Abstract: An apparatus of a process control system for controlling a process variable of a process includes an adaptive controller tuned to the process. The process variable output signal of the process is coupled to a difference device and also coupled to the adaptive controller, thereby permitting the adaptive controller to monitor the process variable signal independently of an error signal outputted from the difference device. Any changes detected in the process variable signal without a corresponding change in the setpoint signal inputted to the difference device initiates an adjustment in the tuning parameters of the adaptive controller thereby providing continual, optimal, control of the process.

Abstract: A digital computer monitoring and restart circuit monitors the presence of periodic output signals from the digital computer by a missing pulse detector. When the detector senses a missing output signal from the computer, it indicates this detection operation by an output signal representation of the fact that the computer is not operating. In response to this output signal a restart pulse is generated by a restart pulse generator and is applied to the computer to restart the computer and to reset the monitoring circuit. Concurrently, a 5-second timer circuit is started. While the timer circuit is operating over its 5-second interval, if the monitoring circuit produces another output signal indicating that the computer is not operating, the 5-second timer is stopped and another restart operation is not attempted.