Abstract:
A portable, hybrid gas compressor. The hybrid characteristics of the present invention stem from the compressor&#39;s ability to offer a user: in one embodiment, multiple sources of power; in another embodiment, multiple varieties of compressed gas for distribution; and in yet another embodiment, the option to recharge the gas supply of the compressor internally.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of gas compression and distribution, and more specifically to the field of portable, hybrid gas compression and distribution systems. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Pneumatic tools require a source of pressurized gas; such tools include spray guns, air sanders, air wrenches, air hammers, disc grinders, brad nailers, chisels, hammers, drills, sanders, framing nailers, grease guns, hydraulic riveters, impact wrenches, die grinders, needle scalers, nibblers, ratchets, shears, speed saws, and many other tool varieties. Although tools relying on a pressurized source are not as widely used as tools relying on more conventional sources of power, e.g. gas, electric, and the like; gas-compressed tools are more powerful than traditional electric power tools and offer many advantages. Pneumatic tools allow more torque and RPM than electric tools, and as the individual tools do not generally include an electric motor, they tend to be lighter and therefore more easily managed. Pneumatic tools also tend to be less expensive, more versatile, and more rugged. 
         [0003]    Although utilizing compressed gas is often associated with larger varieties of pneumatic equipment connected to fixed, gas compressors; more mobile versions of gas compressors are arriving in the market to power portable hand tools. Two prominent varieties of gas compressors exist currently: electrical gas compressors, and gasoline-powered gas compressors. Gasoline-powered gas compressors are more popular due to their greater power, reliability, and mobility. The chief limits to the gasoline-powered gas compressor are their fume exhaustion tendencies and noise generation. One can only use a traditional, portable electric gas compressor proximate to an electrical outlet. Use of an electric gas compressor, however, allows a user to operate the compressor in confined spaces where gas fumes would generally be unacceptable. 
         [0004]    There is a need for a pressured gas supply device: capable of operating under multiple sources of power; capable of recharging a supply of gas either internally or externally; capable of offering multiple varieties of gas for distribution; that is relatively light; that is relatively balanced; capable of recharging its power supply; and capable of offering multiple sources of power to a tool. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present invention is a portable, hybrid gas compressor. The hybrid characteristics of the present invention stem from the compressor&#39;s ability to offer a user: in one embodiment, multiple sources of power; in another embodiment, multiple varieties of compressed gas for distribution; and in yet another embodiment, the option to recharge the gas supply of the compressor internally. 
         [0006]    The compressor includes a rigid body to protect the internal components. The body forms an air inlet that feeds air from the atmosphere to a pump within the body. A power source transmits energy to the pump, which is capable of propelling air to a gas reservoir at least partially housed within the body. The gas reservoir accepts and stores the pressurized gas derived from one of two sources: the pump, or through an external gas channel of the gas reservoir. It is preferred that the body shelters a substantial portion of the gas reservoir within the body. Some embodiments may include a gas reservoir entirely housed within the body, other embodiments may include a gas reservoir partially housed within the body, and still other embodiments may include a gas reservoir that is removable from the body. It is preferred that the gas reservoir be divided into two portions positioned at opposite ends of the body interior. 
         [0007]    A hybrid valve occupies a position in the airflow from the pump that either allows air from the pump access to the gas reservoir, or seals the gas reservoir from the pump. A compressed gas outlet allows compressed gas from the gas reservoir access to a pneumatic tool. It is preferred that the means for channeling the various flows of gases/air within the present invention include a plenum with an inner air chamber, gas chamber, and release chamber. To this preferred plenum, the gas reservoir is connected to the gas chamber and the pump is connected to the air chamber; and the hybrid valve occupies one of multiple positions that either permit or deny gas from the air chamber into the gas chamber, or evacuate any gas within the gas reservoir through a bleeder valve connected to the release chamber. Affixed to the body is a means for transporting the compressor that may include, for example, an embedded handle, straps, a retractable handle, wheels, and combinations thereof. A preferred handle includes a handle body on the compressor body that includes a curvature that protects the sensitive, exposed gas release equipment, e.g. regulator, gauge, etc. 
         [0008]    The body of the compressor includes a gas exhaust to expel gas from within the body into the atmosphere. This expelled gas can include the gas used in connection with the compressor, or the simply the heated air within the body. A preferred gas exhaust directs the expelled gas in a downward direction, such that in embodiments of the gas compressor utilizing shoulder straps, the exhausted air is directed away from the head of a user. 
