Patent ID: 7731622

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 respective first, second and third planetary gear sets include respective ring gear members; an interconnecting member continuously connecting said ring gear member of said first planetary gear set with said ring gear member of said second 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 three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between said input member and said output member; wherein at least one of the members of the first, second and third planetary gear sets is selectively connected with said stationary member; wherein a first of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said second member of said third planetary gear set with said stationary member; wherein a second of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said second planetary gear set or selectively connecting said second member of said second planetary gear set with said stationary member; wherein a third of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said first or second member of said third planetary gear set; and wherein a fourth of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said third member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said third planetary gear set.