Guys, thank you again for all the input.
>One thing to keep in mind is the more this idea is worth (even if it is patented) the juicier it will be to those who have the resources to find a supportable technicality to invalidate your Utility Patent and nab your precious invention.
That's my issue. I think the only way to solve this is with more patents (pending, for now) and enough money in a bank account to pay for at least one law suit.
>As others have mentioned, nothing speaks louder than a demonstrated operating model of what you are attempting to develop into a production-worthy device.
I agree.
>You can form working relationships with fabricators who are bound by industry-wide confidentiality protocols (as well as signed NDA's if necessary) so that you can build your prototypes with your designs held in strict confidence.
This is the safest line, but it costs some money. This doesn't deter me - it's the number one option I'm looking at right now, for the reasons you mentioned.
> we can't tell you if it qualifies as a firearm in the eyes of BATFE
I'm aware of the benefits of getting an FFL from another project I'm working on... see this related post:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=676985
...but thank you for pointing out that 'just because you can' doesn't mean you can't get arrested
>I like Fish Miner's idea about hooking up with a university.
Me too. We actually spoke on the phone and talked in general terms about what resources were available to someone in my position around the country. Yesterday I filled out an application to get in contact with the University of Central Florida's Venture Lab. It seemed like a great fit, because I'm capable of doing what needs to be done, but I need guidance and some examples, which they provide. They will even look at my Unsolicited Proposal to ARDEC, give me their advice on whether or not I should submit it, and if so how to improve upon what I already have. From what I understand, they need grant money, and to get grant money they need a fundable idea... and I believe I have one.... so if they think I do too, then maybe the government will agree as well, and things will go smoothly
>I'd be happy to refer you to someone in Florida if you want.
I've spoken with 2 that gave me feedback on just my PPA, and a third is helping find me someone down here that specializes in firearm patents, so thank you but right now I have more lawyers than I can afford
>I do have one patent. Unfortunately, one of those that nobody wants
That's what I was trying to avoid. Right now I've spent 3 weeks on the project and $500. This is the sweet spot. The hardest work - coming up with a good idea and getting it down on paper so it's as clear as day to any normal person, is the hard part. My fear is that a team of motivated lawyers will somehow get around what I wrote. How? I have no idea. I already patched everything I could find. But that doesn't mean it can't be done.
>hardware or engineered drawings - you won't get any where; either with existing mfgs or venture capitalists.
I agree. I promise once I can disclose the idea, I will come back and show it to you. But until then, all I can say is that I did not create anything 'new', like a laser. I stood on the shoulders of giants and saw a way to combine existing things to create new functionality. Have you ever seen anyone open a bottle of wine with a shoe? It's kinda like that.
So once again, thank you everyone for your advice. I really appreciate it. Now I got to go and actually do some work, based on all this research