Well, I was hoping to have some sort of an update this week.
The machine shop has the CAD data and is ready to discuss a quote for getting brackets made (keep in mind that even with the design i gave them, i have to work out some fastener clearnace problems) BUT, we are playing phone tag . . . hopefully I will get a chance to talk with them monday.
I am also pursuing another route, that would likely make the setup more robust, and ultimately cheaper, but I'm not sure I can legitimately do it, we'll see what happens.
I just wish I could do this kind of stuff as a day job . . . someday.
