David Robert Vanbuskirk

US Patent:

20060217929, Sep 28, 2006

Filed:

Aug 8, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/199573

Inventors:

Jack Gellen - Falls Church VA, US
Michael Feeley - Cliffton VA, US
Thomas Herald - Warrenton VA, US
David VanBuskirk - Gainesville VA, US
Eric Gruenloh - Fairfax VA, US

International Classification:

G21C 17/00

US Classification:

702184000

Abstract:

A system is operable without repair for a predetermined maintenance-free operating period (MFOP). The system includes a first portion that is operable to perform a function, a second portion, and a control portion coupled to the first and second portions. The control portion is operable to cause the second portion to perform the function for a remainder of the MFOP if the first portion fails during the MFOP. For example, a system on board a submarine that comes in to port every ninety days can have a ninety-day MFOP. Therefore, crewmembers do not need to repair the system while the submarine is at sea on a mission. This servicing strategy may reduce costs by allowing one to eliminate training crew to repair the sonar system, preparing and printing repair documentation for the crew, and carrying this documentation, spare parts, and repair equipment on board the submarine.