Uncompressing TIFF files directly in Python

[sophie_newbie]

Hey guys,

OK this is a long shot but does anyone know of a way to uncompress tiff
files directly in python. I know it can be done with an os call but
that'll only work on unix and only if the right software is installed!

I need to convert tiff images downloaded from uspto.gov to pdf, these
images are compressed using G4, so I dunno if anyone knows of a method
of doing this witout the os call! Surely there is a utility out there
somewhere?

Sophie