Patent ID: 7766782

Claim:
A multi-speed transmission comprising: an input member; an output member; first, second and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members; wherein the members of the first planetary gear set include a planet carrier assembly member; wherein the members of the respective first, second and third planetary gear sets include respective sun gear members; wherein the planet carrier assembly member of the first planetary gear set is not continuously connected to any of said sun gear members or any other sun gear member; a first interconnecting member continuously connects said second member of said second planetary gear set with said second member of said third planetary gear set; a second interconnecting member continuously connects said third member of said second planetary gear set with said third member of said third planetary gear set; said first member of said first planetary gear set being continuously connected with a stationary member; six torque-transmitting devices for selectively interconnecting said members of said planetary gear sets with said stationary member or with other members of said planetary gear sets, said six torque-transmitting devices being engaged in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between said input member and said output member; and wherein a first of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said second member of said second planetary gear set with said stationary member.