close inlet valve signal to an inlet valve to discontinue supplying of water to the water tray until a harvest cycle is completed within the refrigeration system. The apparatus further includes a second float switch configured to determine when a second water level has been reached within the water tray and send a second signal to a dump valve to discharge water not yet frozen within the water tray. The apparatus further includes a third float switch configured to determine when a third water level has been reached within the water tray and send a third signal to a harvest valve to initiate a harvest cycle. The apparatus further includes, a harvest valve timer configured to maintain a safety time limit for which the refrigeration system must initiate the harvest cycle. The third float switch may be further configured to bypass the safety time limit configured within the harvest valve timer. The apparatus further includes, a hold timer configured to determine if a signal received from the first float switch is a consistent signal for a predetermined time period prior to initiating an open inlet valve signal to discontinue the flow of water to the water tray. The hold timer may be bypassed if the first float switch transmits an overflow signal indicating the inflow of water to the water tray has exceeded the first water level. The first float switch, the second float switch, and the third float switch may be configured within at least one reed switch. 
         [0008]    In yet another inventive aspect, a water level sensor control method. The method including supplying water to a water tray from an inlet valve, determining that a first water level has been reached by means of a first float switch, sending a first signal from the first float switch to the inlet valve to discontinue water to the water tray. The method further includes, determining that a second water level has been reached by means of a second float switch, sending a second single from the second float switch to a dump valve to discharge water in the water tray. The method further comprising, determining that a third water level has been reached by means of a third float switch, sending a signal from the third float switch to the harvest valve to release ice from the refrigeration system. The method also includes, determining that a low pressure level has been reached by means of a low pressure sensor, sending a low pressure signal from the low pressure sensor to an inlet valve to temporarily discontinue the inflow of water to the water tray. The method includes determining that a low pressure level has been reached by means of a low pressure sensor, sending a harvest time limit signal from the low pressure sensor to a harvest valve timer to maintain a fixed time period for which the harvest valve must release the ice from the refrigeration system. The third float switch may act as a means to bypass the harvest time limit maintained within the harvest valve timer. The first float, the second float, and the third float may be configured within at least one reed switch. Determining that a first water level has been reached by means of a first float switch may adopt the integration of a hold timer to determine if the signal received from the first float switch may be maintained for a fixed time period. 
         [0009]    Neither this summary nor the following detailed description purports to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Embodiments of various inventive features will now be described with reference to the following drawings. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a rear-view of a refrigeration system in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a front-view of a refrigeration system in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus having three separate switches in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a float switch apparatus in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an internal float switch configuration in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a float switch apparatus installed within a water tray in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus having three switches within one reed in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus having a first double and second single float switches in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus having a first single and second double float switches in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus having a first single and second single float switches in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus having a first and second double float switch in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus having a second single and third single float switches in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus having a second and third double float switch in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus comprising three stage sensors in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus with integrated timer controls in accordance to one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  illustrates a water level sensor control apparatus with integrated timer and signal consistency controls in accordance to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are intended to illustrate and, not limit, the present disclosure. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1A  is an illustrative embodiment of a refrigeration system. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigeration system  210  designed specifically for ice freezing and harvesting. The refrigeration system  210  comprising a plurality of components, including an evaporator  202 , a water tray  102 , a water pump  206 , a water inlet valve  104 , a dump valve  106 , and a harvest valve  204 , an drain opening  208 . In one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, water flows into the water tray  102  through a water inlet valve  104  and is pumped by the water pump  206  up into the evaporator  202  to freeze the water into ice. As the refrigeration system  210  continues to operate and prior to the harvest cycle, the central control unit  840  configured to control the refrigeration system  210  will send a signal that it&#39;s ready to harvest, it will then discontinue the flow of water from the water tray  102  up into the evaporator  202  by shutting off the water pump  206  and opening the dump valve  106  to release the water into the drain  208 . In one embodiment, the central control unit  840  may be a microcontroller. Thereafter, the refrigeration system  210  central control unit will send a second signal to release thaw gas through a harvest valve (not shown) to allow for the evaporator  202  to release the ice contained within. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1B  is an illustrative embodiment of a refrigeration system. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigeration system  210  designed specifically for ice freezing and harvesting. The refrigeration system  210  comprising a plurality of components, including a harvest valve  204  to allow for the evaporator  202  to release the ice contained within. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1C  is an illustrative embodiment of a water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a water level sensor control apparatus  100  wherein three float switches reside within a water tray  102  which consists of a mixture of water which is distributed to an evaporator for freezing. In one embodiment, the water tray  102  may consist of both pure water  101  and impure water  103 , hereafter referred to as water  170 , wherein the pure water  101  is water received from the water inlet valve  104  from a pure water supply means (not shown) and the impure water  103  is received from the water inlet valve  104  from a discharge excess water means (not shown) within an evaporator  202  as the water is recycled through a refrigeration system  210 . The water tray  102  may be comprised of different configurations and may be a sloped water tray. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, the water inlet means  104  is open, operation and permitting water  170  to flow into the water tray  102  and allowing the water  170  to accumulate due to the accelerated inflow velocity as compared to the velocity of the water  170  leaving the water tray by an outlet means  108  to be destined for the evaporator  202  being pumped by a water pump  206  up into the evaporator  202 . For this reason, the water tray  102  will begin to accumulate water  170  and as the water reaches a configurable, predetermined and optimal water supply level it will cause the first float switch  110  (comprised of a first reed  112  and a first float  114 ) to energize and transmit a signal by means of an electrical wire  105  to a central processing control  840  to cause the closure of the inlet water valve  104 . 
