Abstract: A control assembly for an electric vehicle includes a housing, first and second actuators, a position sensor, and first and second biasing members. The first actuator is moveable between first, second and third positions, and is biased toward the first position by the first biasing member. The second actuator is moveable between fourth and fifth positions, and is biased toward the fourth position by the second biasing member. In an initial configuration, the second biasing member has a greater biasing effect than the first biasing member, such that the first and second actuators are, respectively, in the second and fourth positions. In response to the second actuator moving toward the fifth position, the first actuator moves toward the first position. The position sensor communicates to a controller that the first actuator is in a brake regeneration mode or an acceleration mode based on a position of the first actuator.

Abstract: A method of shifting gears of an electric vehicle and the electric vehicle are disclosed. The electric vehicle includes an electric motor operatively connected to a transmission for propelling the electric vehicle. The method includes selecting a gear position and biasing an engagement member of the transmission toward a gear of the transmission corresponding to the selected gear position. The engagement member has an engaging portion, and the gear has a receiving portion. The method includes controlling the electric motor, by a motor controller, to apply a torque to the gear in a first direction and, in response to applying the torque, aligning the engaging portion and the receiving portion such that the engagement member is biased further toward the gear; and the engaging portion is received in the receiving portion to engage the engaging member with the gear.

Abstract: The present application relates to boron nitride nanotube (BNNT)-silicate glass composites and to methods of preparing such composites. The methods comprise mixing BNNTs that are coated with a glass former such as boron oxide with a silicate glass precursor to create a mixture; heating the mixture under conditions to obtain a molten silicate glass; and cooling the molten silicate glass under conditions to obtain the BNNT-silicate glass composite.

Abstract: The present application relates to boron nitride nanotube (BNNT)-nanoparticle composites, to methods of preparing such composites and their use, for example, in metal/ceramic matrix composites and/or macroscopic assemblies. For example, the methods comprise subjecting a source of hydrogen, a source of boron, a source of nitrogen and a nanoparticle precursor to a stable induction thermal plasma and cooling the reaction mixture to obtain the composite.

Abstract: Provided is a process and an apparatus for purifying boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) materials. The process involves the use of a halogen gas to remove halogen-reactive impurities from boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) materials in a single step with minimal interactions to produce structurally pristine BNNT. Gaseous byproducts are produced that 5 can be removed without the need for solution phase treatments. Yield efficiencies and purity of recovered BNNT are high compared to the other known methods of purification for BNNT material.

Abstract: A method for estimating wear of a polymer drive belt of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided in a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises: determining a first belt wear-affecting factor based on at least one first operating parameter of the vehicle; determining a second belt wear-affecting factor based on at least one second operating parameter of the vehicle; applying the first and second wear-affecting factors to a belt wear-representative parameter to obtain an adjusted belt wear-representative parameter; and adjusting a total belt wear-representative parameter based on the adjusted belt wear-representative parameter to obtain an updated total belt wear-representative parameter. A vehicle having an electronic control unit configured to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite includes a plastic substrate and an electrical insulator layer formed on the plastic substrate. The electrical insulator layer contains boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), which may be unmodified or modified BNNTS. The composite is suitable for use in making printed electronic devices. A process includes providing a plastic substrate and forming on at least a portion of a surface of the plastic substrate a layer that contains the BNNTs. A metallic ink trace is formed on a portion of the layer, such that the metallic ink trace is spaced-apart from the substrate. Using photonic or thermal sintering techniques, the metallic ink trace is then sintered.

Abstract: A stretchable multiple-layer nanocomposite material is provided and includes at least a nanocomposite material layer comprising a network of nanotubes modified with an elastomeric polymer; and at least one additional layer laminated with the nanocomposite material layer. The number of nanocomposite layers and additional layers, the nature and composition thereof, may be varied in a surface direction and/or a thickness direction so as to provide tailored mechanical and physico-chemical properties to a resulting skin that can be used to produce morphing or deployable structures.

Abstract: A solution is provided comprising boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in a liquid solvent. An optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, is contacted with the solution so as to form a layer of the solution supported on at least a portion of the optical waveguide. The liquid solvent is then removed from the layer of the solution supported on the optical waveguide in order to form a coating of the BNNTs on the optical waveguide. Further provided is a BNNT coated optical waveguide for use as a sensor.

