Electromechanical valve drive incorporating a nonlinear mechanical transformer

A valve drive assembly comprising:

• a linear motor;
• a valve connected to said linear motor wherein said valve is movable by said motor between a first position wherein the valve is open and a second position wherein the valve is closed;
• a nonlinear mechanical transformer coupled to said linear motor and said valve;
• at least one torsional spring disposed to act upon said nonlinear mechanical transformer, said at least one torsional spring providing approximately zero pressure to said nonlinear mechanical transformer when said valve is at a position generally midway between said first position and said second position.

A valve drive assembly comprising:

• a motor providing rotational displacement;
• a valve coupled to said motor, said valve movable between a first open position and a second closed position;
• and
• at least one nonlinear spring disposed between said valve and a support, said nonlinear spring providing approximately zero pressure to said valve when said valve is at a position generally midway between said first position and said second position.

A valve drive assembly comprising:

• a motor providing rotational displacement;
• a nonlinear mechanical transformer coupled to said motor;
• a valve connected to said nonlinear mechanical transformer, wherein said valve is movable by said motor and said nonlinear mechanical transformer between a first position wherein the valve is open and a second position wherein the valve is closed;
• and
• at least one spring disposed to act upon said valve, said at least one spring providing approximately zero pressure to said valve when said valve is at a position generally midway between said first position and said second position.

A valve drive assembly comprising:

• a motor;
• a first nonlinear mechanical transformer coupled to said motor;
• a coupler coupled to said first nonlinear mechanical transformer;
• at least one spring disposed to act upon said coupler, said at least one spring providing approximately zero pressure to said coupler when said coupler is at a position generally midway between an uppermost position and a lowermost position;
• a second nonlinear mechanical transformer coupled to said coupler;
• a valve connected to said second nonlinear mechanical transformer, wherein said valve is movable by said motor, said first nonlinear mechanical transformer and said second nonlinear mechanical transformer between a first position wherein the valve is open and a second position wherein the valve is closed.