Abstract: A device for simulating a telephone line connection between a sending unit and a receiving unit, each said unit two devices, each device having a telephone line connector. The inventive device generates a tone signal corresponding to a telephone calling tone when the sending unit outputs a signal indicating a desire to transmit data. The tone signal lasts for a predetermined amount of time sufficient to inform the sending unit that it may begin transmission of the data. A direct communication path is automatically established between the sending and receiving units connected to the device. The sending and receiving units are continuously provided with a line voltage simulating a conventional telephone line voltage, thus maintaining the communication path in an active state during the transmission.

Abstract: A flexible support arm attached to a base at one end and supporting an object attached at the other end in a selected position is comprised of a plurality of segmented modules having segments arranged in partial overlapping relationship at their ends to form an elongated arm, pivot pins connecting the overlapping parts of the segments together so that adjacent modules are rotatable with respect to each other about the pivot axes, and the modules having a gradually decreasing number of segments from the base end to the outer end. The modules can be a plurality of parallel spaced elongated flat planar elements interfitted at their ends into spaces between the segments of adjacent modules, or the segments can be parallel spaced planar elements extending in opposite directions from the opposite sides of a central part of a single module.