Gas compressor and method with improved valve assemblies

A fluid compressor comprising:

• a body member defining an internal bore having an inlet at one end and an outlet;
• a first valve assembly disposed in the bore between the one end of the bore and the outlet;
• a second valve assembly disposed in the bore between the one end of the bore and the outlet in an axially spaced relation to the first valve assembly;
• the first and second valve assemblies being movable in a first direction in the bore to draw fluid through the inlet and into the bore;
• the first and second valve assemblies being adapted to move in a second direction in the bore to increase the fluid pressure in the bore;
• the first valve assembly being responsive to a predetermined fluid pressure acting on it for permitting the flow of a first portion of the fluid in the bore through the first valve assembly and to the second valve assembly;
• the second valve assembly defining a bypass passage for receiving the first portion of fluid from the first valve assembly and passing the first fluid portion to the outlet and defining at least one other passage through the second valve assembly;
• and
• the second valve assembly being responsive to a second portion of fluid in the bore exerting a predetermined fluid pressure on the second valve assembly for permitting the flow of the the second fluid portion through the at least one other passage and to the outlet.