Marie Brown: - African Inventor of the Closed-Circuit Security System

By Joseph Nykoluk

The Home Security market would not be what it is today if it wasn't for Marie Brown. This article is about the African-American woman inventor who revolutionized the industry through her invention of the first home video security system. There are a number of articles on this site about home security issues, be it useable information or products you may purchase. In the security industry no product has achieved the level of success as the video camera.

Her full name was Marie Van Brittan Brown and she was born during late Autumn 1922. She passed away after 77 years in 1999. Marie grew up in Jamaica, Queens in New York City where she and Albert came up with their invention on video surveillance technology. After 77 years she passed away on February 2, 1999.

More than forty years ago, in 1966, Marie Brown along with Albert Brown would apply for a patent on a closed-circuit security system that would answer the cries of those who were afraid, afraid to leave their own sanctuary and too afraid to let anyone in.

Although the system they invented was meant for the home market, businesses also took notice.Marie Brown was so ahead of her time that employers large and small were interested in her patent. She would ultimately pave the way when security personnel no longer needed to keep constant vigil on their wall full of black and white monitors. Three years later, towards the end of 1969, both Marie and Albert finally received their patent #3,482,037.

The basic concept behind her invention is ability to view chosen surroundings but away from danger and at a safe distance. Both Albert and Marie Brown devised a method where a motorized camera could slide up and down a door to view the otherside through a series of four small viewing holes. If the occupant is satisfied that no danger is imminent they could activate an electrical switch that would unlock the door. The bonus is that the occupant doesn't even have to be near the door. They could be in another room feeling safe and secure.

Within just a few short years the videocassette recorder (VCR) would once again turn the security industry on its ear by applying its recording ability to the security video market.

If you're interested in seeing other patent applications besides Marie Brown's closed-circuit video security system, key in the pattent number at the US Patent Office website.
*** Links---> www.uspto.gov and www.inventors.about.com.

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