         [0032]    After the closure of the inlet water valve  104 , the refrigeration system  210  will continues to operate and continue to pump water  170  from the water tray  102  to the evaporator  202  by means of a water pump  206 . For this reason, as the water  170  reaches a configurable, predetermined, and optimal water discharge level it will cause the second float switch  116  (comprised of a second reed  118  and a second float  120 ) to energize and transmit a signal by means of an electrical wire  105  to a central processing control  840  to cause the opening of the dump valve  106 . The dump valve  106  may be configured to be connected to the water tray  102 , the intermediary piping  212  between the water tray  102  and the evaporator  202 , or any other physical location configured within the refrigeration system  210 . 
         [0033]    After the opening of the dump valve  106 , the refrigeration system  210  will continue to operate and continue to pump water  170  from the water tray  102  to the evaporator  202  by means of a water pump  206  to allow water to discharge from the dump valve  106 . Alternatively, after the opening of the dump valve  106 , the refrigeration system  210  will continue to operate, but discontinue the water pump  206  so as to allow water within the refrigeration system  210  to drain from the water tray  102 . For this reason, as the water  170  reaches a configurable, predetermined, and optimal water discharge complete level it will cause the third float switch  122  (comprised of a third reed  124  and a third float  126 ) to energize and transmit a signal by means of an electrical wire  105  to a central processing control  840  to cause the opening of the harvest valve  204 . The harvest valve  204  may permit the release of ice stored in the evaporator  202  within the refrigeration system  210  to be discharged and ready for harvesting by operational personal. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2A  is an illustrative embodiment of a float switch apparatus. In one embodiment, the float switch apparatus  200  may be comprised of at least one wire  105 , thread  107 , adjustable nut  109 , a washer  111 , a non-adjustable nut  113 , a reed  115 , a first lock  172 , afloat  119 , and a second lock  174 .  FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of float switch apparatus  200  and its configuration. In one embodiment, the float  119  is contained between a first lock  172  and a second lock  174 , wherein the float  119  is configured to adjust upward or downward based upon the floatation of the float  119  within a liquid substance. The floatation of the float  119  upward or downward causes the internal switch configurations to be adjusted as a result. Float switches may be adjusted to properly fit within a water tray and to achieve optimal configuration to measure water levels within a closed container. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2B  is an illustrative embodiment of internal float switch configuration. In one embodiment, a single reed switch having an internal switch configuration may be comprised of glass tube  121  having inert gas  127 , a first reed  123  and a second reed  125  coming together and apart at a contact point  129 . The glass tube may be housed within the reed  115  at any location, including: at the top most portions, the lower most portions, the central portion, or anywhere within the reed. In one embodiment, when the first reed  123  and the second reed  125  are repelling, the float switch apparatus  200  is said to be off, or not energized. In one embodiment, when the first reed  123  and the second reed  125  are in contact, the float switch apparatus  200  is said to be on, or energized. Alternative embodiments and opposite configurations than those just described may also exist. 
