First thing you are going to have to do is to be sure that your idea wasn't already patented by someone else. The entire patent database is currently on the internet and searchable by keyword for anybody having an Web connection. You should become acquainted with the machine then do a rigorous search to see if your idea was already claimed by somebody else. Once you've established that you have the idea, free and clear, work with a patent attorney to do a more in-depth research then to file a patent for you personally.
As soon as you own the patent on your invention idea, you will have to make a prototype and do some little market research. To get your invention to the hands of the companies that can effectively sell it off, you will have to give them some numbers that report just how your invention can do in the marketplace. Even though you certainly can perform this yourself, many individuals hire an invention company so that you can take care of it for them.
If you decide to hire an invention company, ensure that they're legitimate. Many people have forfeit lots of money by employing an invention company which was simply a fly-by-night operation. Some simple research at the Better Business Bureau and FTC website, in addition to searching for end-user feedback will establish the trustworthiness of the organization for you personally. Taking your invention idea right from the start to the marketplace can be a long, drawn out task. Make certain you carry out some with the initial work yourself and hire people at the appropriate interval to make certain that your invention is really a hit in the marketplace.