ICE MACHINE WITH ENHANCED DIRECTIONAL FREEZING CAPABILITY

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an ice machine capable of producing directionally-frozen ice segments. In one example embodiment an ice machine includes a basin having four sidewalls and a bottom. The bottom of the basin includes an aperture, which is exposed or enclosed by a gate valve located on the aperture. The ice machine includes a grid mold inset to the basin. The grid mold includes exterior and interior sidewalls to form cavities which house a liquid that is directionally frozen by the condenser and overhead fans of the ice machine. The ice machine includes heat wires embedded into the exterior and interior sidewalls of the grid mold. The ice machine includes a funnel beneath the grid mold to guide the ice segments from the grid mold, through the aperture, and into a storage container.

Claims

1. An ice machine comprising: a basin having four sidewalls and a bottom, wherein the bottom of the basin includes an aperture; a grid mold inset to the basin comprising exterior sidewalls and interior sidewalls, wherein the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls are insulated, and wherein cavities formed by the grid mold house ice segments, such that the ice segments are directionally-frozen; a funnel located beneath the grid mold, wherein the funnel guides the ice segments to the aperture of the basin; a gate valve, wherein the gate valve is located on the aperture of the basin; and embedded heat wires located within the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls of the grid mold, wherein the embedded heat wires activate the movement of the ice segments from the grid mold, down the funnel, through the aperture of the basin, and into a storage container.

2. The ice machine of claim 1 wherein the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls of the grid mold are slanted, such that the thickness of the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls gradually tapers.

3. The ice machine of claim 1 wherein the gate valve is driven by a motor, such that when the motor shuts the gate valve, the bottom of the basin is fully enclosed.

4. The ice machine of claim 1 wherein the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls of the grid mold form rectangular cavities.

5. The ice machine of claim 4 wherein the ice segments formed within the grid mold are frozen to a depth of approximately two inches.

6. The ice machine of claim 1 wherein the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls of the grid mold form approximately spherical cavities.

7. The ice machine of claim 1 wherein the storage container comprises storage to hold six cycles of ice before reaching capacity.

8. The ice machine of claim 1 wherein the storage container tempers the ice segments to maintain its clear and frozen state.

9. The ice machine of claim 1 wherein a liquid line is connected to the basin.

10. The ice machine of claim 1 wherein the ice segments are directionally-frozen from top to bottom.

11. A method of operating an ice machine comprising: closing a gate valve, by a gate valve motor, located on an aperture at the bottom of a basin, such that the aperture at the bottom of the basin is fully enclosed; filling the basin with liquid, by a pump connected to a liquid line, from the bottom of the basin to the top of a grid mold inset to the basin, the grid mold comprising: exterior sidewalls and interior sidewalls, wherein the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls are insulated, and wherein cavities formed by the grid mold house liquid; initiating freezing wherein a condenser and fans transform the liquid into ice segments, such that the ice segments are directionally-frozen; completing freezing, wherein the condenser and fans are shut off; draining, by the pump connected to the liquid line, excess liquid from the basin; opening the gate valve, by the gate valve motor, such that the aperture at the bottom of the basin is fully exposed; activating embedded heat wires located within the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls of the grid mold, wherein the ice segments fall from the grid mold, guided by a funnel, through the aperture at the bottom of the basin and into a storage container; and maintaining, by the storage container, the ice segments in their frozen state.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the timing for completion of freezing is dictated by the depth of ice frozen in the grid mold.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls of the grid mold are slanted, such that the thickness of the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls gradually tapers.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls of the grid mold form rectangular cavities.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the completion of freezing is based on achieving a desired temperature and a desired time duration, further indicating that the ice segments formed within the cavities of the grid mold are frozen to a depth of approximately two inches.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls of the grid mold form approximately spherical cavities.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein the storage container comprises storage to hold six cycles of ice before reaching capacity.

18. The method of claim 11 wherein the liquid line is connected to the basin.

19. The method of claim 11 wherein the freezing process produces ice segments which are directionally-frozen from top to bottom.

20. A microcontroller of an ice machine comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories having stored thereon instructions that, upon execution by the one or more processors, cause the microcontroller to at least: cause a gate valve motor to close a gate valve located on an aperture at the bottom of a basin, such that the aperture at the bottom of the basin is fully enclosed; cause a pump to move liquid from a reservoir into a liquid line to fill the basin with liquid from the bottom of the basin to the top of a grid mold inset to the basin, the grid mold comprising: exterior sidewalls and interior sidewalls, wherein the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls are insulated, and wherein cavities formed by the grid mold house the liquid; retrieve data from a liquid sensor, wherein the liquid sensor monitors the liquid level of the basin; based on a determination that the liquid has successfully filled the basin from the bottom of the basin to the top of the grid mold, cause the pump to pause the movement of liquid from the reservoir, and cause a condenser and one or more fans to power on, such that the condenser and the one or more fans transform the liquid into ice segments, and wherein the ice segments are directionally-frozen; retrieve data from a temperature sensor or sensors, wherein the temperature sensor or sensors monitor the temperature of air or liquid at a given location in the ice machine; based on a determination that temperature of the basin is at least a predetermined value representative of the liquid in the cavities of the grid mold having transformed into ice segments, cause the condenser and the one or more fans to power off; cause a pump to move excess liquid from the basin into the liquid line, such that the excess liquid drains out of the basin via the liquid line; cause a gate valve motor to open the gate valve, such that the aperture at the bottom of the basin is fully exposed; cause heat wires to activate, wherein the heat wires are embedded into the exterior sidewalls and the interior sidewalls of the grid mold, further causing the ice segments to fall from the grid mold through the aperture at the bottom of the basin and into a storage container; and cause temperature controls within the storage container to maintain the ice segments in their frozen state.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an ice machine in an implementation.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an upper section of the ice machine of FIG. 1 in an implementation.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a sealing mechanism of the ice machine of FIG. 1 in an implementation.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the upper section of FIG. 2 in an implementation.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a finite state machine diagram for an ice machine in an implementation.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a control architecture in an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a microcontroller suitable for implementing the various ice machine processes discussed below and with respect to the other Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Recognizing the challenges inherent in the production of directionally-frozen ice segments, particularly referring to the size constraints of existing technology, the present disclosure introduces a compact ice machine designed to streamline the processes of preparing, freezing, and transferring directionally-frozen ice segments. The disclosed apparatus offers an integrated approach with a reduced form factor, facilitating efficient and reliable production and storage of directionally-frozen ice. This production and storage of directionally-frozen ice segments may be achieved with the aid of various ice machine processes administered by a control system.

