Patent ID: 7604564

Claim:
A multi-speed transmission comprising: an input member; an output member; a first planetary gear set having: a first sun gear member; a second sun gear member; a first and a second set of pinion gear members rotatably supported on a carrier member, said first set of pinion gear members continuously intermeshing with said first sun gear member and said second set of pinion gear members, said second set of pinion gear members also continuously intermeshing with said second sun gear member; a second and a third planetary gear set each having first, second and third members, and having at least one continuous interconnection therebetween, said second sun gear member being continuously interconnected with a first member of said second planetary gear set; wherein said output member is continuously interconnected with a first member of said third planetary gear set; wherein said input member is continuously interconnected with said first sun gear member; a first torque-transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to connect said input member with said carrier member; a second torque-transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to connect said carrier member with a stationary member; wherein said first torque-transmitting mechanism is engaged to establish a first predetermined speed ratio between said second sun gear member and said input member in a first direction of rotation; and wherein said second torque-transmitting mechanism is engaged to establish said first predetermined speed ratio between said second sun gear member and said input member in a second direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation.