Portable suspension system for highly sensitive equipment

Abstract

A portable cart for transporting highly sensitive equipment such as an excimer laser is disclosed. The portable cart includes a first frame support including spaced feet for supporting the equipment on a floor surface. A second frame support includes rollers for rolling movement of the equipment. The first frame support is vertically movable relative to the second frame support. Expandable/retractable shock absorbing element are positioned between the first and second frame supports. The shock absorbing elements when expanded lift the first frame support including the spaced feet above a floor surface while rollers of the second frame support to engage a floor surface for rolling shock absorbing movement of the equipment. The expandable/retractable shock absorbing elements when retracted lower the first frame support to cause the spaced feet to engage a floor surface for fixed support of the highly sensitive equipment on a floor surface. In order to transport the portable cart in a truck van, the truck van includes floor supports on a truck van floor surface for corresponding engagement with extensive/retractable arms associated with the portable cart. Preferably, the floor supports on the truck van floor surface provide a three point engagement with the extensive/retractable arms of the portable cart.