Abstract: System and method for converting kinetic energy from a fluid flow into mechanical energy, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a turbine including first and second hydrofoils, each of the hydrofoils being able to move lin-early in a heaving motion, and being able to oscillate about a spanwise axis in a pitching motion, said heaving and pitching motions being quasi-si-nusoidal, b) coupling the heaving motions of the first and second hydrofoils to the pitching motions of the second and first hydrofoils respectively, with the pitch-heave motion phase being substantially equal to the inter-hydrofoil phase, the heaving motion of one of the hydrofoils thereby driving the pitching motion of the other hydrofoil; and c) transforming the heaving motions of the hydrofoils into a rotational movement of a rotatable shaft, with linear-to-rotary transmission means.

Abstract: The invention provides a reconfigurable patient support pallet system for transporting patients on litters. The patient support pallet system includes a pallet mounted to the floor of a vehicle. The pallet has a plurality of track rails and attachment points for attaching a litter stanchion set, capable of holding a patient in a litter, and/or for attaching a seat to the surface of the pallet. The pallet also includes a plurality of pallet lips and cargo rings on the periphery which provide locations to attach one or more pallet extensions, pallet spacers and/or pallet ramps to increase the usable surface area of a pallet, as well as facilitate safe passage on, off and between pallets by reducing tripping hazards inherent in cargo aircraft.