Patent ID: 8177674

Claim:
A multiple speed transmission for automotive vehicles, comprising: an input and an output configured to rotate about a transmission axis; a first epicyclic gearing assembly including a first clutch, a second clutch, a first brake, and first, second, third and fourth rotating members, said first through fourth rotating members configured to rotate about the transmission axis at first through fourth speeds respectively, said first through fourth speeds distinct with respect to one another in at least some operating condition, said first clutch being operable to couple said first rotating member to the input, said second clutch being operable to couple said second rotating member to the input, and said first brake being operable to hold said fourth rotating member against rotation; and a second epicyclic gearing assembly including a second brake, a third brake, a third clutch, and fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth rotating members, said fifth through eighth rotating members configured to rotate about the transmission axis, the third rotating member being continuously secured to the eighth rotating member, said second brake being operable to hold said seventh rotating member against rotation, said third brake being operable to hold said fifth rotating member against rotation, said third clutch being operable to couple the seventh rotating member to the input, and said sixth rotating member being secured for rotation to the output.