         [0009]    The power source of the present invention operates the pump. The preferred power source includes a battery. The battery may be coupled to a charger/transformer. Other power sources amenable to the present invention include an internal combustion engine coupled to a gas tank within the body; of fuel cells; solar; and combinations thereof. 
         [0010]    Thermal insulating material may used within the body to assist in regulating internal temperatures. Noise dampening material may be affixed within the body, particularly along the interior surface of the body and upon the exterior of any motor within the body. Vibration dampening materials may be affixed within the body, particularly along the interior surface of the body and upon the exterior of any motor within the body. 
         [0011]    Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to present a highly mobile gas compressor. 
         [0012]    It is a further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor capable of using multiple types of gas. 
         [0013]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor capable of using multiple sources of power. 
         [0014]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor capable of sustained operation for substantial periods of time distant from a ready supply of compressed gas and a power outlet or source. 
         [0015]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a portable gas compressor capable of ergonomic back attachment. 
         [0016]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a portable gas compressor capable of balanced back attachment. 
         [0017]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a substantially safe gas compressor. 
         [0018]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor possessing an air exhaust scheme amenable to back attachment. 
         [0019]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to increase the efficiency of pneumatic operations. 
         [0020]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor capable of utilizing an interchangeable gas reservoir. 
         [0021]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present a gas compressor capable of utilizing a removable gas reservoir. 
         [0022]    It is a still further aspect of the present invention to present an independently rechargeable gas compressor 
         [0023]    These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive. Furthermore, some features may apply to certain versions of the invention, but not others. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the gas compressor. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the plenum of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the plenum of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a plan, sectional view of an embodiment of the gas distribution conduits of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a cut-away view of an embodiment of the gas compressor. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a cut-away view of an embodiment of the gas compressor. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a side, plan view of a backpack embodiment of the gas compressor detailing body cover positions. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a front, plan view of an embodiment of the gas compressor detailing the removable gas reservoir. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a basic embodiment of the portable hybrid gas compressor  100  is shown. The gas compressor includes a body  102  structured to protect the internal components. The body  102  is constructed of a rigid material; preferably plastic, sheet metal, or composite material. The shape of the body  102  is generally that of a box with rounded corners. 
         [0033]    The body  102  includes apertures adapted to allow the flow of air both into and out of the body  102 . An air inlet  104  formed by the body either directly allows air into the interior of the body, allows a component to the transfer of air into the body interior, allows a component to transfer air from the atmosphere to a component within the body, or some combination of the previously-mentioned air entry schemes. The embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 1  displays the preferred air inlet  104  which allows air from the atmosphere to enter the gas compressor  100  through a gas distribution assembly  106 . 
         [0034]    The air distribution assembly  106  of the present invention includes components related to the controlled distribution of air. Preferred members of the assembly include a pressure regulator  108 , a compressed gas outlet  110 , a gauge  112 , and a gas passage  114 . From the gas passage  114 , air may travel into the body  102  of the gas compressor  100  and preferably to a plenum  116  of the present invention. 
         [0035]    From the plenum  116 , air from the gas passage may be blocked or allowed entry via a hybrid valve  118  into a bridge  120 . The bridge  120  leads directly to a gas reservoir  122 . The gas reservoir  120  structure of  FIG. 1  displays a preferred gas reservoir  122  configuration wherein the gas reservoir includes two portions distributed into flanking positions within the body  102 . In such a configuration a bridge  120  may be used to fluidly connect the interiors of the flanked gas reservoirs to allow the compressed gas within to act as a single entity rather than as multiple, distinct volumes of gas. Multiple bridges  120  may be used with the present invention. 
         [0036]    When so directed by the plenum  116 , air enters the gas reservoir  122  from the mechanical urging of a pump  124  operated by a piston  130  in fluid communication with the gas reservoir  122 . By fluid communication it is meant that a gas molecule may travel between two or more components without permanent hindrance. A component is in selective fluid communication with another component if the hindrance is adjustable, as in the case of a valve, switch, or other instrument suited to direct the passage of air. Fluid communication may similarly apply to liquids passing between components of the present invention. A preferred pump will operate to generate a pressure between 1.02 atm (15 psi) and 12 atm (175 psi). The pump  124  at the mechanical direction of a motor  128  acts in concert with a check valve  126  in fluid communication with both the pump  124  and the plenum  116  to accept and compress air into the gas reservoir  122 . 
