Relaxation oscillator type spark generator

Claim 1

A spark generator, including: spark generator transformer means having a primary winding and a high voltage secondary winding with said secondary winding adapted to be connected to a spark gap for ignition of a fuel; a pair of input conductors for said spark generator wherein said spark generator is adapted to be connected to an alternating current potential source; a pair of capacitors and said transformer primary winding connected in a series circuit between said pair of conductors; a first of said capacitors being an energy storage capacitor for said spark generator and a second of said capacitors being a gating control capacitor for said spark generator; solid state switch means having current carrying circuit means, and said switch means including gate means to control said switch means; said current carrying circuit means being connected in parallel circuit with said energy storage capacitor and said primary winding; threshold switch means and a diode connected to said gate means and forming a gating circuit which is in a shunt circuit with said gating control capacitor; said diode including connection means to further connect said diode between said gate means and said current carrying circuit means; and asymmetric current conducting means connected to said gate means and one of said conductors to provide a low impedance charging path for said energy storage capacitor.