The history of neon signs can be divided into several segments. First, we will discuss the importance of neon signs by Neon Mama for advertisements. After that, we will discuss the role played by Sir William Ramsay and Georges Claude in the creation of neon signs. Finally, we will discuss the use of small-scale neon signs and the history of tube benders. You will discover that neon signs are used by many different types of businesses today. Despite this, they have a rich history.
Tube Benders
Despite its humble origins, tube benders have seen some interesting developments throughout the past century. As the number of bend applications increased and tolerances got tighter, tube benders became more complex and versatile. To overcome this problem, benders have adopted a new strategy that makes the mandrel the workhorse of the tube bending process. Using the mandrel nose in a rotary-draw bend, the machine can control the flow of material through the pressure die.
The history of tube benders dates back to the 1950s when Jerry Huth developed the first pipe bender for automobile exhaust systems. It was difficult for mechanics to manually cut and weld exhaust pipe sections. In 1958, he developed a prototype of a portable pipe bender and began supplying these tools to shops throughout the country. Today, Huth Benders continue to lead the way thanks to constant research, commitment to quality, and responsiveness to industry changes.
One of the most notable innovations in tube bending came with the introduction of a ratcheting tubing bender with high mechanical ratios. With this new technology, tube benders could now handle a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and hard copper water tubes. The RIDGID ratcheting tube bender, for example, could produce uniform bends up to 180 degrees. It could also be calibrated from 0deg to 180 degrees.
Georges Claude
When fluorescent lighting first came to the US in 1937, neon signs were still considered experimental. But Claude had other ideas. He patented a new electrode that could withstand corrosive environments. Within a few years, Claude had manufactured 600 neon signs in New York City and was on his way to bringing the new light source to the masses. After the war, Claude’s invention was the rage in the advertising industry, and he eventually became the inventor of neon lights.
A year after Claude patented his new invention, he sold the first neon sign. The neon sign was so impressive that people stopped and stared at it even in the daytime. He then went on to sell his first signs in 1912, including a huge rooftop sign for Cinzano and the entrance lighting for the Paris Opera. The next year, he started a new company, Claude Neon, and sold franchises of his own. In the following year, he received a U.S. patent for neon lighting.
While he was working on the neon sign, he was also involved in the development of solar cells, and later, he developed the first practical technology for creating solar panels. Then he joined the right-wing group Action Francaise, which favored the restoration of the monarchy in France. Claude was a close friend of Charles Maurras, who proclaimed him the “Edison of France.” After the war, he began publicly supporting collaboration with Germany, publishing tracts in favor of the alliance.
Sir William Ramsay
Known for his work on helium, Ramsay discovered the gas in 1895. He did so by treating the mineral cleveite with acid. The gas he observed gave off the same spectral line. In 1897, he sailed to Iceland to rest. During his time in Iceland, Ramsay was able to further study helium. He also discovered xenon and krypton.
Born to a civil engineer, Ramsay studied at the University of Glasgow, where he studied under the city analyst Robert Tatlock. In 1870, he left Glasgow without a degree, and he intended to become a pupil of Robert Bunsen at the University of Heidelberg, but he changed his mind and ended up as a doctoral student at the University of Tubingen in Germany. He eventually received his doctorate in 1879 and became a consultant to a number of chemical companies.
In the 1960s, the Soviets adopted the technology for political purposes, and their ‘ionization’ of Eastern bloc capitals matched Western capitals. Warsaw was notorious for its lack of consumer shops, but the Soviets lit public buildings and lobbies with neon to imitate the look of the West. In New York, in 1945, neon signage became a popular medium for US veterans.
Small-scale Neon Signs
In the 19th century, the invention of neon signs was influenced by scientific experiments. In 1856, Heinrich Geissler invented a light source that passed alternating current through a low-pressure gas, resulting in a glowing light. Further experiments showed that almost all gases conduct electricity and produce light, although common gases decrease the efficiency of electrodes when enclosed in glass tubes. Eventually, alternating current and fractional distillation was developed.
Most large-scale neon signs consist of multiple sections of glass tubing, typically eight to ten feet in length. These sections are then heated together. Two electrodes are then fused onto each end. A tubulation port is then fabricated so that the tube can be emptied with a vacuum pump. This port may be part of the electrode itself or a separate piece. This process is known as the “light bulb” process and is a major component of neon sign manufacturing.
Today, many small-scale neon signs are made using light-emitting diode arrays (LEDs). These displays produce similar colors as neon lamps, though they require more energy. However, they are more fragile and are not as flexible as modern signs. The Lake Worth Playhouse neon sign may be the oldest surviving neon sign in the United States. This sign was installed in 1929 and still remains in operation today. It was originally intended to advertise a children’s playhouse in Lake Worth Beach, Florida.
The Life Expectancy of Neon Signs
The life expectancy of a neon sign depends on several factors. It depends on how well it is installed, how often it is used, and how it is maintained. If installed correctly and maintained properly, a neon sign can last from 8 to 15 years. If installed outdoors, however, its lifespan will be shortened considerably. However, if it is placed indoors, it can last for several decades or longer. In addition, neon signs are energy efficient.
In addition to being visually appealing, neon signs are also energy efficient. Their energy efficiency makes them a good choice for use in commercial spaces. Neon signs can be made in many shapes and sizes. For example, a neon sign with letters on it can be much larger than one of those with small letters. And because they use minimal energy, they can be used in any commercial location. Depending on the design, neon signs can last a long time if properly maintained.
The lifespan of neon signs is generally longer than that of their LED counterparts. While LED signs have a shorter lifespan, they require fewer replacements. In contrast, neon signage has become less popular over the past several years, mostly because of concerns regarding safety. More recently, LED signage has taken over the market. This type of lighting is the most energy-efficient. It is also used in faux neon signs. So, if you’re thinking of installing a neon sign, think long and hard about it.
YESCO
The history of YESCO neon signs can be traced back to the 1920s when Tom Young founded the company with $300 borrowed from his father. Young’s first products included gold leaf window lettering, coffin plates, and wall-painted advertisements. Today, YESCO produces award-winning neon signs for major brands worldwide. However, the company has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Read on to learn about the company’s history.
The company employs a staff of 1,000 people, headed by Jeff Young, Paul Young, and Michael Young. Thomas Young Jr., the founder, ran the company from 1969 to 1988. Although the main HQ is located in Salt Lake City, the company has a 400-strong sign factory in Las Vegas. Young says Las Vegas has been the company’s main calling card since World War II. The YESCO story has a rich and colorful history.
The company’s earliest projects included the Boulder Club sign. By the late 1930s, YESCO’s signage played a major role in developing Las Vegas’ reputation worldwide. In addition, it bought the world-famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Throughout its history, YESCO has forged a unique identity as a sign manufacturer. With its incredibly versatile and artistic use of light, YESCO created irresistible icons that remain iconic today.