Invention help

[Jack Jones]

I know of one very good solution - if not for now, then for the future.

That is, when it's time, consider coming to work for the U.S. Government. Under the Federal Technology Transfer Act, inventors receive a portion of the proceeds (royalties, etc.) Most all of the above would be done for you by the Intellectual Property office. Every research facility I know of has it's own IP legal staff who's number one job it is to see that their engineer's ideas get patented and then transfered to the public sector.

So, in addition to excellent pay and job security (USA TACOM/TARDEC has been around for 50 years and has never laid off an engineer) you'd get the chance to make something extra and accelerate your promotion schedule.

If the DoD is not for you, the there's NASA, or the EPA, or whatever area floats your boat. Something to consider. Don't think it doesn't happen - I've made a bunch from royalties, which put me on the fast-track at the same time.