         [0036]    In an alternative embodiment, the float switch apparatus  200  may be comprised of dual reed switch rather than a single reed switch, as just described. In one embodiment, a dual reed switch having an internal switch configuration  191  may be comprised of a glass tube  121  having an inert gas  127 , a first NC reed  193 , a second NO reed  195  and a third COM reed  197 , wherein the reed switch adjusts its contact point  129  between the (COM reed  197  and the NC reed  193 ) or (COM reed  197  and the NO reed  195 ). Either of these configurations is possible and the float switch apparatus  200  would be able to operational and fits expectations notwithstanding the underlying switch configuration used. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is an illustrative embodiment of the float switch apparatus installed within a water tray. In one embodiment, a float switch apparatus  200  installed within a water tray  102  from an upward installation  312  wherein the water level is below water level sensor  302  and the float  119  is not energized as a result. In another embodiment, a float switch apparatus  200  installed within a water tray  102  from an upward installation  312  wherein the water level is at or exceeds water level sensor  304  and the float  119  is energized as a result. In yet another embodiment, a float switch apparatus  200  installed within a water tray  102  from a downward installation  314  wherein the water level is below water level sensor  303  and the float  110  is not energized as a result. In another embodiment, a float switch apparatus  200  installed within a water tray  102  from a downward installation  314  wherein the water level is at or exceeds the water level sensor  304  and the float  119  is energized. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is an illustrative embodiment of the water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment, a water level sensor control apparatus  400  wherein the three separate float switches described and illustrated in  FIG. 1B  are integrated into a single triple float switch  130  having a reed  115  and a first float  114 , a second float  120 , and a third float  126 . In one embodiment, the water inlet valve  104  permits the inflow of water  170  into a water tray  102  and after the water reaches a desired supply level, the first float  114  is energized and the water inlet valve  104  is closed as a result. As the refrigeration system  210  continues to cycle the water  170  to the evaporator  202  through the outlet means  108  and the water level in the water tray  102  is reduced to dump valve supply level, then the second float  120  is energized and the dump valve  106  is opened as a result to discharge water  170  from the water tray. Finally, as the water  170  in the water tray  102  reaches a lower discharge complete level, then the third float  126  is energized and the harvest valve is opened as a result, releasing the frozen ice within the refrigeration system  210 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 5A  is an illustrative embodiment of the water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment, a water level sensor control apparatus  500  wherein the three separate float switches described and illustrated in  FIG. 1B  are configured within two float switches, a double float switch  132  configured to control the inlet valve  104  and dump valve  106  and a third float switch  122  configured to control the harvest valve  204 . In one embodiment, the water inlet valve  104  permits the inflow of water  170  into a water tray  102  and after the water reaches a desired supply level, the first float  114  is energized and the water inlet valve is closed as a result. As the refrigeration system  210  continues to cycle the water  170  to the evaporator  202  through the outlet means  108  and the water level in the water tray  102  is reduced to dump valve supply level, then the second float  120  is energized and the dump valve  106  is opened as a result to discharge water  170  from the water tray or intermediary pipe  212 . Finally, as the water  170  in the water tray  102  reaches a lower discharge complete level, then the third float float  126  is energized and the harvest valve  204  is opened as a result, releasing the frozen ice within the refrigeration system  210 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5B  is an illustrative embodiment of the water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment, a water level sensor control apparatus  510  wherein the three separate float switches described and illustrated in  FIG. 1B  are configured within two float switches, a first float switch  110  configured to control the inlet valve  104  and a double float switch  134  configured to control the dump valve  106  and the harvest valve  204 . In one embodiment, the water inlet valve  104  permits the inflow of water  170  into a water tray  102  and after the water reaches a desired supply level, the first float  114  is energized and the water inlet valve is closed as a result. As the refrigeration system  210  continues to cycle the water  170  to the evaporator  202  through the outlet means  108  and the water level in the water tray  102  is reduced to dump valve supply level, then the second float  120  is energized and the dump valve  106  is opened as a result to discharge water  170  from the water tray or intermediary pipe  212 . Finally, as the water  170  in the water tray  102  reaches a lower discharge complete level, then the third float float  126  is energized and the harvest valve  204  is opened as a result, releasing the frozen ice within the refrigeration system  210 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 6A  is an illustrative embodiment of the water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment, a water level sensor control apparatus  600  wherein the only two of the three separate float switches described and illustrated