Abstract: A modified boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) comprising pendant hydroxyl (OH) and amino (NH2) functional groups covalently bonded to a surface of the BNNT. Aqueous and organic solutions of these modified BNNTs are disclosed, along with methods of producing the same. The modified BNNTs and their solutions can be used to coat substrates and to make nanocomposites.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for preparing superhydrophobic nano-microscale patterned films, films pre-pared from such methods and uses of such films as superhydrophobic coatings. The superhydrophobic nano- microscale patterned films comprise high aspect ratio nanoparticles such as boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and/or carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

Abstract: A solution is provided comprising boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in a liquid solvent. An optical waveguide, such as an optical fiber, is contacted with the solution so as to form a layer of the solution supported on at least a portion of the optical waveguide. The liquid solvent is then removed from the layer of the solution supported on the optical waveguide in order to form a coating of the BNNTs on the optical waveguide. Further provided is a BNNT coated optical waveguide for use as a sensor.

Abstract: A method for estimating wear of a polymer drive belt of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided in a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises: determining a first belt wear-affecting factor based on at least one first operating parameter of the vehicle; determining a second belt wear-affecting factor based on at least one second operating parameter of the vehicle; applying the first and second wear-affecting factors to a belt wear-representative parameter to obtain an adjusted belt wear-representative parameter; and adjusting a total belt wear-representative parameter based on the adjusted belt wear-representative parameter to obtain an updated total belt wear-representative parameter. A vehicle having an electronic control unit configured to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a process and an apparatus for purifying boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) materials. The process involves the use of a halogen gas to remove halogen-reactive impurities from boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) materials in a single step with minimal interactions to produce structurally pristine BNNT. Gaseous byproducts are produced that 5 can be removed without the need for solution phase treatments. Yield efficiencies and purity of recovered BNNT are high compared to the other known methods of purification for BNNT material.

Abstract: The present application relates to boron nitride nanotube (BNNT)-silicate glass composites and to methods of preparing such composites. The methods comprise mixing BNNTs that are coated with a glass former such as boron oxide with a silicate glass precursor to create a mixture; heating the mixture under conditions to obtain a molten silicate glass; and cooling the molten silicate glass under conditions to obtain the BNNT-silicate glass composite.

Abstract: A composite includes a plastic substrate and an electrical insulator layer formed on the plastic substrate. The electrical insulator layer contains boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), which may be unmodified or modified BNNTS. The composite is suitable for use in making printed electronic devices. A process includes providing a plastic substrate and forming on at least a portion of a surface of the plastic substrate a layer that contains the BNNTs. A metallic ink trace is formed on a portion of the layer, such that the metallic ink trace is spaced-apart from the substrate. Using photonic or thermal sintering techniques, the metallic ink trace is then sintered.

Abstract: A modified boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) comprising pendant hydroxyl (OH) and amino (NH2) functional groups covalently bonded to a surface of the BNNT. Aqueous and organic solutions of these modified BNNTs are disclosed, along with methods of producing the same. The modified BNNTs and their solutions can be used to coat substrates and to make nanocomposites.

Abstract: The present application relates to boron nitride nanotube (BNNT)-nanoparticle composites, to methods of preparing such composites and their use, for example, in metal/ceramic matrix composites and/or macroscopic assemblies. For example, the methods comprise subjecting a source of hydrogen, a source of boron, a source of nitrogen and a nanoparticle precursor to a stable induction thermal plasma and cooling the reaction mixture to obtain the composite.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods for preparing superhydrophobic nano-microscale patterned films, films pre-pared from such methods and uses of such films as superhydrophobic coatings. The superhydrophobic nano- microscale patterned films comprise high aspect ratio nanoparticles such as boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and/or carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

Abstract: A stretchable multiple-layer nanocomposite material is provided and includes at least a nanocomposite material layer comprising a network of nanotubes modified with an elastomeric polymer; and at least one additional layer laminated with the nanocomposite material layer. The number of nanocomposite layers and additional layers, the nature and composition thereof, may be varied in a surface direction and/or a thickness direction so as to provide tailored mechanical and physico-chemical properties to a resulting skin that can be used to produce morphing or deployable structures.