[0020] In an embodiment, an ice machine includes a control system capable of conducting an ice machine cycle. First, the control system causes the gate valve motor to close the gate valve. Once the gate valve is closed, the aperture of the basin is fully enclosed with a fluid-tight seal. The control system then causes the pump to move liquid from a reservoir into a liquid line, which further deposits liquid into the basin of the ice machine. The liquid line deposits liquid into the basin until the grid mold inset to the basin is filled with liquid. The liquid level is measured using a liquid level sensor or sensors communicatively coupled to the control system. The control system subsequently causes the pump to stop moving the liquid from the reservoir, via the liquid line, into the basin. Next, the control system instructs the condenser and overhead fans to power on. Once powered on, with the aid of grid mold sidewall insulation and basin insulation, the condenser and overhead fans directionally freeze the liquid contained in the cavities of the grid mold in one direction, for example top to bottom. This forces out the impurities of the soon-to-be ice segments through the base of the grid mold. Once the ice segments contained within the grid mold are frozen to the desired depth, the control system powers off the condenser and fans.

[0021] Next, the control system instructs the pump to move excess liquid from the basin into the liquid line. The pump therefore drains any excess liquid from the basin, via the liquid line, out of the basin. The excess liquid may be stored in a liquid chamber either integrated into or externally connected to the ice machine. The liquid chamber may support the recycling of the excess liquid to result in zero liquid waste, or near zero liquid waste. Once the liquid line transfers the excess liquid from the basin, the control system instructs the gate valve motor to drive the gate valve to an open position. Once the gate valve is completely open, the aperture of the basin is fully exposed. Further, the control system activates the heat wires embedded into the sidewalls of the grid mold. With the aid of the embedded heat wires and slanted guides, the ice segments are accelerated to drop from the bottom of the grid mold into the funnel. The funnel guides the ice segments from the grid mold to the aperture at the bottom of the basin. The ice segments fall through the aperture of the basin and into the storage container located below the aperture. Once all ice segments are in the storage container, the transfer is complete. With the information received by the level and temperature sensors located in the storage container, the control system maintains the ice segments. This may include tempering the ice segments. The control system may allow a predetermined amount of time prior to proceeding with the subsequent ice machine cycle, to ensure all ice segments have successfully moved from the grid mold to the storage container. The ice machine cycle may repeat according to a coding loop stored within the control system.

[0022] Optionally, the ice machine may incorporate various forms of transfer technology to expedite the transfer process of the ice segments. For example, the ice machine may utilize heat wires embedded into the sidewalls of the grid mold. Following the conclusion of transforming the liquid in the grid mold into ice segments, the control system activates the embedded heat wires which heat the exterior of the ice segments through the interior and exterior sidewalls of the grid mold. The interior and exterior sidewalls of the grid mold are also referred to herein as the insulated interior sidewalls and the insulated exterior sidewalls of the grid mold. The heat wires are activated to counteract the expansion that occurred within the ice segments during freezing. By heating the exterior of the ice segments, the ice segments partially melt to depart the grip of the grid mold.

[0023] Additionally, the grid mold may include slanted interior and exterior sidewalls. For example, the thickness of the sidewalls may gradually taper to include a greater length and width at the bottom of the grid mold compared to the top of the grid mold. In other words, the slant results in a gradual taper of the insulated interior and exterior sidewalls of the grid mold from the top of the grid mold to the bottom of the grid mold. The slanted sidewalls of the grid mold, also referred to herein as slanted guides, prevent the ice segments in the grid mold from getting stuck. This expedites the transfer process of the ice segments from the grid mold to the storage container.

[0024] In some embodiments, the ice machine includes a gate valve motor, also referred to herein as the motor, that drives the gate valve. The motor may be located directly beneath the gate valve on the underside of the basin. The control system causes the motor to open or close the gate valve. The instruction to open the gate valve results in full exposure of the aperture of the basin. Full exposure of the aperture of the basin allows the ice segments to pass through the basin and into the storage container. The instruction to close the gate valve results in full enclosure of the aperture of the basin. Full enclosure of the aperture of the basin prevents leakage of liquid from the basin.

[0025] In some embodiments, the ice machine includes insulated sidewalls of the grid mold which form rectangular or semi-rectangular cavities. The rectangular cavities result in ice segments of a rectangular shape, for example a cube. Optionally, the rectangular ice segments are frozen to a depth of 2 inches prior to the conclusion of freezing. The control system may cause the condensers and fans to shut off once the liquid housed in the grid mold is frozen to a depth of 2 inches. For example, the resulting ice segment may be a 2-inch cube. The desired depth of ice segments in the grid mold may be registered by a microcontroller of the control system based on an achieved temperature or time value. For example, a microcontroller may be instructed by its software instructions to power off the condenser and fans once both a given temperature is reached, and a certain amount of time has passed from the condenser and fans being powered on.

[0026] In some embodiments, the ice machine includes insulated sidewalls of the grid mold which form approximately spherical cavities. The insulated sidewalls of the grid mold include both the insulated exterior sidewalls and the insulated interior sidewalls of the grid mold. The approximate spherical cavities result in ice segments of an approximate spherical shape.

[0027] In some embodiments, the ice machine includes a storage container which comprises storage to hold six cycles of ice segments prior to reaching capacity. Six cycles of ice segments include six rounds of the ice machine cycle. For example, one ice machine cycle may create fifty 2-inch cubical ice segments, meaning that the storage container can store and maintain three-hundred 2-inch cubical ice segments before reaching capacity.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ice machine includes a storage container which tempers the ice segments to maintain their clarity and frozen state. Tempering the directionally-frozen ice segments may result in reduced cracking, improved quality, or slower melting after being removed from the storage container. The control system may manipulate the temperature in the storage container at varied intervals to temper the ice segments.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ice machine includes a liquid line that is connected to the basin. Optionally, the liquid line may connect to a sidewall of the basin, the top of the basin, or the bottom of the basin. The liquid line deposits a liquid, for example water, soda, or juice, into the basin. For example, the control system may cause a pump to move liquid from a reservoir into a liquid line to deposit the liquid into the basin. Further, the pump moves any excess liquid via the liquid line out of the basin following freezing in preparation for the transfer of the ice segments. The liquid may be stored in the same reservoir used to fill the basin, or an alternate reservoir either integrated into or externally connected to the ice machine.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ice machine includes a directional freezing process that freezes the liquid vertically from top to bottom. In an implementation, this may include freezing the liquid from the top of the grid mold to the bottom of the grid mold. The directional-freezing process may result in the impurities and air bubbles being pushed from the top of the cavity of the grid mold out through the base of the cavity of the grid mold. The ice machine may implement directional freezing by insulating the interior and exterior sidewalls of the grid mold, together referred to herein as the sidewalls of the grid mold, and strategically placing the fans above the grid mold to initiate freezing at the top of the grid mold.

