Abstract: In a digital electronic computer which comprises a memory including a first and a second register, the first register is receptive of a number to be converted from fixed to floating point notation and the second register is receptive of a significant zero digit with an associated decimal point. Shifting means including a register is operable to shift the contents of either register and aligning means is operable to cause shifting of the second register until the decimal point stored therein is aligned with the decimal point in the first register. Indicating means indicates whether the number stored in the first register is greater or less than one and the shifting means next begins shifting the contents of one or the other of the registers when the number is indicated greater or less than one respectively.

Abstract: A device for reading from and writing on, magnetic cards for use in a desk-top computer having a cover with an introduction slot and an exit slot for the cards. The device comprises two parallel guides between the introduction and exit slots for defining the path to be traversed by the cards, two support plates for the guides disposed perpendicular thereto for guiding the lateral edges of the cards and a belt cooperating with pressure rollers to entrain the card as it passes through the guides. The device also includes a microswitch and a shoe which has two projections contacting the non-magnetizable face of the card, the shoe being hinged on a lever actuating the microswitch when the card has passed below the projections.