On this day in 1915 Georges Claude was granted the patent for SYSTEM OF ILLUMINATING BY LUMINESCENT TUBES. U.S. Patent No. 1,125,476.
This patent relates to lighting by luminescence of the rare gases of the atmosphere and especially of neon it has been pointed out that the properties of‘ these gases are very largely attenuated by the presence of traces of other gases and particularly of nitrogen. Consequently (and with the exception, of the method of separate scavengings with a specially prepared and absolutely pure gas) it is necessary to employ an exceedingly efficacious purification process on the spot in order to attain a high degree of purity of the neon which fills the tubes notwithstanding the liberation of the gases occluded in the walls or in the electrodes during the “formation ” of the said tubes.
This neon discharge tube would eventually be used in advertising signs.
