Dual mode continuously variable transmission having multiple torque input paths

A continuously variable transmission comprising:

• an input shaft;
• an output shaft;
• a variable ratio drive having an input driveably connected to the input shaft and an output, for producing a continuously variable ratio of the rotational speed of the input shaft to the rotational speed of said output;
• a fixed ratio drive having an input driveably connected to the output of the continuously variable ratio drive, and having an output;
• a planetary gearset including a sun gear driveably connected to the input shaft, a first ring gear surrounding the sun gear and driveably connected to the output of the fixed ratio drive, a first set of planet pinions in continuous meshing engagement with the sun gear and first ring gear, and a carrier rotatably supporting the first planet pinion set and driveably connected to the output shaft;
• a transfer clutch for alternately driveably connecting and disconnecting the output of the variable ratio drive and input of the fixed ratio drive;
• and
• a low brake for alternately releasing and holding the first ring gear against rotation;
• a second planetary gearset including a second sun gear driveably connected to the input shaft, a second ring gear surrounding the second sun gear and driveably connected to the carrier and output shaft, a second carrier, and a second set of planet pinions rotatably supported on the second carrier in continuous meshing engagement with the second sun gear and second ring gear;
• a reverse brake for alternately releasing and holding the second carrier against rotation;
• a forward brake located in a torque reaction path between the first ring gear and a rotatably fixed member for alternately releasing and holding the first ring gear against rotation on said rotatably fixed member;
• and
• an overrunning clutch located in said torque reaction path in series with said forward brake between said forward brake and first ring gear, for producing a one-way drive connection of the forward brake and first ring gear.