10 



BELL SYSTEM TECHNICAL JOURNAL 



may be 0.005 inch, 0.0085 inch, or 0.010 inch in diameter. After forming 

 the spring to the desired shape, the tip is formed electrolytically. 



In assembUng the rectifier cartridge, the two end terminals, consisting 

 of the base with the silicon element soldered to it, and the top detail con- 

 taining the contact spring, are threaded into the ceramic tube so that the 

 free end of the spring does not engage the silicon surface. An adhesive 





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CERAMIC TUBE 



POINT ASSEMBLY— I 



TERMINAL 



Fig. 5 — Ceramic cartridge rectifier structure and parts. 

 Overall length of assembled rectifier is approximately finch. 



is employed to secure the parts firmly to the ceramic. The rectifier is then 

 "adjusted" by bringing the point into engagement with the silicon surface 

 and establishing optimum electrical characteristics. Finally the unit is 

 impregnated with a special compound to protect it from moisture and from 

 damage by mechanical shock. Units so prepared are then ready for the 

 final electrical tests. 



The adjustment of the rectifier is an interesting operation for at this 



