Hydraulic actuator control apparatus for a stretcher

A patient support apparatus comprising

• a lower frame,
• a plurality of casters supporting the lower frame for movement over the surface of a floor,
• an upper frame movable relative to the lower frame,
• a first hydraulic cylinder,
• a first pump including a reciprocating pump rod, the first pump operable to extend and retract the first hydraulic cylinder,
• a first spring urging the reciprocating pump rod of the first pump to an extended position,
• a second hydraulic cylinder,
• a second pump including a reciprocating pump rod, the second pump operable to extend and retract the second hydraulic cylinder,
• a second spring urging the reciprocating pump rod of the second pump to an extended position,
• a linkage engaged with the reciprocating pump rods of the first and second pumps such that movement of the linkage in a first direction acts simultaneously on both of the reciprocating inputs to cause the first and second hydraulic cylinders to extend, the linkage movable independently of the reciprocating pump rods of the first and second pumps, and
• a pedal secured to the linkage for movement therewith, such that a force applied to the pedal causes to the linkage to move in the first direction to transfer the force from the pedal to the first pump rod and second pump rod.