Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating performance indicators and improving performance based on metrics is disclosed. During work on a user story (project) for completion, teams and individuals perform work. This work on the user story is tracked and based on the tracking of the work, the system generates or receives metrics that define the team and individual actions. These metrics are used to calculate performance indicators which are provided to a manager, the team, or an individual. The calculation may include use of a weighting value and comparison of the performance indicator to a threshold. Responsive to the performance indicators various actions may occur including: providing training, moving an individual from the team to a different team, changing one or more physical processes by which work on a user story occurs, and terminating employment of an individual on a team.

Abstract: Ash from a fluidized bed combustor in which limestone particles are suspended in the presence of carbonaceous fuel being burned is pelletized. Lime-containing bed ash ("FBCR") is produced in the combustor, and fly ash ("FBC fly ash") is generated as a by-product of the combustion process. FBCR and FBC fly ash generated during the combustion process are obtained. Water is added to the FBCR so as to convert a substantial portion of the lime to hydrated lime. Water is added to the FBC fly ash and pellets are formed from the FBC fly ash. The FBC fly ash pellets are coated with the hydrated FBCR. The coated FBC fly ash pellets are cured in a curing silo for a minimum of 6-10 hours, preferably by nesting them in a bed of hydrated FBCR. The cured pellets then are separated from the bed of hydrated FBCR. New pellets are formed by mixing the separated, hydrated FBCR with FBC fly ash and water.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a rolling conductor support for supporting a conductor between a stationary supply and a moving consumer or parts of machinery moving relative to each other. The rolling conductor support includes a plurality of chains. Each chain includes a number of follower links, lubricating members, control links, connecting pins and a planar toothed fasteners. Each follower link has three follower orifices at either end of the link and the follower orifices are substantially perpendicluar to a longitudinal axis of the follower link. The lubricating member is located between the follower link and the control link and includes lubricating orifices conformal with the follower orifices. The control link includes two arcuate control slots having a radius of curvature about a center where a control pivot orifice is located. The follower links are clevised about the lubricating members and the control links.