         [0037]    Airflow generated from and compressed by the pump  124  within the gas reservoir  122  can remain indefinitely. When needed, the gas reservoir  122  may release the compressed gas to the plenum  116  which channels the gas to the compressed gas outlet  110 . The compressed gas outlet  110  is dimensioned to accept hoses common to pneumatic instruments, or in some cases, the pneumatic instrument. The release of any compressed gas is controlled by the pressure regulator  108  and displayed to a user by the gauge  112 . 
         [0038]    In electrical connection to the pump  124  is the power source  132 . The power source  132  of the present invention may include a battery, internal combustion engine coupled to a gas tank within the body; fuel cells; solar; and combinations thereof. The preferred power source, as shown in  FIG. 1 , includes a battery. When a battery is used as the power source, it is preferred that a charger in included in electrical communication with the battery such that the battery may be recharged with alternating current. 
         [0039]    Although the protection offered by the rigid body  102  conveys many safety and portability benefits, the interior of the body  102  can also assist in trapping unwanted heat from the electrical and mechanical components of the present invention. To mitigate the tendency of the body  102  to trap heat, it is preferred that the present invention employ heat control means. Apertures upon the body  102  act as a first line of heat control and serve as a gas exhaust  136 . The gas exhaust  136  includes one or more apertures in the body that preferably direct the escaping gas in a generally downward direction. A downward escape velocity is preferred as embodiments of the present invention may be portably disposed upon the back of a user, and gases jetting from the present invention may be unpleasant and dangerous. Gases from the interior are likely to be heated, and as the device includes various outdoor uses, the heat from escaping gas would be an uncomfortable addition to the heat of, for example, a daytime construction site—particularly when directed toward a sensitive face. Backpack embodiments of the present invention may alternatively or additionally allow gases to escape in a dorsal or transverse direction. Embodiments not in close contact with a user may include the gas exhaust  136  in any position suited to exhaust gas in a meaningful manner. 
         [0040]    Additional hazards from venting gases in the direction of a face include displacing oxygen proximate to the nose with alternative gases. It is an aspect of the present invention to include multiple safety means throughout the gas compressor  100 . A preferred safety device includes a bleeder valve  140 . The bleeder valve  140  is located within the body in fluid communication with the gas reservoir  122 . The bleeder valve  140  is calibrated to release compressed gas when the pressure within the gas reservoir reaches a predetermined unsafe value dependent upon the structural integrity of the present invention components. That is to say, the bleeder valve  140  will release gas within the reservoir before that pressure reaches a value that would cause the gas reservoir to explode. As the present invention includes the ability to store multiple varieties of gases, many of which do not include oxygen; a sustained release of gas proximate to the face of a user could displace the oxygen proximate to the nose of the user, which could cause unpleasant health effects. As the portability of the present invention allows it to be used at great heights and with potentially dangerous equipment, downward directed gas exhaust could have substantial safety implications. 
         [0041]    The preferred bleeder valve  140  is a component of the plenum  116  that directs gas into the interior of the body  102  of the gas compressor  100 . Directing the escaping gas directly into the interior of the body  102 , rather than simply allowing the gas to escape directly external to the body, allows the body to absorb much of the shock of the highly pressurized escaping gas and escape the body through the gas exhaust  136  at a lower velocity than it would otherwise. Gas escaping at a substantial velocity directly exterior to the body  102  could generate a velocity sufficient to force a user of a backpack compressor embodiment off balance. 
         [0042]    The present invention, which may utilize one or more bleeder valves  140 , may position the bleeder valve  140  proximate to the gas exhaust  136 . A bleeder valve so positioned allows venting of water condensation and air directly to the exterior. Embodiments bearing a bleeder valve adjacent to a gas exhaust preferably include a gas exhaust oriented to exhaust gas in a downward direction. 
         [0043]    An additional heat control means may include thermal insulation. The insulation material  146  of the present invention includes three primary varieties: noise insulation, thermal insulation, and vibration insulation. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the insulation material may affix to the interior of the body  102  of the present invention, or to specific components in need of the insulation  146 . For example, thermal insulation may preferably affix to the interior of the body  102 , or around external portions of the gas reservoir  122 . Vibration insulation and noise insulation may affix to the interior of the body, or around external portions of any motors present within the body. 
         [0044]    An additional heat control means of the present invention includes a fan  138  positioned proximate to the gas exhaust  136 . The fan would aid in more rapidly expelling gases within the compressor  100 . By fan  138 , it is meant any device capable of dislocating air from one position to another with meaningful force, e.g. a pump. 
