Currently, the science is all complete, the hardware is pretty much polished as is the firmware. The mechanical parts are the real problem; currently built at local metal workshops and some CNCs.<p>I have a single demo unit that is working great, and have ideas for future improvement that would need access to more than a local workshop. Haven't actually gotten in touch with anyone for real manufacturing mainly out of IP fears - I'm in the initial stages of talking to an IP lawyer now, but haven't actually handed over any of the inner workings partially out of paranoia and partially because I'm not sure what I'm looking for just yet. I'll take your suggestion and look at provisional patents in a few.<p>Basically both the idea and the implementation are novel and are what I'm looking to patent. The actual mechanical details are out of my field of experience (computer engineering) and I have several different designs and I'm sure someone in the industry would have better ideas as well - that's something I'm hoping a VC could help me secure, somehow.<p>Thanks for the Khosla Ventures suggestion. I'll keep them in mind as I formulate my list &#38; next steps :-)