For use in a floating-point unit that supports floating-point formats having fractional parts of varying widths and employs a datapath wider than the fractional parts, a circuit and method for normalizing and rounding floating-point results and processor incorporating the circuit or the method. A main suction port is provided in the base seat. An optical Fourier transformer receives an optical pulse, and optically Fourier-transforms an optical pulse on a time-axis onto a frequency-axis to reproduce the frequency spectrum of an optical pulse on a time-axis be effecting switching between frequency and time, thereby compensating a waveform distortion by a linear effect on the optical fiber transmission line. However, the design of the mechanical connection and the use of an elastomeric material casing allows for movement of the ankle without surface-to-surface sliding contact between the two components.