         [0045]    The placement of any fan  138  as with the placement of all other electrical and mechanical components of the present invention preferably occupies a medial position M within the body  102 . The preferred configuration and arrangement of the present invention includes a lateral, bifurcated gas reservoir  122  flanking the other, weightier components of the compressor  100 . By placing the components in a medial position, the compressor  100  gains a center of gravity highly amenable to transport and use, particularly in backpack embodiments. It is further preferred that the components be arranged in downwardly diminishing weighted fashion such that an upper portion of the body  102  includes the lightest equipment, while the heavier equipment is placed in a lower position. Such a distribution of weight assists the compressor  100  balance on the ground, in transport, or upon the back of a user. This distribution of weight is particularly advantageous to backpack embodiments of the present invention which would place the weight distribution along the spine of a user, and the center of gravity near the hips of a wearer. 
         [0046]    The present invention further includes wheels  142  as means for transporting the compressor  100 . The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  includes a handle and a set of wheel as transport means. The handle of the present invention may include a static protrusion from the body, a curving handle adapted to enclose the gas distribution assembly or some other like protruding sensitive component, a handle adapted to retract into the body of the compressor, or any other handle capable of transporting equipment or containers. 
         [0047]    The present invention is hybrid is multiple respects. Although the pump of the compressor allows a user to refill the gas reservoir with atmospheric air, the present invention is also adapted to accept prepared gases a varieties other than that of the standard earth atmosphere. For many reasons use of the present invention could feature gases such as CO 2 , N 2 , or other commonly used gases. A gas channel  144  on the gas reservoir  122  allows the introduction of prepared gases into the gas reservoir  122 . It is preferred that the gas channel have access to points external of the body  102  to facilitate efficient re-loading of gases. By external, it is meant that a user wishing access to the gas channel  144  need not dissemble the body to obtain access to the gas channel  144 , but that the gas channel  144  is amenable either directly or via an easily displaced component such as a cover. 
         [0048]    The present invention includes at least two gas pathways. A first gas pathway allows a user to activate the pump of the present invention to draw in air from the atmosphere into the gas reservoir of the compressor. In this first pathway, the pump is in fluid communication with the air inlet, the compressed gas outlet, and the gas reservoir. A second gas pathway blocks access to the pump, but allows fluid communication between the gas reservoir and the compressed gas outlet. Other unlisted components may be included in either of the pathways to the extent that they do not disturb the purposes of the pathways. 
         [0049]    Although the present invention may utilize a hybrid valve  118  in any effective portion of the internal recesses to choose the path of gas flow within the present invention, other embodiments may utilize a dedicated component as a gas passage gateway.  FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the plenum  116  in enhanced detail. The plenum  116  is a component of the present invention that centralizes the gas pathways of the present invention into a single housing. 
         [0050]    As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the plenum of the present invention includes an air chamber  148  and a gas chamber  146 . The air chamber  148  is the open volume in the interior of the plenum  116  that connects directly and fluidly to the pump (not shown). The gas chamber  146  is an open volume within the plenum distinct from the air chamber  148  that allows fluid communication between the gas reservoir (not shown) and the compressed gas outlet  110 . The hybrid valve  118  regulates the gas pathways of the present invention. In the embodiment of the plenum  116  in  FIG. 2 , three gas pathways are present: a pathway that allows fluid communication between the gas reservoir and the pump via the air chamber  148 ; a pathway that prevents fluid communication between the gas reservoir and the pump; a pathway that evacuates all gas from within the gas reservoir into the interior of the body of the gas compressor of the present invention. The evacuation pathway includes a release chamber  140  that is selectively in fluid communication with the gas reservoir. 
         [0051]    The release chamber  140  may include an aperture in the plenum that directly leads to either the atmosphere, or directly leads to the interior of the body of the gas compressor. The latter version of the release chamber  140  is preferred as it allows any gases evacuating from the gas reservoir to be muffled within the body, and therefore evacuate the gas compressor at a lower velocity. The preferred use of the release chamber  140  includes two primary uses. The first primary use of a release chamber  140  is as a plenum bleeder valve, to evacuate a portion of gas within the gas reservoir upon the buildup of a predetermined excess pressure. The second primary use of a release chamber  140  is as a conversion moderator. By conversion moderator it is meant that upon selection of the evacuation pathway by the hybrid valve  118 , the gas within the gas reservoir is evacuated to the point wherein the gas reservoir possesses a pressure of one atmosphere. 