in  FIG. 1B  are configured within two float switches, a first float switch  110  configured to control the inlet valve  104  and a second float switch  116  configured to control the dump valve  106 . In one embodiment, the water inlet valve  104  permits the inflow of water  170  into a water tray  102  and after the water reaches a desired supply level, the first float  114  is energized and the water inlet valve is closed as a result. As the refrigeration system  210  continues to cycle the water  170  to the evaporator  202  through the outlet means  108  and the water level in the water tray  102  is reduced to dump valve supply level, then the second float  120  is energized and the dump valve  106  is opened as a result to discharge water  170  from the water tray or intermediary pipe  212 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6B  is an illustrative embodiment of the water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment, a water level sensor control apparatus  610  wherein the only two of the three separate float switches described and illustrated in  FIG. 1B  are configured within a single float switch, a double float switch  132  configured to control the inlet valve and the dump valve  106 . In one embodiment, the water inlet valve  104  permits the inflow of water  170  into a water tray  102  and after the water reaches a desired supply level, the first float  114  is energized and the water inlet valve is closed as a result. As the refrigeration system  210  continues to cycle the water  170  to the evaporator  202  through the outlet means  108  and the water level in the water tray  102  is reduced to dump valve supply level, then the second float  120  is energized and the dump valve  106  is opened as a result to discharge water  170  from the water tray or intermediary pipe  212 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 7A  is an illustrative embodiment of the water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment, a water level sensor control apparatus  700  wherein the only two of the three separate float switches described and illustrated in  FIG. 1B  are configured, a second float switch  116  configured to control the dump valve  106  and a third float switch  122  configured to control the harvest valve  204 . In one embodiment, the water inlet valve  104  permits the inflow of water  170  into a water tray  102  and after the harvest control module  808  receives a signal from the refrigeration system  210  that it&#39;s ready to initiate harvest, the water inlet valve is closed as a result, and a harvest valve timer  814  may be set. As the refrigeration system  210  continues to cycle the water  170  to the evaporator  202  through the outlet means  108  and the water level in the water tray  102  is reduced to dump valve supply level, then the second float  120  is energized and the dump valve  106  is opened as a result to discharge water  170  from the water tray or intermediary pipe  212 . Finally, as the water  170  in the water tray  102  reaches a lower discharge complete level, then the third float  26  is energized and the harvest valve  204  is opened as a result, releasing the frozen ice within the refrigeration system  210 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 7B  is an illustrative embodiment of the water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment, a water level sensor control apparatus  710  wherein a double float switch  134  is configured to control the inlet valve  104  and the harvest valve  204 . In one embodiment, the water inlet valve  104  permits the inflow of water  170  into a water tray  102  and after the harvest control module  808  receives a signal from the refrigeration system  210  that it&#39;s ready to initiate harvest, the water inlet valve  104  is closed as a result, and a harvest valve timer  814  may be set. As the refrigeration system  210  continues to cycle the water  170  to the evaporator  202  through the outlet means  108  and the water level in the water tray  102  is reduced to dump valve supply level, then the second float  120  is energized and the dump valve  106  is opened as a result to discharge water  170  from the water tray or intermediary pipe  212 . Finally, as the water  170  in the water tray  102  reaches a lower discharge complete level, then the third float  126  is energized and the harvest valve  204  is opened as a result, releasing the frozen ice within the refrigeration system  210 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  is an illustrative embodiment of water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment, the water level sensor control apparatus of comprised of three stages, which will be described in turn. 
         [0046]    During the first stage, a water inlet valve  104  is opened and a first float switch  110  is energized when the water level within the water tray reaches a predetermined fill level and sending a first stage signal  801  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  which subsequently transmits a first stage control signal  807  to a inlet valve control module  804  which controls the opening and closure of the inlet valve  104  (mechanical part). The inlet valve control module  104  will subsequently transmit a close inlet valve signal  809  to the inlet valve  104 . The microcontroller (MCU)  802  may be the central processing control for the entire refrigeration system or may be one of multiple microcontrollers installed within the refrigeration system  210 .  FIG. 8  focuses on the use of a central microcontroller to handle requests coming in from different modules in order to control multiple valves within the refrigeration system  210 . In one embodiment, the inlet valve control module  804  may be a hardware control module executing a software program to perform a specific function. Alternatively, the inlet control module  804  may be an entirely software based module executing with integration to the microcontroller (MCU)  802 . 
