A method and apparatus for processing bytes received from a data stream includes multiple parallel byte processing engines that simultaneously process a first set of bytes received from a data channel during a first cycle and simultaneously process a second set of bytes received from the data channel during a second cycle. An actuator is associated with each segment to control its position, and a control system operates the actuators. The slurry spreader is positioned such that it can contact at least a portion of the cementitious slurry after the slurry exits the discharge and before the slurry is spread across the width of the backing layer such that the thickness of the slurry is approximately equal to the desired slurry thickness for board formation. The fastening set has a fastening member and a knob. The first optical path forms a first closed optical loop along which the data flows in a first direction. In another embodiment, the first coupling may also be flexible.