[0031] In some embodiments, the control system of the ice machine may include temperature sensors, level sensors, ultrasonic sensors, a microcontroller, or any other electrical components required by the ice machine. The control system facilitates the power of the condenser and overhead fans, the movement of the gate valve via the motor, the timing of the machine processes, the maintenance of the ice machine and ice segments stored within, and any other electrical process required by the ice machine.

[0032] The ice machine disclosed herein provides an avenue for individual entities to maintain autonomy with the preparation, freezing, and transfer of directionally-frozen ice segments. The technical and practical advantages associated with the ice machine disclosed herein are well understood by those skilled in the relevant art.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary isometric diagram of ice machine 100 which produces directionally-frozen ice segments according to some embodiments. Ice machine 100 includes upper section 103 and lower section 105. Upper section 103 of ice machine 100 includes various components to support the ice machine processes included in the ice machine cycle. Lower section 105 includes various components such as a storage container 107 to house and maintain the directionally-frozen ice segments. While specific elements of ice machine 100 are shown for case of description, ice machine 100 may include more or fewer of each described component as well as other components not described for simplicity.

[0034] Storage container 107 within lower section 105 is located beneath upper section 103. Storage container 107 serves as the holding location of the ice segments following the completion of freezing. Optionally, storage container 107 within lower section 105 may hold six cycles of ice segments before reaching capacity. Six cycles of ice segments refer to six rounds of the ice machine cycle. For example, one ice machine cycle may create fifty 2-inch cubical ice segments. Therefore, storage container 107 may store and maintain three-hundred 2-inch cubical ice segments prior to reaching capacity. In another implementation, storage container 107 may hold an alternate quantity of ice segments of a different shape, for example, spherical or diamond shaped ice segments. Lower section 105 may include an ultrasonic sensor, also referred to herein as a level sensor, which monitors the storage level of storage container 107. The level sensor ensures subsequent batches of ice segments will have storage space once freezing is complete. Once storage container 107 has reached its capacity according to the ultrasonic sensor or sensors, the control system will pause freezing until storage container 107 is emptied.

[0035] Lower section 105 may further include temperature sensors and temperature controls communicatively coupled to the control system to maintain the ice segments while being stored. Maintaining the ice segments may include tempering the ice segments in storage container 107 to ensure consistent, high quality ice segments once the ice segments are removed from storage container 107. Tempering the ice segments in storage container 107 may include varying the air temperature in storage container 107 to improve the performance and appearance of the ice segments during use. In the current embodiment, storage container 107 of lower section 105 may be made of plastic, and in other embodiments, storage container 107 of lower section 105 may be made of a variety of materials such as bioplastics, composites, silicone, and other materials of the like.

[0036] FIG. 1 additionally illustrates a shelved unit in which upper section 103 and lower section 105 are housed. The shelved unit is an example of a support frame for upper section 103 and lower section 105. In some embodiments, upper section 103 and lower section 105 are housed in an alternate shell. For example, while the overall dimensions of ice machine 100 may be 223, alternate dimensions of ice machine 100 may be implemented.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary isometric diagram of upper section 103 of ice machine 100 for producing directionally-frozen ice segments according to some embodiments. Upper section 103 may be representative of the upper section of an ice machine in an alternative configuration compared to ice machine 100 of FIG. 1. For example, upper section 103 may be more directly coupled to storage section 107 in an alternative configuration. Upper section 103 of ice machine 100 includes grid mold 201, slanted guides 203, embedded heat wires 205, basin 207, grid mold sidewall insulation 209, basin insulation 211, gate valve 213, gate valve motor 215, and funnel 217. While specific elements of upper section 103 are shown for case of description, upper section 103 may include more or fewer of each described component as well as other components not described for simplicity.

[0038] Grid mold 201 is inset to the top of basin 207. Grid mold 201 includes insulated exterior sidewalls and insulated interior sidewalls. Grid mold 201 is used for shaping the liquid into a desired form during freezing by creating shaped cavities with its insulated sidewalls. For example, the sidewalls of grid mold 201 may form cavities of an approximate rectangular, spherical, or diamond shape. The sidewalls of grid mold 201 may further form cavities of a Collins cube shape, approximately 226. Grid mold 201, also referred to as grid 201, is filled with liquid from the bottom of grid 201 to the top of grid 201. Grid mold 201 houses liquid which is transformed into ice segments during freezing. Grid 201 may be removable, interchangeable, and alternately shaped in future product variations. In the current embodiment, grid mold 201 may be made of plastic, and in other embodiments, grid mold 201 may be made of a variety of materials such as bioplastics, composites, silicone, and other materials of the like. Grid mold 201 includes multiple advancements in technology to support the transfer of the ice segments during the ice machine cycle, one of which includes slanted guides 203.

[0039] Slanted guides 203 are used for supplementary aid in transferring ice segments from grid mold 201 to storage container 107. Slanted guides 203 are built into the insulated interior sidewalls and the insulated exterior sidewalls of grid mold 201. The thickness of the sidewalls gradually tapers to include a greater length and width at the bottom of grid mold 201 compared to the top of grid mold 201, thus forming slanted guides 203. For example, slanted guides 203 may microscopically alter the shape of a cube in grid 201, traditionally having parallel slides, to have a larger bottom width than top width. Slanted guides 203 are included to prevent the ice segments from catching, or getting stuck, in grid mold 201 during the transfer of the ice segments from grid mold 201 to storage container 107. As the ice segments slide downward to depart grid mold 201, the process for the ice segments to drop from grid mold 201 may be accelerated with slanted guides 203. Due to the cavities of grid mold 201 having a larger base area, once the ice segments partially slide downward from grid mold 201, the ice segments are free to fall into funnel 217. Slanted guides 203, paired with embedded heat wires 205, enable an expedited transfer of ice segments in comparison to alternative design options.

[0040] Heat wires 205 embedded to the sidewalls of the grid mold 201 are activated by the control system to shorten the transfer process during the ice machine cycle. Embedded heat wires 205 may be located both in the insulated exterior sidewalls and the insulated interior sidewalls of grid mold 201. Embedded heat wires 205 heat the exterior of the ice segments through the interior and exterior sidewalls of grid mold 201. During freezing, the ice segments expand as they freeze to fill the space within the cavities of grid mold 201. Due to this, the ice segments must partially melt to depart their respective cavities in grid mold 201. While one option may include waiting for the ice segments to partially melt naturally, the transfer of the ice segments may be expedited by applying heat via embedded heat wires 205 to the outside of the ice segments. Due to the accelerated transfer, the ice machine cycle can occur in a shorter time, further producing more ice segments in a shorter time. Embedded heat wires 205 remain inactive until the freezing process is complete, the excess liquid drains from basin 207, and the control system activates embedded heat wires 205.

