Patent ID: 8360919

Claim:
A multi-speed transmission comprising: an input member; an output member; a stationary member; an intermediate member; a simple planetary gear set; wherein the input member, the output member, the intermediate member, and the simple planetary gear set are arranged coaxially with one another to define a first axis of rotation; a first and a second layshaft defining a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, respectively; seven selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms; five sets of intermeshing gears, some of which are arranged to transfer torque from the input member to the layshafts, and others of which are arranged to transfer torque from the layshafts to one of the intermediate member and the simple planetary gear set; each set of intermeshing gears being axially spaced from the other sets of intermeshing gears; wherein the seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are each selectively engagable to connect a different respective gear of the sets of intermeshing gears to a respective one of the layshafts or to the stationary member; wherein the seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinations to establish multiple forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member; wherein the simple planetary gear set has a first member continuously connected for common rotation with the intermediate member, a second member continuously connected for common rotation with the output member, and a third member continuously connected for common rotation with one of the gears of one of the sets of intermeshing gears arranged to transfer torque from one of the layshafts to the simple planetary gear set.