Ice maker harvest control and method

The present application relates generally to ice making machines, and specifically to ice harvest controls and sensors as used therein. The present invention comprises an ice harvest system for use in an ice maker. The ice maker herein includes a refrigeration system for cooling of an evaporator. Ice is formed thereon as water is pumped by a re-circulating pump to flow from a water distribution tube over the evaporator surface. Water that is not immediately frozen thereon flows into a water pan positioned there below. A pressure fitting is positioned in the pan at the bottom thereof and connected to a pneumatic tube. The pneumatic tube is connected to a pressure sensor located on a control board at a position remote from the water pan. Pressure is communicated through the tube to the pressure sensor as a function of the depth of the water in the pan. This pressure is converted by a microprocessor of the control board for interpretation as a water level in the pan. As the water level in the tray lowers due to the formation of ice, the pressure transmitted to the pressure sensor reduces from a predetermined high or full water level. A harvest point occurs which corresponds to the sensing of a predetermined low water level/low pressure point indicating sufficient ice has formed on the evaporator.