[0041] Grid mold 201 includes sidewall insulation 209 located on the exterior and interior sidewalls of grid mold 201. Additionally, basin 207 may include bottom insulation 211. Exterior and interior sidewall insulation 209 and bottom insulation 211 ensures the freezing process is completely one-directional. For example, the freezing process may freeze the liquid in grid mold 201 from the top of grid mold 201 to the bottom of grid mold 201. Without sidewall insulation 209 and bottom insulation 211, the liquid within the cavities of grid mold 201 would freeze according to traditional freezing methods, otherwise referred to herein as non-directional freezing. Non-directional freezing methods do not facilitate the extraction of impurities and air bubbles from ice segments and thus do not produce clear ice segments. In the current embodiment, sidewall insulation 209 and bottom insulation 211 is made of polystyrene foam (XPS), and in other embodiments, sidewall insulation 209 and bottom insulation 211 may be made of a variety of materials such as expanded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate foam board, and other materials of the like.

[0042] Basin 207 includes grid mold 201 inset to basin 207. Basin 207 includes four sidewalls and a bottom. The top of basin 207 includes grid mold 201 inset to basin 207. Basin 207 may include insulation on the exterior of the four sidewalls and the exterior of the bottom. Insulation on the sidewalls of basin 207 further provides insulation to grid mold 201. The bottom of basin 207 includes an aperture to allow the passage of ice segments from grid mold 201 to storage container 107. A liquid line may be connected to a sidewall, top, or bottom of basin 207 for the entrance and exit of liquid from basin 207. The control system may cause a pump to move liquid from a reservoir into the liquid line to deposit into basin 207. The pump may continue moving the liquid from the reservoir to basin 207 until the liquid fills to the top of grid mold 201. The control system may cause the pump to cease the movement of liquid from the reservoir into basin 207 once the cavities of grid mold 201 are filled with liquid. For example, a microcontroller of the control system may retrieve information from various level sensors located in basin 207 regarding the water level of basin 207. Upon the control system causing the pump to drain any excess liquid out of basin 207 via the liquid line, the liquid may be stored in a chamber for recycled use. In an implementation, if the liquid is water, the water may be drained from basin 207 into a water chamber. The water chamber may purify and store the excess water for use in the subsequent ice machine cycles. The implementation of a water chamber may result in near zero water waste.

[0043] Additionally, basin 207 may include a temperature sensor or sensors. The temperature sensor or sensors may be located at the bottom of basin 207, above grid mold 201, or at an alternate location. For example, water may be used to produce ice segments. The temperature of the water at the bottom of the basin may be monitored to calculate the time until only the water housed within the cavities of grid mold 201 are frozen through, while the water in basin 207, below grid mold 201, remains a liquid. In this example, the temperature sensor may be located at the bottom of basin 207. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the air above grid mold 201 to calculate the time until the water housed within the cavities of grid mold 201 are frozen through. In this example, the temperature sensor may be located above grid mold 201. In another example, ice machine 100 is programmed to transform liquid water into ice segments in a cubical-shaped grid mold. In this example, the control system performs a coding loop which freezes the ice segments to a pre-determined depth, for example two inches. The coding loop may operate according to a pre-set timer, according to active feedback from the temperature sensors located within basin 207, or according to a combination of both. Following the conclusion of freezing, funnel 217 may aid in the transfer of ice segments from grid mold 201 to storage container 107. In the current embodiment, basin 207 may be made of sheet metal, and in other embodiments, basin 207 may be made of a variety of materials such as acrylic sheets, polycarbonate sheets, carbon fiber sheets, and other materials of the like.

[0044] Funnel 217 is located beneath grid mold 201 to guide ice segments from grid mold 201 to the aperture at the bottom of basin 207. By implementing the use of funnel 217, the ice segments that drop from grid mold 201 have a softer landing due to the angle of funnel 217. Additionally, funnel 217 may prevent ice segments from getting stuck and becoming stagnant on the flat bottom of basin 207, potentially melting prior to entering storage container 107. The base of funnel 217 hovers above the aperture of basin 207, without completely connecting to the bottom of basin 207. Therefore, there is a small gap between the aperture of basin 207 and funnel 217. The small gap prevents grid mold 201 from being sealed off from basin 207. Therefore, the liquid that enters basin 207 via the liquid line can fill grid mold 201 with liquid, rather than filling only basin 207.

[0045] Ice machine 100 further includes gate valve 213 driven by gate valve motor 215. Gate valve motor 215 may also be referred to herein as motor 215. Gate valve 213 may be connected to the underside of the aperture at the bottom of basin 207. The control system causes motor 215 to close gate valve 213, resulting in the aperture of basin 207 being fully enclosed. When the aperture is fully enclosed, the bottom of basin 207 has a liquid-tight seal that prevents any liquid from leaking out of ice machine 100. When the control system causes motor 215 to open gate valve 213, the aperture of basin 207 is fully exposed. When the aperture is fully exposed, the bottom of basin 207 is permeable for ice segments to pass through the bottom of basin 207. At the beginning of the ice machine cycle, for example prior to liquid filling basin 207 of ice machine 100, the control system causes motor 215 to close gate valve 213. Closing gate valve 213 at the beginning of the ice machine cycle prevents the liquid entering basin 207 via the liquid line from escaping basin 207. After freezing concludes and all excess liquid has drained from basin 207 via the liquid line, the control system causes motor 215 to open gate valve 213. Gate valve 213 in the open position allows for ice segments guided by funnel 217 to transfer from grid mold 201 through the aperture of basin 207. If gate valve 213 were to remain closed during the transfer from grid mold 201 to storage container 107, ice segments may become trapped in basin 207, further melting prior to reaching maintained storage container 107.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary isometric diagram of sealing mechanism 300 of ice machine 100. Scaling mechanism 300 may be implemented in alternative ice machine configurations rather than of ice machine 100. Sealing mechanism 300 includes gate valve 213 and motor 215 show in upper section 103 of FIG. 2, and drain 301. Sealing mechanism 300 may function according to program instructions or a coding loop integrated within a control system that, when executed by a suitable computing system, causes gate valve motor 215 to open and close gate valve 213. For the purposes of explanation, sealing mechanism 300 will be explained with the elements of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0047] Motor 215 shown in sealing mechanism 300 of FIG. 3 may be integrated into the control system of ice machine 100. The control system causes motor 215 to move gate valve 213. For example, motor 215 may close gate valve 213 to fully enclose an aperture and provide a liquid-tight seal. Optionally, motor 215 may open gate valve 213 to fully expose an aperture and allow passage of an object through the aperture. In an implementation, the control system causes motor 215 to close gate valve 213 in preparation for filling basin 207 with liquid. Gate valve 213 thus provides a liquid-tight seal prior to a liquid line depositing liquid into basin 207 of upper section 103 of ice machine 100. Gate valve 213 serves as the separation of basin 207 and storage container 107 when in the closed position. Optionally, the control system instructs motor 215 to open gate valve 213 during the transfer of ice segments from grid mold 201 to storage container 107. Gate valve 213 thus reveals an aperture at the bottom of basin 207 in upper section 103 of ice machine 100.

