Marie Van Brittan Brown

Early Life and Family Timeline

Birth in Queens, New York

October 30, 1922

Marie Van Brittan Brown was born in Queens, New York. Details about her parents and immediate family during this early period are limited, but the location of her birth is a key element in understanding her later life in the same area.

Early Adulthood and Marriage to Albert Brown

1940s-1950s (Estimated)

This period marks Marie's transition into adulthood. Specific details regarding her early career or educational pursuits remain unconfirmed, but this era is notably marked by her marriage to Albert Brown. Their union becomes central to the development and patenting of her home security system.

Establishing a Family and Life in Queens

Late 1950s - 1960s (Estimated)

During this time, Marie and Albert likely established their home and family life in Queens. This is the period where the need for a security system likely arose, driven by their work schedules and concerns about rising crime rates in their neighborhood.

Nursing Career Timeline

Working as a Nurse

1950s - 1960s (Estimated)

Marie worked as a nurse, a demanding profession often requiring long and irregular hours. This meant she frequently returned home late at night, contributing to her concerns about home security. The specific type of nursing she practiced is undocumented, but any nursing role would have imparted observational skills and problem-solving abilities applicable to her later invention.

Exposure to Observation and Technology

Throughout her Nursing Career

As a nurse, Marie would have been exposed to medical technology and the importance of careful observation. This likely influenced her approach to designing a security system based on visual monitoring and remote access.

Long and Irregular Hours

Impact of Work Schedule on Security Concerns

The demanding and unconventional nature of her nursing schedule meant that Marie was often alone at home or arriving at odd hours, leaving her feeling vulnerable. This directly fueled her desire for a more robust home security solution.

Main milestones

Birth of Marie Van Brittan

October 30, 1922

Marie Van Brittan was born on this date. While specific details about her early childhood are limited, her upbringing undoubtedly shaped the resourceful and innovative woman she would become. Growing up in an era marked by racial segregation and inequality likely fostered resilience and a determination to improve her circumstances and the safety of her community.

Nursing Career

1950s-1960s

Marie Van Brittan dedicated her professional life to nursing. Working long and often irregular hours as a nurse likely exposed her to the vulnerabilities of individuals and families, potentially contributing to her heightened awareness of personal safety and security concerns within her own community. It demanded problem solving skills, and an awareness of her community.

Growing Concerns About Home Security

Mid-1960s

Living in Queens, New York, Marie and her husband, Albert, an electronics technician, became increasingly concerned about rising crime rates in their neighborhood and the slow response times of law enforcement. This period of heightened anxiety served as the catalyst for their invention. Their feeling unsafe at their house was the impetus of the invention.

Patent Application Filed

August 1, 1966

Marie and Albert Brown officially filed a patent application for their 'Home Security System Utilizing Television Surveillance.' This marked a pivotal moment, formalizing their innovative concept and setting the stage for its recognition and potential commercialization. The application detailed the system's components and functionality.

U.S. Patent 3,482,037 Granted

December 2, 1969

The U.S. Patent Office officially granted Marie Van Brittan Brown and Albert L. Brown Patent Number 3,482,037 for their home security system. This recognition validated the originality and utility of their invention, establishing them as pioneers in the field of home security technology. The device became public domain at this time.

Influence on Modern Security Systems

1970s-1990s

While Marie and Albert Brown's specific system wasn't widely marketed, their invention laid the groundwork for modern home security systems. Their patent was cited in numerous subsequent patent applications, demonstrating its influence on the development of advanced surveillance and alarm technologies. The core principles they pioneered continue to be used in current systems.

Death of Marie Van Brittan Brown

February 2, 1999

Marie Van Brittan Brown passed away on February 2, 1999. Although she may not have achieved widespread fame during her lifetime, her contributions to home security technology have had a lasting impact, ensuring her legacy as an inventor who addressed a critical societal need. She left behind a profound example of an everyday person making a big impact.

Impact and Legacy Timeline

Influence on Future Security Systems

Post-Patent Era

While the commercial success of Marie's specific system is unclear, her invention laid the groundwork for modern home security systems that incorporate video surveillance, remote monitoring, and alarm capabilities. Her work is a foundational piece in the industry.

Increased Recognition of Women Inventors

Late 20th Century - Early 21st Century

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there's an increased awareness and recognition of women inventors and their contributions to STEM fields. Marie's story gains prominence as an example of a woman who identified a problem and innovatively solved it.

Continued Relevance in Modern Security Technology

Today

Her patent has been cited in numerous subsequent patent applications, underscoring the continuing relevance of her ideas in the development of advanced security technologies. Smart home technologies still employ the principles she pioneered.

Invention and Patent Timeline

Invention Begins

1966

Motivated by concerns about security and the slow police response times in her neighborhood, Marie, with the assistance of her husband Albert, began working on a solution to protect her home. This was the genesis of her groundbreaking home security system.

Development and Refinement of the System

1966-1969

Over these years, Marie and Albert refined their design, incorporating features like a motorized camera that could move between peepholes, a monitor for viewing, a two-way microphone for communication, and an alarm button to contact the police.

Patent Application Filed

August 1, 1966

Marie Van Brittan Brown and Albert Brown formally submitted their patent application for their 'Home Security System Utilizing Television Surveillance'.

US Patent 3,482,037 Granted

December 2, 1969

The United States Patent Office officially granted patent number 3,482,037 to Marie Van Brittan Brown and Albert Brown for their innovative home security system. This marked a significant achievement and recognized their contribution to the field of security technology.

Personal Life and Relationships

Birth

October 30, 1922

Marie Van Brittan was born in Queens, New York. Information about her parents and early childhood is scarce, but the significance of her growing up in Queens is noteworthy, as it provides context for her later concerns about safety in the neighborhood.

Marriage to Albert Brown

Estimated 1940s-1950s

Marie married Albert Brown, an electronics technician. Their partnership was crucial as they worked together to develop and patent their home security system. Albert's technical expertise complemented Marie's insights as a nurse, who was aware of the security issues arising in their neighborhood.

Collaborative Partnership with Albert

Throughout Marriage

Marie and Albert's collaborative relationship was a significant factor in the development and patenting of the home security system. They likely shared domestic responsibilities and supported each other's professional endeavors, creating a strong foundation for innovation.

Death

February 2, 1999

Marie Van Brittan Brown passed away on February 2, 1999. Her death marked the end of an impactful life, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of home security and a source of inspiration for future innovators.

Home Security System Details Timeline

Camera and Motorized System

Core Components

A core element of the invention was a motorized camera capable of moving to different peepholes in the door. This allowed the homeowner to view visitors at varying heights without having to physically go to the door. The motorized aspect was a key innovation.

Television Monitor

Visual Monitoring

The system included a television monitor inside the home, providing a clear visual feed from the camera. This allowed the homeowner to see who was at the door before opening it, enhancing security and peace of mind.

Two-Way Microphone System

Communication Features

The two-way microphone system enabled the homeowner to communicate with visitors at the door without having to open it. This added an extra layer of security by allowing for verbal identification and screening.

Alarm Button and Emergency Contact

Emergency Response

Crucially, the system featured an alarm button that could be pressed to immediately contact the police or security company. This ensured a rapid response in case of an emergency situation.

Marie Van Brittan Brown

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