A 
conveyor belt is a continuous loop of material that rotates about axles. The axles are powered, moving the belt in a clockwise (or counter-clockwise direction), and moving the material on the belt forward.  Conveyor belts are extensively used to transport industrial and agricultural materials, such as grain, coal, ores, etc. Conveyor belts with regularly spaced partitions are often called 
elevators. Conveyor belts are used in self-unloading bulk freighters and in live bottom trucks. 
This technology is also used in 
conveyor transport such as 
moving sidewalks or 
escalators, as well as on many manufacturing 
assembly lines.
See also: global conveyor belt
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