[0048] Optionally, ice machine 100 may include drain 301. Drain 301 transfers any excess liquid resting on the top face of gate valve 213 from the face of gate valve 213 out of ice machine 100. Drain 301 may be connected to a drain line to route the excess liquid gathered from the top face of gate valve 213 to a preferred location outside of ice machine 100. For example, the drain line may route to a water reservoir used to provide the liquid to fill basin 207 prior to the freezing process. Additionally, drain 301 may be connected to a drain hole integrated into the sealing mechanism. The drain hole of the sealing mechanism may be below the face of gate valve 215, and above drain 301. The drain hole of the sealing mechanism may be configured to receive the excess liquid resting on the face of gate valve 213 as gate valve 213 opens. In other words, as gate valve 213 opens, the gravitational force may cause the excess liquid on the top face of gate valve 213 to funnel to the drain hole of the sealing mechanism connected to drain 301. The liquid enters the drain hole, falls into drain 301, and is routed out of ice machine 100 via the drain line. Alternate embodiments of the drain line, drain hole, and drain 301 may be applied to drain the excess liquid from the top face of gate valve 213.

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary diagram of top view 400 of upper section 103 of ice machine 100. Top view 400 is a plan view of upper section 103 shown in FIG. 2. Top view 400 includes grid mold 201, embedded heat wires 205, gate valve 213, and funnel 217. For the purposes of explanation, top view 400 is explained with the elements of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0050] Top view 400 illustrates an alternative angle of grid mold 201, embedded heat wires 205, gate valve 213, and funnel 217. FIG. 4 illustrates the components which facilitate the transfer of ice segments from grid mold 201 through an aperture at the bottom of basin 207. The aperture of basin 207 in which funnel 217 converges may be in the location shown in FIG. 5, or in an alternate location beneath grid mold 201. Funnel 217 prevents the ice segments from becoming stuck at the bottom of basin 207. Additionally, funnel 217 aids in preventing the ice segments from chipping or breaking during the transfer process. The bottom of grid mold 201 is completely encompassed by funnel 217 to ensure all ice segments drop from grid mold 201 into funnel 217. Funnel 217 architecture ensures full guidance of the ice segments to the aperture at the bottom of basin 207. Additionally, FIG. 5 illustrates gate valve 213 in an open position to allow the passage of ice segments through the aperture of basin 207.

[0051] In operation, ice machine 100 performs various processes to prepare, produce, and store directionally-frozen ice segments. To begin, the control system prepares ice machine 100 for freezing. First, the control system of ice machine 100 causes motor 215 to shut gate valve 213. By shutting gate valve 213, the aperture at the bottom of basin 207 is fully enclosed. Therefore, the bottom of basin 207 includes a liquid-tight seal to prevent leakage during the subsequent events. In other embodiments, the aperture of basin may be enclosed by an alternate type of device that results in a liquid-tight seal. Next, the control system causes a pump to move liquid from a reservoir into a liquid line connected to basin 207 to deposit liquid into basin 207. For example, a bar or restaurant may connect an existing liquid line to ice machine 100. Accordingly, ice machine 100 may have a pre-constructed port adaptable to fit a multitude of potential liquid lines. For example, the liquid line may be a vessel for water, juice, or the like. The liquid line deposits liquid into basin 207, filling from the bottom of basin 207 to the top of grid mold 201. Given the presence of a gap between funnel 217 and the bottom of basin 207, liquid is permitted to pass into funnel 217 and fill grid mold 201 from the bottom, up. Once the cavities of grid mold 201 are filled with the liquid, the control system causes the pump to pause the movement of liquid from the reservoir into basin 207.

[0052] Then, the control system instructs ice machine 100 to initiate freezing. To initiate freezing, the control system powers on the condenser and one or more fans. The one or more fans, also referred to herein as the overhead fans or fans, may be located on the underside of the roof of ice machine 100 above grid mold 201. The overhead fans may be located above grid mold 201 to aid in the directional-freezing process, freezing the liquid in the cavities of grid mold 201 from the top of grid mold 201 through the bottom of grid mold 201. The duration of the freezing process may vary based on the type of liquid being frozen. The movement of the overhead fans and the powered-on state of the condenser may be based on a pre-set timer, temperature sensors located within ice machine 100, a combination of both, or an alternate form of sensing technology. For example, once the liquid at the bottom of basin 207 maintains a desired temperature for a given amount of time, this may be representative of the liquid in the cavities of grid mold 201 freezing to a specific depth. For example, the desired depth may be approximately 2.00 deep in a cubical ice segment, with a tolerance of +0.20. Alternatively, once the temperature of the air above grid mold 201 maintains a desired temperature for a given amount of time, this may be representative of the liquid in the cavities of grid mold 201 freezing to a specific depth. Once the ice segments in the cavities of grid mold 201 have frozen to the desired depth, the control system powers off the condenser and fans. The resulting state of ice machine 100 may include ice segments within the cavities of grid mold 201 and liquid resting in basin 207 of ice machine 100.

[0053] Next, the control system causes the pump to move excess liquid from the basin into the liquid line, wherein the liquid line transfers the excess liquid out of basin 207. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid within ice machine 100 is only frozen within the cavities of grid mold 201 and all liquid beneath grid mold 201 remains in its liquid state. The liquid line may store the excess liquid in a storage tank or liquid purifying container. Then, the control system causes motor 215 to open gate valve 213. The control system does not cause, or instruct, motor 215 to open gate valve 213 until the pump removes all excess liquid from basin 207 via the liquid line. Motor 215 opening gate valve 213 results in the aperture of basin 207 being fully exposed. Full exposure of the aperture of basin 207 allows the passage of ice segments from grid mold 201 to storage container 107. Finally, the control system activates heat wires 205 embedded into the interior and exterior sidewalls of grid mold 201. Embedded heat wires 205 are used to expedite the movement of the ice segments in the cavities of grid mold 201 to funnel 217. By heating the exterior of the ice segments through the sidewalls of grid mold 201, embedded heat wires 205 partially melt the ice segments. For the ice segments to drop from grid mold 201, the ice segments are required to partially melt. The ice segments experience expansion during the freezing process, which prevents the ice segments from immediately dropping once frozen. Alternate methods include allowing the ice segments to partially melt in a natural manner. However, applying heat via embedded heat wires 205 expedites the transfer process.