         [0052]    The preferred conversion moderator scheme, which is pictured in  FIG. 2 , includes a plenum  116  that includes the air chamber  148 , the gas chamber  146 , and a release chamber  140 . The hybrid valve  116  selects between three positions. In the first position, the air chamber is placed in fluid communication with the gas chamber, which allows the pump direct fluid communication with the gas reservoir. In the second position, the air chamber is blocked from the gas chamber, which prevents the pump from direct fluid communication with the gas reservoir. In a third position, ideally structured such that the third position must be reached in segue from the first position to the second position; the hybrid valve opens fluid access from the gas reservoir to the release chamber. Such a position allows gas present in the gas reservoir to substantially evacuate (i.e. reach a standard pressure of one atmosphere) prior to moving to the next position—whether that next position is the second position from the first, or vice versa. The advantage of this is two-fold: when the hybrid valve closes communication to the air chamber, the user of the present invention is likely anticipating inserting prepared gas compositions into the gas reservoir and the evacuation ensures the greatest possible percentage of entry of the prepared gas into the reservoir. In instances where the air chamber is allowed access to the gas reservoir, the user of the present invention is possibly intending to use atmospheric air for the next application, and the evacuation of any, possibly prepared, gases within the gas reservoir are flushed to ensure the greatest possible replication of atmospheric air. 
         [0053]    As the evacuation of gases from the gas reservoir would tend to be relatively time-consuming, it is preferred that a release button  150  be included on the plenum  116  of the present invention. The release button  150  is in locking assembly with the hybrid valve  118  such that when the hybrid valve occupies a position that places the gas reservoir in fluid communication with the release chamber, the hybrid valve is temporarily locked into the position that places the gas reservoir in fluid communication with the release chamber. Pressing upon the release button  150  releases the hybrid valve to continue its motion either back to the position from which it began, or to continue to a position different from its original position. 
         [0054]    When the present invention includes a gas reservoir (not shown) split into flanking positions, the present invention may further include the capacity to select the particular portion of the gas reservoir in fluid communication with the gas passage. The preferred means for selecting from portions of a gas reservoir is shown in  FIG. 3 . The plenum  116  may further include one or more division to selectively seal the bifurcated portions of the gas reservoir one from the other. The plenum  116  of  FIG. 3  is adapted to selectively bifurcate a starboard tank (not shown) from a port tank (not shown), wherein both the starboard tank and port tank are portions of a bifurcated gas reservoir adapted to be selectively sealed. The plenum  116  includes an air chamber connected to a pump conduit  152  that leads to a pump (not shown). The hybrid valve  118  separates the air chamber  148  from the release chamber  140  and the gas chamber, which is divided into two components: a port gas chamber  346  and a starboard gas chamber  246 . The terms “port” and “starboard” in relation to the divisions of the gas reservoir are convenient when used with the backpack version of the present invention, but are not meant to limit the locations of either the chambers or the tanks. The port gas chamber  346  and the starboard gas chamber  246  lead to their respective portions of the bridge, which lead to their respective port tank (not shown) and starboard tank (not shown). Segmenting the starboard chamber  246  from the port chamber  346  are one or more chamber valves adapted to selectively seal their respective chambers from the gas passage  114 . 
         [0055]    The plenum of  FIG. 3  includes a port chamber valve  318  and a starboard chamber valve  218 . Actuation of the port chamber valve  318  and the starboard chamber valve  218  serve to selectively seal the port tank (not shown) and the starboard tank (not shown), respectively. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a gas reservoir bifurcated into at least two distinct tanks, and in such cases, certain preferred embodiments will be able to operate with one tank at a time. The preferred method for allowing a single tank access to the gas passage  114  is the arrangement of multiple valves. As  FIG. 3  shows, it is preferred that these valves are located in the plenum  116  of the present invention; however, in other embodiments, the gas pathways of the present invention may be integrated into the conduits of the gas compressor. 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention without a plenum. Rather the control of gas and air paths is embedded within the conduit portions of the present invention, specifically the bridge  120  and the pump conduit  152 . The hybrid valve  118  controls fluid access to and from the pump  124 ; the port chamber valve  318  controls fluid access to and from the port tank (not shown); the starboard chamber valve  218  controls fluid access to and from the starboard tank (not shown). In embodiments of the present invention utilizing more or less divisions of the gas reservoir; the arrangement and number of valves may be altered to suit the purposes of that particular embodiment. 
