# How Georges Claude Invented the Neon Light

> A 1915 patent describing the use of neon gas in sealed glass tubes to create bright, colorful light for signs and illumination.

- **Patent:** US 1125476
- **Original title:** System of illuminating by luminescent tubes.
- **Owner:** Individual
- **Granted:** 1915
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 3
- **Field:** consumer_electronics, mechanical

## What it does

The patent details a method for creating electric light by sealing neon gas inside a glass tube with electrodes at each end. When high-voltage electricity flows through the gas, it ionizes the neon, causing it to glow with a characteristic bright red-orange light. The invention specifically addresses the purification of the gas and the design of the electrodes to prevent the gas from being absorbed into the glass walls during operation, which was a major hurdle for early gas-discharge lamps.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover the use of gases other than neon for illumination
- Does not cover modern LED-based signage that mimics the look of neon
- Does not cover low-voltage lighting systems

## The clever bit

Claude solved the 'cleanliness' problem by using liquid air to purify the neon and designing electrodes with a large surface area to prevent the gas from being 'sputtered' or absorbed into the tube walls.

## Real-world examples

1. Classic neon storefront signs
2. Artistic neon light sculptures
3. Historic theater marquees

## Why it matters

This invention birthed the neon sign industry, which became a cultural icon of the 20th century. It enabled the creation of vibrant, durable outdoor advertising that transformed city landscapes globally, particularly in places like Times Square and Las Vegas.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How Georges Claude Invented the Neon Light cover?

A 1915 patent describing the use of neon gas in sealed glass tubes to create bright, colorful light for signs and illumination.

### Who owns patent US 1125476?

Individual owns this patent, granted in 1915.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What is patent US 1125476 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 3 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This invention birthed the neon sign industry, which became a cultural icon of the 20th century. It enabled the creation of vibrant, durable outdoor advertising that transformed city landscapes globally, particularly in places like Times Square and Las Vegas.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover the use of gases other than neon for illumination

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1125476/neon-lighting-claude

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US1125476

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


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