Abstract: A tuning mechanism for a superconducting radio frequency particle accelerator cavity, wherein the cavity comprises a number of axially aligned cells held by a frame, with at least one active cell that is axially stretchable to tune the resonant frequency of the cavity. The tuning mechanism comprises a lever arm having a center of rotation, one or more mechanical members coupling the lever arm to an active cell, and a motor adapted to move the lever arm, to thereby move the active cell through the mechanical members.

Abstract: A variable valve with an actuator that elongates upon application of an electrically-derived field. The valve includes an actuator comprising an actuator member made of a material that is elongated by an electrically-derived field. A coil surrounding the actuator member selectively applies an electrically-derived field to the actuator member. The valve further comprises a fluid flow path, an opening in the fluid flow path defining a flow area, and a closure member movable by the actuator member from a closed or more closed position in which it is restricting some or all of the flow area, to an open or more open position in which it is restricting less of the flow area, to selectively alter the fluid flow rate through the opening.

Abstract: A tuning mechanism for a superconducting radio frequency particle accelerator cavity, wherein the cavity comprises a number of axially aligned cells held by a frame, with at least one active cell that is axially stretchable to tune the resonant frequency of the cavity. The tuning mechanism comprises a lever arm having a center of rotation, one or more mechanical members coupling the lever arm to an active cell, and a motor adapted to move the lever arm, to thereby move the active cell through the mechanical members.