         [0047]    During the second stage, a dump valve  106  is closed and a second float switch  116  is energized when the water level within the water tray reaches a predetermined discharge level and sending a second stage signal  803  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  which subsequently transmits a second stage control signal  811  to a dump valve control module  806  which controls the opening and closure of the dump valve  106  (mechanical part). The dump valve control module  806  will subsequently transmit an open dump valve signal  813  to the dump valve  106 . In one embodiment, the dump valve control module  806  may be a hardware control module executing a software program to perform a specific function. Alternatively, the dump valve control module  806  may be an entirely software based module executing with integration to the microcontroller (MCU)  802 . 
         [0048]    During the third stage, a harvest valve  204  is closed and a third float switch  122  is energized when the water level within the water tray reaches a predetermined discharge complete level and sending a third stage signal  805  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  which subsequently transmits a third stage control signal  815  to a harvest control module  808  will subsequently transmit an open harvest valve signal  817  to the harvest valve  204  (mechanical part). In one embodiment, the harvest control module  808  may be a hardware control module executing a software program to perform a specific function. Alternatively, the harvest control module  808  may be an entirely software based module executing with integration to the microcontroller (MCU)  802 . 
         [0049]    In an alternative first stage, an low pressure sensor  810  receiving a signal from an external component sensing a low pressure within the evaporator indicating an initiate ice harvest, sending a low pressure signal  821  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  which subsequently transmits a first stage control signal  807  to a inlet valve control module  804  which controls the opening and closure of the inlet valve  104  (mechanical part). The inlet valve control module  104  will subsequently transmit a close inlet valve signal  809  to the inlet valve  104 . Simultaneously, the microcontroller  802  may transmit a delay harvest signal  816  to inform the harvest control module  808  to wait for a third stage control signal  815  prior to opening the harvest valve  204 . 
         [0050]    In yet another alternative first stage, an low pressure sensor  810  receiving a signal from an external component sensing a low pressure within the evaporator indicating an initiate ice harvest, sending a low pressure detected signal  819  to a harvest control module  808  which subsequently sends a low pressure signal  821  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  which subsequently transmits a first stage control signal  807  to an inlet valve control  804  which controls the opening and closure of the inlet valve  104  (mechanical part). The inlet valve control module  104  will subsequently transmit a close inlet valve signal  809  to the inlet valve  104 . Simultaneously, delaying the open harvest valve signal until a third stage control signal  815  is received. 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  is an illustrative embodiment of water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment, the water level sensor control apparatus comprised of three float sensors, an optional dump valve time, and an optional harvest valve timer, which will be described in turn. 
         [0052]    In one embodiment of the disclosure, a water level sensor control apparatus, comprising: (1) a first stage sensor  831 , (2) a second stage sensor  833 , (3) a third stage sensor  835 , (4) a dump valve timer  812 , and (5) a harvest valve timer  814 . 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, a first stage sensor  831 , comprised of a first float switch  110 , transmits a first stage signal  801  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  wherein the micro-controller subsequently transmits three separate signals to (1) an inlet valve control module  804 , (2) a dump valve timer  812 , and (3) a harvest valve timer  814 . 
         [0054]    The microcontroller  802  transmits a first stage control signal  807  to an inlet valve control module  804  which analyzes and transmits a close inlet valve signal  809  to close the inlet valve  104 . 
         [0055]    Simultaneously with the transmission of a first stage control signal  807 , the microcontroller  802  may transmit a dump valve time request signal  823  to a dump valve timer  812  which analyzes the request to configure a pre-determined, configurable dump value delay time limit which is stored in memory  837  and transmits a dump valve time response signal  825  to the microcontroller  802  to confirm receipt of dump valve timer request signal  823 . The dump valve timer  812  is configured to store a set time value, that when reached, will initiate a second stage control request  811  to open the dump valve  106 . However, the dump valve timer  812  configured set time value may be superseded or bypassed if the microcontroller  802  receives a second stage signal  803  from a second stage sensor  833  (comprising a second float switch  116 ) to open the dump valve  106  prior to the set time value expiration. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the expiration of the dump valve timer  812  set time value will result in dump valve timer expiration signal  841  sent to the microcontroller  802  which subsequently transmits a second stage control signal  811  to the dump valve control module  806  to initiate opening of the dump valve  106 . 
