Troll,
The pneumatic valve springs were first used by Renault quite a few years ago. There has been many articles and detailed descriptions about them.
See:
F1 valves
Del West has been supplying systems since 1997.
Del West USA
Also see
Pneumatic_valve_gear
The systems are a total loss design. The cars carry a nitrogen bottle that powers the "Springs". You will often see the teams, in particular BMW, attaching a hose to the side pod during pit stops to charge the system.
Don't want to run out of pressure as then the lump will go "KA-BLAMO" as Steve Matchett always says.