Abstract: An anti-lock braking system includes a moveable member to be braked and a friction brake for applying a braking force. A controller actuates the friction brake in accordance with braking force demands. Braking force demands are determined by the controller by electrical input signals received from a signal generator that is mechanically linked to the brake pedal, as well as by signals from a slip sensor. The slip sensor records values from wheel speed sensor and computes values that may indicate a slippage condition. Based on the recorded and computed values, the slip sensor and sends electric signals to the controller. The friction brake includes a prestressed piezoelectric element that is lightweight, less cumbersome, and highly controllable as compared with prior anti-lock braking devices, and is actuated via electrical signals rather than a mechanical system.

Abstract: A laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer comprising two elements joined together with a conductive adhesive and having a bead of the conductive adhesive at the point of junction of the two elements on the exterior surface of the laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer and a mounting device for use therewith and comprising a conductive base having a first contact, and curvaceous arms extending at generally at right angles from the conductive base about said laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer, a portion of said arms contacting said bead and preferably designed to engage the distal ends of the arms of an insulating cap mounted on the opposing side of the laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer said cap having a second contact therein. This combination configured for mounting on a circuit board is also described.