Patent ID: 8398514

Claim:
A hybrid electro-mechanical transmission connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle, comprising: an output member; a stationary member; a first planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third node; and a compound planetary gear arrangement having a fourth, a fifth, a sixth and a seventh node; the power sources including: a first motor/generator; a second motor/generator; and an engine; wherein: the engine, the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator are each continuously connected with the first planetary gear set, the output member and the second motor/generator are each operatively connected with the compound planetary gear arrangement, such that the transmission provides an under-drive mode for launching the vehicle, and a direct-drive mode and an over-drive mode for propelling the vehicle at higher speeds; the compound planetary gear arrangement includes a second and a third planetary gear set; the first node is a ring gear member of the first planetary gear set, the second node is a carrier member of the first planetary gear set, and the third node is a sun gear member of the first planetary gear set; and the fourth node is a ring gear member of the second planetary gear set, the fifth node is a carrier member of the second planetary gear set in fixed connection with a sun gear member of the third planetary gear set, the sixth node is a ring gear member of the third planetary gear set, and the seventh node is a sun gear member of the second planetary gear set in fixed connection with a carrier member of the third planetary gear set.