         [0056]    Simultaneously with the transmission of a first stage control signal  807 , the microcontroller  802  may transmit a harvest valve timer request signal  827  to a harvest valve timer  814  which analyzes the request to configure a pre-determined, configurable harvest valve delay timer limit which is stored in memory  839  and transmits a harvest valve time response signal  829  to the microcontroller  802  to confirm receipt of harvest valve timer request signal  827 . The harvest valve timer  814  is configured to store a set time value, that when reached, will initiate a third stage control request  815  to open the harvest valve  128 . However, the harvest valve timer  814  configured set time value may be superseded or bypassed if the microcontroller  802  receives a third stage signal  805  from a third stage sensor  835  (comprising a third float switch  122 ) to open the harvest valve  128  prior to the set time value expiration. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the expiration of the harvest valve timer  814  set time value will result in harvest valve timer expiration signal  843  sent to the microcontroller  802  which subsequently transmits a third stage control signal  815  to the harvest control module  808  to initiate opening of the harvest valve  128 . 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, a second stage sensor  833 , comprised of a second float switch  116 , transmits a second stage signal  803  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  wherein the micro-controller subsequently transmits two separate signals to (1) a dump valve control module  805 , and (2) a dump valve timer  812 . 
         [0058]    The microcontroller  802  transmits a second stage control signal  811  to a dump valve control module  806  which analyzes and transmits an open dump valve signal  813  to open the dump valve  106 . 
         [0059]    The microcontroller  802  transmits a dump valve time bypass signal  845  to a dump valve timer  812  which analyzes the request and automatically resets it&#39;s timer to a null value state. 
         [0060]    In an alternative embodiment, a second stage sensor  833 , comprised of a second float switch  116 , transmits a second stage signal  803  to a microcontroller (MC)  802  wherein the micro-controller subsequently transmits a dump valve timer bypass signal  845  to the dump valve timer  812  which analyzes the request and automatically resets it&#39;s timer to a null value state and transmits a dump valve timer expiration signal  841  to the microcontroller  802  which will subsequently transmits a second stage control signal  811  to the dump valve control module  806  to initiate opening of the dump valve  106 . 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, a third stage sensor  835 , comprised of a third float switch  122 , transmits a third stage signal  805  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  wherein the micro-controller subsequently transmits two separate signals to (1) a harvest valve control module  808 , and (2) a harvest valve timer  814 . 
         [0062]    The microcontroller  802  transmits a third stage control signal  815  to a harvest valve control module  808  which analyzes and transmits a open harvest valve signal  817  to open the harvest valve  128 . 
         [0063]    The microcontroller  802  transmits a harvest valve time bypass signal  847  to harvest valve timer  814  which analyzes the request and automatically resets it&#39;s timer to a null value state. 
         [0064]    In an alternative embodiment, a third stage sensor  835 , comprised of a third float switch  122 , transmits a third stage signal  805  to a microcontroller (MC)  802  wherein the micro-controller subsequently transmits a harvest valve timer bypass signal  847  to the harvest valve timer  814  which analyzes the request and automatically resets it&#39;s timer to a null value state and transmits a harvest valve timer expiration signal  843  to the microcontroller  802  which will subsequently transmits a third stage control signal  815  to the harvest valve control module  808  to initiate opening of the harvest valve  128 . 
         [0065]    In an alternative embodiment related to a first stage, a first stage sensor  831  is bypassed if an low pressure sensor  810  receiving a signal from an external component sensing a low pressure within the evaporator indicating an initiate ice harvest, sending a low pressure signal  821  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  which subsequently transmits a first control signal  807  to a inlet valve control module  804  which controls the opening and closure of the inlet valve  104  (mechanical part). The inlet valve control module  104  will subsequently transmit a close inlet valve signal  809  to the inlet valve  104 . 
         [0066]    Simultaneously with the transmission of a first stage control signal  807 , the microcontroller  802  may transmit a dump valve time request signal  823  to a dump valve timer  812  which analyzes the request to configure a pre-determined, configurable dump value delay time limit which is stored in memory  837  and transmits a dump valve time response signal  825  to the microcontroller  802  to confirm receipt of dump valve timer request signal  823 . The dump valve timer  812  is configured to store a set time value, that when reached, will initiate a second stage control request  811  to open the dump valve  106 . However, the dump valve timer  812  configured set time value may be superseded or bypassed if the microcontroller  802  receives a second stage signal  803  from a second stage sensor  833  (comprising a second float switch  116 ) to open the dump valve  106  prior to the set time value expiration. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the expiration of the dump valve timer  812  set time value will result in dump valve timer expiration signal  841  sent to the microcontroller  802  which subsequently transmits a second stage control signal  811  to the dump valve control module  806  to initiate opening of the dump valve  106 . 
