1,650 lb is the maximum load for a new wheelchair, calculated with Algor finite element analysis (FEA) software for stress analysis in design of a new Aero Innovative Research Inc. Flight Ultralight Wheelchair, called “world’s lightest and tightest-folding, fully adjustable, customizable,” at 18 lb and 9.5 in. from hand-rim to hand-rim when folded. The load simulates a 250-lb occupant falling three feet onto one wheel, AIR says. www.algor.com

1 dropped bolt worries a robot about getting fired, in a GM quality commercial promoting its 100,000 mile warranty. www.gm.com/company/onlygm/quality/index.html

4 pitfalls to consider when deciding whether or not to offshore manufacturing are 1) Instability of foreign government and currencies; 2) Additional cost of doing business overseas; 3) Contracts vary in definition by country; and 4) Potentially weak supplier network, according to “Save Your Factory,” an initiative sponsored by Fanuc Robotics. For one more pitfall you might not have thought of and more details, see www.saveyourfactory.com/offshore.asp

>1,000 lumens, equivalent to a standard household bulb, has been demonstrated from one light-emitting diode (LED), says Cree Inc., in September. www.cree.com

23 military friendly employers are in the Chicago area, according to a recent search at www.hireahero.org

~25% of industrial electrical energy demand results from industrial pumping systems, says the Pump Systems Matter (PSM) group. Hydro Inc., Engineered Software Inc., Manitoba Hydro, and Xcel Energy have recently joined as sponsors of the group, focused on energy savings, efficiency, and economics of pumps and pumping systems. The PSM site has a free download of Pump System Improvement Modeling Tool. www.eng-software.com, www.pumps.org, www.pumpsystemsmatter.org

300 frames per second was the image capture rate for breakthrough research on the path of a bowling ball in a lane, says motion research by U.S. Bowling Congress Equipment Specifications and Certification testing facility. USBC says the study connects science with the sport of bowling. www.bowl.com/specs/techtalk.aspx

27 institutions in Illinois offer certificate or Associate’s or Bachelor’s or Graduate degrees in programs that mention “manufacturing engineering” or “manufacturing technology/technician.” For comparison, CA has 33; NY, 6. (An Illinois-based firm recently asked Control Engineering about possible recipients for some gently used automation equipment.) nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool

3 top professional affiliations of the automation system integrators listed in the Control Engineering Automation Integrator Guide are ISA at 29%, IEEE at 21%, and CSIA at 15%. Search on “professional affiliations” to see other rankings and comparison to 2006. November System Integration eNewsletter summarizes the ’06 statistics. www.controleng.com