Patent ID: 7670249

Claim:
A multi-speed automatic transmission comprising: an input; an output; a first gear unit drivable connected to the input and including a component rotating at the speed of the input and a first gear unit output, the first gear unit producing a gear ratio of a speed of the input and a speed of the first gear unit output, the gear ratio being greater than unity; a second gear unit including first and second sun gears, a first ring gear, a first carrier, and first planet pinions supported on the first carrier and engaged with the first sun gear, second sun gear and first ring gear; a third gear unit including a third sun gear secured to the second sun gear, a second ring gear secured to the output, a third ring gear secured to the first carrier, a second carrier, and second planet pinions supported on the second carrier and engaged with the third sun gear, the second ring gear and the third ring gear; a first clutch being operable alternately to connect and disconnect the first gear unit output and the first ring gear; a second clutch being operable alternately to connect and disconnect the first gear unit output to the second sun gear and third sun gear; a third clutch being operable alternately to connect and disconnect the input and the second carrier; a fourth clutch being operable alternately to connect and disconnect the input and the first sun gear; a first brake being operable alternately to release and to hold the second sun gear and third sun gear against rotation; and a second brake being operable alternately to release and to hold the second carrier against rotation.