Patent ID: 7220199

Claim:
A power-splitting infinitely variable transmission comprising: a first power train that provides a first torque transmitting connection for connecting an internal combustion engine to wheels of a vehicle; a second power train that provides a second torque transmitting connection for connecting the internal combustion engine to the wheels, said second torque transmitting connection being parallel to said first torque transmitting connection; two electrical machines provided along said second power train; a first epicyclic gear set provided along said second torque transmitting connection; and a second epicyclic gear set provided along said second torque transmitting connection, wherein said second power train includes first and second reducing gear stages providing parallel torque transmitting connections connecting said first epicyclic gear set to said second epicyclic gear set along only said second torque transmitting connection, and wherein said first reducing gear stage transmits torque from said first epicyclic gear set to said second epicyclic gear set in a first mode of operation and said second reducing gear stage transmits torque from said first epicyclic gear set to said second epicyclic gear set in a second mode of operation.