Patent ID: 7717819

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, said gear sets being positioned along first and second axes; an interconnecting member continuously connecting said third member of said second planetary gear set with said first member of said third planetary gear set, three external gear sets positioned for transferring torque between said first and second axes, said three external gear sets each including first and second intermeshed external gears; and five torque-transmitting devices for selectively interconnecting said members of said planetary gear sets or said first and second external gears of said three external gear sets with each other, with a stationary member, with said input member, or with other members of said planetary gear sets, said five 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.