         [0057]    Although the embodiment of the gas compressor  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  shows a medial distribution of electromechanical components; as  FIG. 5  shows the electromechanical components of the present invention may be distributed in any manner either upon or within the body  102 .  FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of the present invention lacking medial distribution of electromechanical components. Such an arrangement may be preferred in non-body portable embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0058]    The gas reservoir  122  includes a single cavity adapted to receive prepared compressed gas via the gas channel  144 . The gas channel  144  may also be configured to include pressure bleeding means to vent gases stored at a predetermined hazardous pressure. As  FIG. 5  shows, it is preferred that the gas channel  144  be positioned on the gas reservoir  122 , which is external to the body  102 . Such an arrangement, however, is not necessarily preferred in certain embodiments that may employ a gas reservoir  122  completely housed within the body  102  as  FIG. 6  depicts. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the gas channel  144  may include any dimensioned necessary to gain access beyond the body  102 . The gas channel  144  is preferably external, which is to say that the gas channel  144  may be accessed without disassembling the body  102 . The bridge  120  includes a single conduit that leads directly to the plenum  116 . The plenum selectively allows the pump  124  access to the gas reservoir  122 . 
         [0059]    The pump  124  is operated by the motor  128 , which is powered by a combustible liquid within a combustible material tank  154  connected thereto. The gas compressor  100  may be powered by any material capable of operating a device adapted to operate a pump. Preferred energy sources include direct current or alternating current electricity, gasoline, kerosene, hydrogen, solar power, and combinations thereof. 
         [0060]    As  FIG. 7  depicts, the body  102  of the gas compressor may include a body cover  156  adapted to selectively cover portions of the present invention. It is preferred that the body cover  156  selectively house the external gas channel (not shown); and in embodiments having portions of the gas reservoir (not shown) exposed, the body cover  156  may also cover those exposed portions of the gas reservoir. The body cover  156  may include any dimensions necessary to cover whatever portion of the present invention that the body cover has been predetermined to cover. It is preferred that the body cover is fabricated of the same material as the body  102 , e.g. a plastic. 
         [0061]    In backpack embodiments of the present invention, such as that shown in  FIG. 7 , it is preferred that the components have the medial distribution of electromechanical components; a gas reservoir bifurcated into a flanking tank arrangement, and a back strap  160 . The back strap  160  includes one or more straps connected to the body  102  that temporarily fasten the gas compressor  100  to the back of a human user. The body  102  and the back strap  160  may include padding  170  adapted to add comfort to toting the present invention. Means for making the present invention portable may include any equipment common to portable tools. Preferred means of transport include back straps, feet, handles, wheels, etc. 
         [0062]    As the gas compressor  100  includes a power source (not shown) for operating the pump (not shown); the present invention may further act as a portable generator to power non-pneumatic tools. In embodiments adapted to offer alternative means of tool powering, the present invention may include one or more electrical plugs  158 . The electrical plug  158  may include outlet prongs so as to recharge the power source of the present invention, or the electrical plug may be adapted to mate with prongs that would come from an electric tool. 
         [0063]    The body  102  of the present invention may further include a port  164  and a port cover  166 . The port  164  is an aperture in the body  102  that allows a user contact with the hybrid valve (not shown) or any other user-adjustable components within the body  102 . It is preferred that the port cover  166  be dimensioned to seal the port  164 , and be hingedly attached to the body  102 . In embodiments of the present invention not having a port  164 , the hybrid valve (not shown) may be positioned externally upon the body  102 —as well as any other user-adjustable components. 
         [0064]    As  FIG. 8  illustrates, embodiments of the present invention may further feature a removable gas reservoir, shown as bifurcated starboard gas tank  222  and port gas tank  322 . The gas tanks fit into their respective body recesses  172 , which are cavities within the body  102  adapted to hold a portion of a removable gas reservoir. It is preferred that each gas tank is independently removable and fits into the gas reservoir via a reservoir nub assembly  174 . The reservoir nub assembly  174  includes a gas reservoir portion and a bridge portion, one having a nub and the other having a recesses dimensioned to accept the nub. The reservoir nub assembly may attach via mating threading or interference fit. Other means for selectively removing a portion of the gas reservoir may similarly be used with the present invention. The pictured embodiment of  FIG. 8  utilizes feet  162  as transport means. Feet  162  are protrusions of the body adapted to contact an environment surface. Preferred feet include protraction of deformable plastic. 
         [0065]    Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.