[0054] Further accelerating the transfer process include slanted guides 203 of grid mold 201. Slanted guides 203 of grid mold 201 are tapered, meaning that slanted guides 203 of grid mold 201 decrease in width and/or length moving downward. Slanted guides 203 result in the cavities of grid mold 201 having a larger base face area than the face area at the top of grid mold 201. The greater width and length of the cavities of grid mold 201 reduces the friction force experienced by the ice segments with the sidewalls of grid mold 201. The reduced friction force results in an expedited transfer from grid mold 201 to funnel 217. Once the ice segments drop from grid mold 201, the ice segments are guided by funnel 217 to the aperture of basin 207. Funnel 217 is angled to lead directly above the aperture of basin 207. Due to the open position of gate valve 213, the ice segments are allowed to pass through the aperture of basin 207 and into storage container 107. Storage container 107 may be located directly beneath the aperture of basin 207 to avoid an extended drop distance for the ice segments.

[0055] Further, storage container 107 continuously maintains the ice segments in preparation for future use. Maintenance of the ice segments may include tempering the ice segments to improve the overall clarity and quality of the ice segments. Storage container 107 may include temperature controls or sensors to ensure the ice segments are maintaining their solid state. Tempering the ice segments may include the control system manipulating the temperature controls of storage container 107 to vary the temperature inside of storage container 107. Additionally, storage container 107 may include level sensors to monitor the remaining storage space in storage container 107. In an implementation, the various sensors are integrated into the control system to provide information to the control system. Optionally, if ice machine 100 experiences failure at any point in the process, the control system will direct the liquid line to drain any remaining liquid from basin 207, release any ice segments from grid mold 201, and begin a new ice machine cycle.

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates finite state machine diagram (FSM) 500 that may be used as instructions for the control system of an ice machine in an implementation. Finite state machine diagram 500 is representative of the instructions used to operate an ice machine that produces and stores directionally-frozen ice segments. For example, finite state machine diagram 500 may be implemented using ice machine 100 of FIG. 1 and upper section 103 of FIG. 2. Finite state machine diagram 500 may be implemented in the context of program instructions or a coding loop integrated within a control system that, when executed by a suitable computing system, instructs the ice machine to operate as follows, referring parenthetically to the steps in FIG. 5. For the purposes of explanation, finite state machine diagram 500 will be explained with the elements of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. This is not meant to limit the applications of finite state machine diagram 500, but rather to provide an example.

[0057] Finite state machine diagram 500 may be implemented as software stored within the memory of a microcontroller, the microcontroller further capable of executing the instructions of the software using a processing system. Further, the microcontroller may comprise one or more processors, and one or more memories having stored thereon instructions that, upon execution by the one or more processors, cause the microcontroller to at least perform the various steps as described by finite state machine diagram 500. For the purposes of explanation, finite state machine diagram 500 will be explained with the elements of a microcontroller, for example microcontroller 601 of FIG. 7.

[0058] The shaded boxes shown in FIG. 5 illustrate inputs or events that affect the non-shaded boxes. The non-shaded boxes shown in FIG. 5 illustrate the state that ice machine 100 is experiencing. In an implementation, ice machine 100 will be on a coding loop, meaning it will follow a linear if-then process to manage the ice machine cycle. The coding loop ensures the control system understands the sequential process of the ice machine during the ice machine cycle. If a failure occurs at some point during the sequential process, for example, the microcontroller will cause a pump to drain all excess liquid via the liquid line from basin 207, facilitate the release of any ice segments sitting in grid mold 201, and begin a new ice machine cycle. While the current embodiment may utilize finite state machine diagram 500, other embodiments can operate using a modified version of finite state machine diagram 500 and thus carry out alternate ice machine processes.

[0059] Finite state machine diagram 500 begins in Idle state 501. In Idle state 501, ice machine 100 is powered on and operational, but not actively performing any tasks or processing activities. Ice machine 100 remains in a standby or wait condition, monitoring for external events or inputs that will trigger a state transition to an active or processing state.

[0060] Optionally, ice machine 100 transitions from Idle state 501 to Filling state 505 if the Start Button Pressed event 503 occurs. Prior to actively filling basin 207 with liquid, ice machine 100 ensures gate valve 213 is in the closed position. The result includes a liquid-tight seal due to the aperture at the bottom of the basin being fully enclosed. For example, a processing system of a microcontroller of ice machine 100 may cause the microcontroller to cause gate valve motor 215 to drive gate valve 213 to the closed position, according to the instructions encoded on the memory of the microcontroller. The closure of gate valve 213 may be completed after the Start Button Pressed event 503 occurs, during Idle state 501, or sometime following the completion of the ice segments transitioning to storage container 107.

[0061] As an example of the transition from Idle state 501 to Filling state 505, when a user presses the start button on ice machine 100, the microcontroller causes a pump to move liquid from a reservoir into a liquid line to fill basin 207 with liquid. Basin 207 is filled with liquid from the bottom of basin 207 to the top of grid mold 201. The pump may be integrated into ice machine 100 or may be connected as a separate component. Additionally, the reservoir may be a liquid source connected as an external component to ice machine 100 or a liquid source or chamber integrated into ice machine 100. Next, ice machine 100 transitions from Filling 505 to Check Liquid Sensor 509 after the Liquid Fill Sensor Check event 507 occurs. For example, a level sensor may be located inside of basin 207 of ice machine 100. During Liquid Fill Sensor Check 507, the level sensor may constantly monitor the amount of liquid in ice machine 100. Further, the microcontroller of the control system may constantly intake and process the information gathered by the level sensor by reading and processing the information from the sensor. Alternatively, Filling 505 process may run according to a timer, and the Check Liquid Sensor 509 event may occur after a designated amount of time. For example, the microcontroller may use an interrupt to check the liquid level data periodically that is gathered by the level sensor during Liquid Fill Sensor Check 507. In either embodiment, ice machine 100 transitions from Filling 505 to Check Liquid Sensor.

