Nonpreemptive Priorities in Machine Interference

A model of machine interference is studied in which one repairman is assigned to maintain several batteries of machines with a finite number of machines in each battery. The model, which assumes nonpreemptive priorities, random breakdowns, and general repair time distributions, is closely analogous to the classical priority queuing model of Kesten and Runnenburg. A system of equations, for the multivariate binomial moments of the number of machines working in each battery immediately after a repair is completed, is established and solved.