Sequence start lamp ballast with current spike suppression means

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Sequence start lamp ballast with current spike suppression means. A ballast for a sequence start series operating circuit that includes two rapid start gaseous discharge lamps. The circuit includes a transformer with a primary winding and a loosely coupled secondary winding a series, first capacitor for providing a leading current when both lamps have been ignited and are operating and a second capacitor shunting the second-to-ignite lamp to by-pass that lamp during ignition of the first-to-ignite lamp and thereafter to develop a voltage across the second capacitor sufficient to ignite the second-to-ignite lamp when current flows in the by-pass branch. The lamps are of a variety which …