Poultry processing methods and systems that provide for the processing of poultry at a plurality of processing stations, with the poultry being transferred between stations using an automated conveying system. Each transceiver also comprises a to the controller connected backoff counter operable to decrement its count at the end of each time slot when performing a backoff procedure. in a fixed pattern area of the magneto-optical disk, by making a correction so as to avoid or reduce influence by the flaw, etc. Mechanisms for selectively engaging and disengaging the belt surface cleaner mechanisms ensure free belt travel during flexible material transport and the cleaning of both surfaces during cleaning cycles.