Georges Claude liquefied air industrially in 1902. He founded Air Liquide. Claude invented neon tube lighting in 1910. He demonstrated neon signs at Paris Motor Show. Claude purified neon and designed anti-sputtering electrodes. His company held U.S. neon patent monopoly into 1930s. Claude pioneered ocean thermal energy conversion with failed prototypes in 1930 and 1935. He joined monarchist Action Française in 1933. Claude supported Vichy collaboration with Germany during WWII. He published pro-collaboration tracts. Claude was imprisoned in 1945 for collaboration propaganda. He was stripped of honors and expelled from Academy of Sciences. Released in 1950 due to ocean energy work. Claude was called Edison of France. He solved acetylene explosion risk by dissolving in acetone.