Connector for mating multi-layer blade-shaped members

An electrical connector 10 for mating two blade-shaped members, each having opposed first and second sides and an edge-proximate portion extending outwardly intermediate the first and second sides thereof includes first and second opposed dielectric housing members 14,14; first and second outer terminal elements 50,70 secured to the inner major surface of each of the first and second housing members 14,14 defining associated pairs of opposed spaced first and second outer terminal elements 50,70; a pair of opposed inner terminal elements 86 disposed between respective and electrically isolated from first and second outer elements 50,70; means 38 securing the pair of opposed inner terminal elements 86 to and between the first and second housing members 14,14; and means 46 securing the first and second housing members 14,14 together. Each outer and inner terminal element 50,70,86 includes respective arrays of contact arms extending outwardly from opposed edges thereof. The arrays of contact arms of the outer terminal elements 50,70 form extended first and second blade receiving receptacles and the arrays of inner terminal element 86 define third and fourth blade receiving receptacles 106,108 spaced inwardly from the first and second receptacles. Upon mating connector 10 with blade-shaped members 110,130, the first and second receptacles 66,68 electrically interconnect respective first and second sides 112,132;120,140 of the blade-shaped members 110,130 and the third and fourth receptacles 106,108 electrically interconnect the edge-proximate portions 116,136 of the blade-shaped members 110,130.