[0062] During Check Liquid Sensor 509, the one or more processors causes the microcontroller to retrieve the data collected by the level sensor or level sensors. For example, the processing system may execute the instructions stored on the memory of the microcontroller to retrieve the liquid level data collected by the level sensor. The processing system may further store this data in the memory of the microcontroller. The data retrieved from the level sensor is further processed by the processing system of the microcontroller. If the information retrieved from the sensor results in Sensor OK 511 feedback, ice machine 100 transitions from Check Liquid Sensor 509 to Freezing 513. The event of Sensor OK 511 may occur if the liquid has successfully filled basin 207 from the bottom of basin 207 to the top of grid mold 201. To transition from Check Liquid Sensor 509 to Freezing 513, the microcontroller may cause the pump to pause the movement of liquid from the reservoir, via the liquid line, to basin 207.

[0063] Alternatively, if the information received from the sensor results in Sensor Error/Timeout 529 feedback, ice machine 100 transitions from Check Liquid Sensor 509 to Error 533. From Error 533, ice machine 100 transitions back to Idle 501 due to ice machine 100 experiencing Reset 535. During Error 533, the microcontroller may pause all processes including pumping liquid to basin 207. During Reset 535, the microcontroller may prepare ice machine 100 for its subsequent ice machine cycle. For example, if the liquid line of ice machine 100 fills basin 207 halfway full, then malfunctions, the control system instructs the liquid line to promptly drain the liquid from basin 207 and return ice machine 100 to Idle state 501.

[0064] During Freezing 513, ice machine 100 transforms the liquid in the cavities of grid mold 201 into directionally-frozen ice segments. The microcontroller causes a condenser and one or more fans to power on, thus freezing the liquid contained in the cavities of grid mold 201 in one direction. From Freezing 513, ice machine 100 may transition to Check Temperature 517 once the event of 12 Hours Passed 515 has occurred. For example, within ice machine 100, the liquid within the cavities of grid mold 201 experience freezing for 12 hours to form ice segments. Once 12 hours have passed, the instructions stored on the memory of the microcontroller of ice machine 100, executed by the processing system, may cause the microcontroller to retrieve the data from the temperature sensor or sensors located within ice machine 100. During 12 Hours Passed 515, the temperature sensor or sensors monitor the temperature of air or liquid at a given location in ice machine 100. The temperature sensor or sensors may be located above grid mold 201 to measure the air temperature, at the bottom of basin 207 to measure the liquid temperature, a combination of both, or an alternate location.

[0065] In an implementation, ice machine 100 may transition from Freezing 513 to Check Temperature 517 due to an achieved temperature rather than an achieved time. Finite state machine diagram 500 illustrates this transition due to a time component of 12 hours passing. However, this transition may occur due to maintaining a specific temperature instead. Further, the transition from Freezing 513 to Check Temperature may occur due to a combination of both a temperature and a time component. For example, the microcontroller of ice machine 100 may monitor the temperature at various locations inside of ice machine 100, as well as the time elapsed from the initiation of Freezing 513. Following the desired temperature and time being satisfied, the result may include ice segments in grid mold 201 which are frozen to a depth of approximately two inches.

[0066] If the information retrieved by the microcontroller from the temperature sensor or sensors results in Temp. OK 519 feedback, ice machine 100 transitions from Check Temperature 517 to Releasing 521. The event of Temp. OK 519 may occur if the temperature of basin 207 is a predetermined value representative of the liquid in the cavities of grid mold 201 having transformed into ice segments. Optionally, the event of Temp. OK 519 may occur if the ice segments in the cavities of grid mold 201 have frozen to a depth of approximately two inches.

[0067] Alternatively, if the information retrieved from the temperature sensor or sensors during Check Temperature 517 results in Temp Error 531 feedback, ice machine 100 transitions from Check Temperature 517 to Error 533. Temp Error 531 may occur if the sensor or sensors are malfunctioning or not collecting temperature data. In some implementations, Temp Error 531 may occur if the temperature measured by the temperature sensors is not at least a given temperature value. During Error 533, the microcontroller may pause all processes including the movement of fans and the power of the condenser. From Error 533, ice machine 100 transitions back to Idle 501 due to ice machine 100 experiencing Reset 535. During Reset 535, the microcontroller may prepare ice machine 100 for its subsequent ice machine cycle.

[0068] During Releasing state 521, the microcontroller prepares the ice segments in grid mold 201 for transitioning from resting in the cavities of grid mold 201 to being transferred through the aperture of basin 207 into storage container 107. During Releasing state 521, the microcontroller first causes the condenser and the one or more fans to power off. Next, the microcontroller causes the pump to move the excess liquid resting in basin 207 into the liquid line of ice machine 100, to drain the remaining liquid from basin 207. For example, the one or more processors may cause the microcontroller to send instructions to the pump, causing the pump to power on and remove the liquid via the liquid line from basin 207. Next, the microcontroller may cause gate valve motor 215 to drive gate valve 213 to an open position, allowing ice segments to pass through the aperture of basin 207. In the open position, the aperture at the bottom of basin 207 is fully exposed. Finally, the microcontroller of ice machine 100 may cause embedded heat wires 205 to activate. From Releasing 521, ice machine 100 transitions to Harvesting state 525.

[0069] The shift from Releasing 521 to Harvesting 525 is an automated process facilitated by the microcontroller and occurs following the activities of Releasing state 521. Harvesting state 525 includes the physical transition of ice segments to storage container 107. The ice segments fall from grid mold 201, through the aperture at the bottom of basin 207, into storage container 107. Once a predetermined amount of time has passed to allow the transition of ice segments into storage 107 and Ice Harvested 527 has occurred, ice machine 100 returns to Idle 501 in preparation for the next ice machine cycle. For example, the event of Ice Harvested 527 may occur within ice machine 100 if all ice segments from grid mold 201 have been transferred to storage container 107 via funnel 217. During Idle 501, the microcontroller communicates with various temperature controls in storage container 107 to maintain the ice segments in their frozen state. Maintaining the ice segments in their frozen state may include tempering the ice segments.

[0070] Optionally, ice machine 100 transitions from Idle 501 to Cleaning 539 if the Start Cleaning Cycle event 537 occurs. For example, the microcontroller of ice machine 100 may cause ice machine 100 to initiate a cleaning cycle. This cleaning cycle may be implemented according to a timer, for example, every 24 hours. In this case, the microcontroller completes numerous steps to sanitize ice machine 100 for continued use. If the event of Cleaning Completed 541 occurs, ice machine 100 transitions from Cleaning 539 back to Idle 501 in preparation for the next state transition.

