Transmission Assembly and Method of Using Same

Abstract

A transmission assembly includes a transmission housing. A first gearset includes first, second and third rotating elements disposed within the transmission housing. A second gearset includes fourth, fifth and sixth rotating elements disposed within the transmission housing adjacent the first gearset. An output shaft is connected to the third rotating element of the first gearset and the fifth rotating element of the second gearset. An input shaft is connected to the fourth rotating element of the second gearset. A controllable clutch is connected between the input shaft at a first end and the output shaft at a second end. A first controllable brake selectively couples the first rotating element to the transmission housing. A second controllable brake selectively couples the second rotating element of the first gearset and the sixth rotating element of the second gearset to the transmission housing, such that the first and second controllable clutches and the first and second controllable brakes control the torque of the output shaft as a function of forces driving the first and second input shafts.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A transmission assembly comprising:
 a transmission housing;   a first gearset including first, second and third rotating elements disposed within said transmission housing;   a second gearset including fourth, fifth and sixth rotating elements disposed within said transmission housing adjacent said first gearset;   an output shaft connected to said third rotating element of said first gearset and said fifth rotating element of said second gearset;   an input shaft connected to said fourth rotating element of said second gearset;   a controllable clutch connected between said input shaft at a first end and said output shaft at a second end;   a first controllable brake selectively coupling said first rotating element to said transmission housing; and   a second controllable brake selectively coupling said second rotating element of said first gearset and said sixth rotating element of said second gearset to said transmission housing, such that said first and second controllable clutches and said first and second controllable brakes control the torque of said output shaft as a function of forces driving said first and second input shafts.