Wide range variable step automatic transmission for automobiles, trucks, buses and other applications

An automatic transmission for an appliance having an internal combustion engine and wheels, comprising:

• (a) a mechanical torque converter connected with an engine output for converting torque from the engine and transmitting the mechanically converted torque to the wheels;
• (b) a fluid torque converter connected with said mechanical torque converter for modifying both converters' gear ratio and transmitting torque, together with the mechanical torque converter, to a common converters output and to the wheels;
• and (c) a reverse drive mechanism connected with the common converters output for reversibly transmitting converted torque to the wheels, wherein said mechanical torque converter further comprises a first and second interconnected planetary gear system, a first brake band operatively associated with said fluid torque converter's turbine and common converters output, a second brake band operatively associated with said second planetary gear system, a first one-way clutch associated with the first planetary gear system, a second one-way clutch for interconnecting said first and second planetary gear systems, and a third one-way clutch associated with said second brake band and second planetary system.