         [0067]    In yet another alternative embodiment related to a first stage, a first stage sensor  831  is bypassed if an low pressure sensor  810  receiving a signal from an external component sensing a low pressure within the evaporator indicating an initiate ice harvest, sending a low pressure detected signal  819  to a harvest control module  819  which subsequently sends a low pressure signal  821  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  which subsequently transmits a first stage control signal  807  to an inlet valve control  804  which controls the opening and closure of the inlet valve  104  (mechanical part). The inlet valve control module  104  will subsequently transmit a close inlet valve signal  809  to the inlet valve  104 . 
         [0068]    Simultaneously with the transmission of a first stage control signal  807 , the microcontroller  802  may transmit a harvest valve timer request signal  827  to a harvest valve timer  814  which analyzes the request to configure a pre-determined, configurable harvest valve delay timer limit which is stored in memory  839  and transmits a harvest valve time response signal  829  to the microcontroller  802  to confirm receipt of harvest valve timer request signal  827 . The harvest valve timer  814  is configured to store a set time value, that when reached, will initiate a third stage control request  815  to open the harvest valve  128 . However, the harvest valve timer  814  configured set time value may be superseded or bypassed if the microcontroller  802  receives a third stage signal  805  from a third stage sensor  835  (comprising a third float switch  122 ) to open the harvest valve  128  prior to the set time value expiration. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the expiration of the harvest valve timer  814  set time value will result in harvest valve timer expiration signal  843  sent to the microcontroller  802  which subsequently transmits a third stage control signal  815  to the harvest control module  808  to initiate opening of the harvest valve  128 . 
         [0069]    In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, a water level sensor control apparatus, comprising: (1) a first stage sensor  831 , (2) a second stage sensor  833 , (3) a dump valve timer  812 , and (4) a harvest valve timer  814 , wherein the harvest valve timer  814  is utilized as an alternative to a third stage sensor  835 . 
         [0070]    In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, a water level sensor control apparatus, comprising: (1) a low pressure sensor  810 , (2) a second stage sensor  833 , (3) a (optional) dump valve timer  812 , and (4) a harvest valve timer  814 , wherein the harvest valve timer  814  is utilized as an alternative to a third stage sensor  835 . 
         [0071]    In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, a water level sensor control apparatus, comprising: (1) a first stage sensor  831 , (2) a dump valve timer  812 , and (3) a harvest valve timer  814 , wherein the dump valve timer  812  is utilized as an alternative to a second stage sensor  833  and the harvest valve timer  814  is utilized as an alternative to a third stage sensor  835 . 
         [0072]    In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, a water level sensor control apparatus, comprising: (1) a low pressure sensor  810 , (2) a dump valve timer  812 , and (3) a harvest valve timer  814 , wherein he low pressure sensor  810  may be utilized as an alternative to a first stage sensor  831 , the dump valve timer  812  may be utilized as an alternative to a second stage sensor  833 , and the harvest valve timer  814  is utilized as an alternative to a third stage sensor  835 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 10  is an illustrative embodiment of water level sensor control apparatus. In one embodiment, the water level sensor control apparatus comprised of three float sensors, a hold timer, and a harvest valve timer, which will be described in turn. 
         [0074]    In one embodiment of the disclosure, a water level sensor control apparatus, comprising: (1) a first float switch  110 , (2) a second float switch  116 , (3) a third float switch  122 , (4) a hold timer  816 , and (5) a harvest valve timer  814 . 
