Multi-speed planetary transmissions having seven torque-transmitting devices engaged in combinations of two

A multi-speed transmission comprising:

• an input shaft;
• an output shaft;
• first, second and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members;
• said output shaft being continuously interconnected with a member of said planetary gear sets, and said input shaft not being continuously interconnected with any member of said planetary gear sets;
• a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting said first member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said second planetary gear set;
• a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said second member of said second planetary gear set;
• a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting said first member of said third planetary gear set with a member of said second planetary gear set;
• said second member of said third planetary gear set being continuously connected with a stationary member;
• a first torque-transmitting mechanism selectively interconnecting a member of said first planetary gear set with said input shaft;
• a second torque-transmitting mechanism selectively interconnecting a member of said second planetary gear set with said input shaft;
• a third torque-transmitting mechanism selectively interconnecting a member of said first or third planetary gear set with said input shaft;
• a fourth torque-transmitting mechanism selectively interconnecting a member of said first, second or third planetary gear set with another member of said first, second or third planetary gear set or with said input shaft;
• a fifth torque-transmitting mechanism selectively interconnecting a member of said first or second planetary gear set with a member of said third planetary gear set or with said stationary member;
• a sixth torque-transmitting mechanism selectively interconnecting a member of said first or second planetary gear set with said stationary member;
• and
• a seventh torque-transmitting mechanism selectively interconnecting a member of said first, second or third planetary gear set with another member of said third planetary gear set or with said stationary member;
• said torque-transmitting mechanisms being engaged in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between said input shaft and said output shaft.