[0071] Optionally, ice machine 100 transitions from Idle 501 to Maintenance 545 if the Maintenance Required event 543 occurs. For example, the microcontroller of ice machine 100 may initiate a maintenance cycle if any errors have occurred in the previous cycles. Ice machine 100 completes numerous steps to tend to any mechanical, electrical, or other issues ice machine 100 may be experiencing. Alternatively, an external maintenance check may be implemented to resolve the Maintenance Required event 543. If the event of Maintenance Completed 547 occurs, ice machine 100 transitions from Maintenance 539 back to Idle 501 in preparation for the next state transition.

[0072] Finite state machine (FSM) diagram 500 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination of hardware, firmware, or software. For example, the state transitions and events illustrated in finite state machine diagram 500 can be encoded in software and deployed onto a microcontroller for execution, as explained in various examples above. Alternatively, the state transitions and events illustrated in finite state machine diagram 500 may be implemented in hardware only, for example an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit.

[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates a control architecture 600 in an implementation. Control architecture 600 may be implemented for the purpose of controlling an ice machine. Control architecture 600 includes microcontroller unit (MCU) 601 sensing components 603, motor 605, heat wires 607, condenser and fans 609, and pump 611. The components of FIG. 6 may reflect the components discussed in relation to ice machine 100. For example, motor 605 may be an example of motor 215 of ice machine 100, and heat wires 607 may be an example of heat wires 205 of ice machine 100. MCU 601 executes FSM logic to facilitate the processes of motor 605, heat wires 607, condenser and fans 609, and pump 611 given the information received by sensing components 603. For example, if sensing components 603 includes a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor may share temperature data with MCU 601 associated with a desired temperature being attained. Furthermore, MCU 601 may respond to the temperature information received from the sensor by activating motor 605 to further drive a gate valve. MCU 601 may execute the FSM logic by using the encoded software stored within MCU 601.

[0074] In an embodiment, the microcontroller may be a Boron LTE-M (NorAm) with EtherSIM (BRN404X). This microcontroller executes the FSM logic and manages control over the electrical components of ice machine 100. For example, electrical components of ice machine 100 may include motor 215, heat wires 205, any pumps utilized by the liquid line, the condenser, and the fans. Sensing components, such as the temperature sensors, the level sensors, the ultrasonic sensors, and the timers, are communicatively coupled to the Boron LTE-M, providing real-time communication. These inputs drive the FSM execution, enabling state transitions based on defined conditions in a sequential manner. Although this embodiment utilizes the Boron LTE-M (NorAm) with EtherSIM (BRN404X), other suitable embodiments may utilize microcontrollers of the like.

[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates the components of microcontroller unit (MCU) 601 that are representative of any system or collection of systems in which the various processes, programs, services, and scenarios disclosed herein may be implemented. MCU 601 includes processing system 703, memory 705, software 707, and inputs/outputs (I/O) 709.

[0076] Software 707 includes and implements the ice machine processes, which are representative of the control system processes discussed with respect to the preceding figures, such as FSM 500 of FIG. 5. When executed by processing system 703, software 707 directs processing system 703 to operate as described herein for at least the various processes, operational scenarios, and sequences discussed in the foregoing implementations. Microcontroller 601 may optionally include additional devices, features, or functionality not discussed for purposes of brevity.

[0077] Referring still to FIG. 7, processing system 703 may comprise a microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes software 707 from memory 705. Processing system 703 may be implemented within a single processing device but may also be distributed across multiple processing devices or sub-systems that cooperate in executing program instructions. Examples of processing system 703 include general purpose central processing units, graphical processing units, application specific processors, and logic devices, as well as any other type of processing device, combinations, or variations thereof.

[0078] Memory 705 may comprise any computer-readable storage media device readable by processing system 703 and capable of storing software 707. Memory 705 may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable software instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of storage media include random access memory, read only memory, magnetic disks, optical disks, flash memory, virtual memory and non-virtual memory, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other suitable storage media. In no case is the computer readable storage media a propagated or transitory signal.

[0079] In addition to computer-readable storage media, in some implementations memory 705 may also include computer readable communication media over which at least some of software 707 may be communicated internally or externally. Memory 705 may be implemented as a single storage device but may also be implemented across multiple storage devices or sub-systems co-located or distributed relative to each other. Memory 705 may comprise additional elements, such as a memory controller, capable of communicating with processing system 703 or possibly other systems.

[0080] Software 707 may be implemented in program instructions and among other functions may, when executed by processing system 703, direct processing system 703 to operate as described with respect to the various operational scenarios, sequences, and processes illustrated herein. For example, software 707 may include program instructions for implementing ice machine processes as described herein.

[0081] In particular, the program instructions may include various components or modules that cooperate or otherwise interact to carry out the various processes and operational scenarios described herein. The various components or modules may be embodied in compiled or interpreted instructions, or in some other variation or combination of instructions. The various components or modules may be executed in a synchronous or asynchronous manner, serially or in parallel, in a single threaded environment or multi-threaded, or in accordance with any other suitable execution paradigm, variation, or combination thereof. Software 707 may include additional processes, programs, or components, such as operating system software, virtualization software, or other application software. Software 707 may also comprise firmware or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions executable by processing system 703.

[0082] In general, software 707 may, when loaded into processing system 703 and executed, transform a suitable apparatus, system, or device (of which MCU 601 is representative) overall from a general-purpose computing system into a special-purpose computing system customized to support an ice machine process in an optimized manner. Indeed, encoding software 707 on memory 705 may transform the physical structure of memory 705. The specific transformation of the physical structure may depend on various factors in different implementations of this description. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to, the technology used to implement the storage media of memory 705 and whether the computer-storage media are characterized as primary or secondary storage, as well as other factors.

[0083] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to. As used herein, the terms connected, coupled, or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words herein, above, below, and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number, respectively. The word or, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0084] The phrases in some embodiments, according to some embodiments, in the embodiments shown, in other embodiments, in an implementation, in some implementations, and the like generally mean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one implementation of the present technology, and may be included in more than one implementation. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or different embodiments.

[0085] The above Detailed Description of examples of the technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or sub combinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed or implemented in parallel or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

[0086] The teachings of the technology provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the technology. Some alternative implementations of the technology may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements.

[0087] These and other changes can be made to the technology in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain examples of the technology, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the technology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under the claims.

[0088] To reduce the number of claims, certain aspects of the technology are presented below in certain claim forms, but the applicant contemplates the various aspects of the technology in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the technology is recited as a computer-readable medium claim, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a computer-readable medium claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a means-plus-function claim. Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) will begin with the words means for, but use of the term for in any other context is not intended to invoke treatment under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing this application to pursue such additional claim forms, in either this application or in a continuing application.