18WuD2x

394 kite-supported antenna • Kramer system
frequencies. It is a dangerous antenna because of
electrostatic buildup, a tendency to attract lightning,
the possibility of its breaking loose, and the
risk that it might contact utility lines.
kJ Abbreviation of KILOJOULE.
k-line programming A method by which an artificially
intelligent robot can learn as it does a job,
so it will have an easier time doing the same job
in the future. The robot controller actually learns
from the robot’s mistakes.
Klipsch horn A loudspeaker that includes a folded
low-frequency horn housed in a corner enclosure.
klm Abbreviation of KILOLUMEN.
kludge 1. A crude, useless, or grossly inefficient
machine or process. 2. A hastily contrived prototype
of a circuit or device, put together for the
purpose of testing a concept, but not intended as
a representative of a production unit.
klydonograph A device that photographically
records the voltage gradient in the presence of an
electric field.
klystron A microwave tube whose operation is
based on the velocity modulation of an electron
beam by buncher and cavity reentrant cavities.
Coupling loop
Heater
Buncher
Grid
Cathode
Terminals
Input Output
Feedback path
klystron
Metal
Drift space
Catcher
Collector
Glass
klystron amplifier A microwave amplifier using a
klystron.
klystron harmonic generator A frequencymultiplying
power amplifier using a klystron. It is
used at microwave radio frequencies.
klystron oscillator A klystron operated as a selfexcited
microwave oscillator.
klystron repeater A microwave amplifier in which
a klystron inserted in a waveguide boosts the amplitude
of an incoming signal.
km Abbreviation of KILOMETER.
knee 1. A sharp bend in a response curve for a device,
usually indicating the onset of conduction,
saturation, cutoff, pinchoff, or limiting action. It
applies especially to semiconductor diodes and
transistors. 2. The characteristics of a device
when it is operated at a point in the vicinity of a
sharp bend in its response curve.
knee noise Electrical noise generated by rapidly
repeating current fluctuations at the knee in a
Zener diode.
knife-edge diffraction The lessening of atmospheric
signal attenuation when the signal
passes over a sharp obstacle and is diffracted.
knife switch A switch composed of one or more flat
blades roughly resembling knife blades, which
are slid firmly between the jaws of pinching contacts
to close a circuit.
knob
1. A (usually round and insulated) finger dial
for adjusting a variable electronic component,
such as a potentiometer, variable capacitor, or
rotary switch. 2. A solid round insulator usually
having a low diameter to height ratio. 3. A small
ball- or rod-shaped electrode or protuberance.
knocker A fire-control radar subassembly of synchronizing
and triggering circuits.
knockout An area in a metal box or chassis that is
easily removed by tapping or knocking to provide
an opening.
knot A unit of speed, corresponding to 1 nautical
mile per hour. A speed of 1 knot is about 1.15
statute miles per hour; a speed of 1 statute mile
per hour is about 0.868 knots. It is used by
mariners for specifying speeds at sea, and also
occasionally by meteorologists in specifying wind
speeds.
knowledge The data in a computer and in massstorage
media, accumulated over time and capable
of being put to practical use.
kOe Abbreviation of KILO-OERSTED.
Kolster decremeter An absorption wavemeter
with a movable scale; it permits measurement of
the decrement of a radio wave.
Kooman antenna A unidirectional antenna consisting
of stacked, full-wave, center-fed driven elements,
and a reflecting screen.
Korner Killer Trade name for an acoustically absorbent
object that reduces sound echoes that
can occur in enclosed rooms. The name results
because the device works best when placed in a
corner (where two walls meet).
Kovar An alloy of cobalt, iron, and nickel. It is used
mostly in glass-to-metal seals because it has
characteristics of both kinds of material.
Kozanowski oscillator A positive-grid vacuumtube
UHF oscillator circuit using two tubes
having cylindrical elements, and a pair of
parallel-wire tanks.
Kr Symbol for KRYPTON.
kr Abbreviation of KILOROENTGEN.
K radiation X rays emitted from an atom when an
electron becomes a K electron.
kraft paper Strong brown paper used for insulation
and as the dielectric of paper capacitors.
Kramer system A system of three-phase motor
control providing constant horsepower, and
having a direct-current (dc) motor coupled to the
shaft of a wound-rotor three-phase induction motor.
The dc supply for the motor also supplies a
rotary converter. The speed-control rheostat is
connected in series with the field of the motor and
the dc power supply.