         [0075]    In one embodiment, a first float switch  110  configured to transmits a first stage signal  801  to a microcontroller (MCU)  802  wherein the micro-controller transmits a hold timer request signal  851  to a hold timer  816  configured within or as an exterior component of the micro-controller. The hold timer  816  is configured to determine if the first float switch  110  first stage signal  801  is consistently being sent to the MCU  802  for a predetermined length of time continuously. If the first stage signal  801  is not consistent, then the water will continue to flow into the water tray  102 , but if the first stage signal  801  is consistent, then the hold timer  816  will send a hold timer response signal  853  to micro-controller confirming the consistency of the signal and the microcontroller  802  send a subsequent first stage control signal  807  to the inlet valve control module  804  to close the inlet valve  104 . In an alternative embodiment, if the water  170  in the water tank  102  raises too quickly then the micro-controller  802  may bypass the hold timer  816  and send a first stage control signal  807  to the inlet valve control module  804  to close the inlet valve  104 . The inlet valve  104  will remain closed and the water  170  in the water tray  102  will begin to drop because the water  170  will be pumped into the evaporator  202 , and when this happens then the first float switch  110  will be de-energized and the micro-controller  802  will know to send a first stage control signal  807  to the inlet valve control  804  which sends a subsequent close inlet valve signal  809  to open the inlet valve  104 . This cycle of opening and closing the inlet valve will continue until the micro-controller receives a low pressure signal  821  from a low pressure sensor  810  that the evaporator  202  is ready to initiate a harvest cycle. 
         [0076]    In one embodiment, the low pressure sensor  810  sends a low pressure signal  821  to the harvest valve timer  814  by sending a safety limit time request  855  through a micro-controller  802  along with a predetermined time limit for which to delay the harvest cycle within the evaporator  202 . The harvest valve timer  814  will send a safety limit time response  857  to the micro-controller  802  confirming receipt of harvest time limit. The low pressure sensor  810  will send another first stage control signal  807  through the micro-controller  802  to the inlet valve control module  804  to temporarily close the inlet valve  104  until the harvest cycle is completed. 
         [0077]    When the inlet valve  104  is closed, the water  170  in the water tray  102  will begin to decrease because it&#39;s being pressurized into the evaporator  202 . As a result of decrease water supply in the water tray  102 , the second float switch  116  will be energized and send a second stage signal  803  to the micro-controller  802  informing the micro-controller  802  that the water  170  within the water tray  102  has reached a level wherein only impure water  103  resides and that the dump valve  106  should be opened to discharge such water  170 . In response, the micro-controller  802  will send a second stage control signal  811  to the dump valve control module  806  to send a open dump valve signal  813  to the dump valve  106  to discharge water in the water tray. 
         [0078]    When the dump valve  106  is opened, pressurized water (previously pumped into the evaporator  202 ) is returned through an intermediary pipe  212  to be released through the dump valve  106  into a drain  208 . When the dump valve  106  is open and the water  170  in the water tray  102  is being discharged, the water supply level in the water tray  102  will reach a third threshold wherein the third float switch  122  will be energized. When the third float switch  122  is energized it sends a third stage signal  805  to the micro-controller  802  wherein the micro-controller  802  sends a subsequent third stage control signal  815  to the harvest control module  808  to send a open harvest valve signal  817  to open the harvest valve  204  to initiate a harvest cycle. The third float switch  122  acts as a harvest valve timer  814  bypass wherein if the third float switch  122  is energized because it detects that the water  170  in the water tray  102  has been discharged by opening the dump valve  106 . If for some reason the first float switch  110 , the second float switch  116  or the third float switch  122  is not working as expected, then low pressure sensor  810  and the harvest valve timer  814  act as secondary means to detect a harvest cycle and initiate a harvest cycle, respectively. In one embodiment, if the second float switch  116  is non-operational and the dump valve  106  is not opened to discharge water in the water tray, resulting in the third switch  122  not energizing, then the harvest valve timer  814  is used to indicate when to initiate a harvest cycle. In another embodiment, if the third float switch  122  is non-operation then the refrigeration system  210  will initiate a harvest cycle when the harvest valve timer  814  completes its preconfigured time limit. In one embodiment, a light indicator using different flashing codes to de-code maintenance concerns may be used to notify user when bypass harvest valve timer was used to uncover float switch maintenance issues or concerns with either the first, second, or third float switches configured within the water tray. 
         [0079]    In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure includes utilizing analog signals rather than digital signals to facilitate the transfer of signals from float switches (sensors) to control different mechanical parts within the refrigeration system, including the inlet water valve  104 , dump valve  106  and the harvest valve  124 . The analog configured design would facilitate the same functionality and results achieves as the digital design described in the disclosure. Therefore, an analog equivalent design is herein specifically identified as relating to the same subject matter as described in the disclosure. 
         [0080]    As will be apparent, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments and applications, other embodiments and applications that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by the reference to the below claims.