Abstract: In an electronic computer, an arrangement for retrieving by means of search key words, information records on a record carrier having index key words associated with the records. The search key word is compared in succession with the index key words for identifying the position of the index key word on the carrier. The position of the index key word on the carrier enables the identification of the location of the record associated with the search keyword. The location so identified is used for accessing the information record associated with the search key word.

Abstract: An interface control unit is included in a digital computer system for controlling the transfer of sets of characters between a main memory and a peripheral unit of the mass storage type. The information is transferred in parallel by the interface control unit at the speed of the main memory, independent of the speed of the mass storage. A buffer memory adapted to store a pair of characters is provided; it alternately operates by writing a first and at the same time by reading a second set. The first character of the burst is always transferred to the memory by the microprocessor and the following by the interface control unit.