Abstract: A grand piano action the jack having a projection acting against the knuckle dependent from the hammer shank carrying the piano hammer by a counter weight carried by the jack eliminating the spoon and the regulating button and the jack spring pressing against the jack causing the traditional excessive friction at the jack and knuckle interface. Friction is totally eliminated from the conventional grand piano action by the capstan screw on the piano key lifting the wippen lever near the pivot of the jack. Patents relating to the problem of excessive friction. Finholm U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,868. Steinway U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,511,454-5,911,167. Bladwin U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,537.

Abstract: A string instrument including a body; a headstock; a neck extending between the body and the headstock; a plurality of tuning mechanisms retained by the headstock and each having a stem with a tuning end and a connection end; and a plurality of connectors each connecting a different pair of covers. Also included are a plurality of strings each having one end connected to the body and an opposite end connected to a different connection end; and a cover covering each connection end and shaped and arranged to prevent physical access to the opposite end connected thereto.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a musical instrument that is improved in the acoustic performance, expanded in the capability of sound expressions in musical performance and suitable for kinds of string instruments more than existing solid guitars, solid base guitars and other string instruments. In a string instrument that generates musical sounds based on a vibration of a string stretched over a resonant body, the resonant body is formed on a basis of three-layer structure made of a top plate, a back plate and an intermediate plate interposed between the top plate and back plate, the top plate and back plate each being made of a single panel that is cut so that a woodgrain direction is a plate surface direction, the intermediate plate that is cut so as to come into contact with the top plate and back plate at end grain being laminated with the top plate and back plate at the end grain, and thereby a resonant body structure is constituted.

Abstract: A locking fastener for a guitar strap which receives the end pin of a guitar includes a base plate and a locking plate which is reciprocatingly slidable on the base plate. The base plate has a pin receiving keyhole formed through its thickness which is defined by a widened opening and a narrowed opening. The base plate also has a central slot formed through its thickness and openings or detents which are spaced apart from one another. The locking plate has a front edge which is recessed to define an open pocket, at least one protrusion which is selectively received in the openings or detents to secure the locking plate in a desired position with respect to the base plate, and a knob post or handle which extends through the central slot of the base plate and which is graspable by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating the playing surface response characteristics of conventional percussion instruments, such as a snare drum, tom-tom, bass drum, cymbals and the like, comprising one or more metal base members with each base member having a top surface and a bottom surface, one or more corresponding percussion pad members with each percussion pad member comprised of a percussion member with an upper playing surface and a bottom surface and a magnetized pad affixed to the bottom surface of each of the percussion members for magnetic coupling with a metal base member. Each of the playing surfaces of a percussion member has response characteristics corresponding to the playing surface characteristic of a particular conventional percussion instrument and each percussion pad is removably positioned relative to each of the metal base members.

Abstract: A musical instrument system including a drum having a head defining at least one hole; a mounting device including an anchor portion received by the one hole, a collar portion engaging the head, and a receiver portion; a securing mechanism for securing the mounting device to the head; and a connector mechanism for attaching a musical instrument to the mounting device.

Abstract: A musical device (10) adapted for cooperative use with a drum (11) or similar percussion instrument such that striking or otherwise sounding the percussion instrument also sounds the musical device (10). In a preferred embodiment, the musical device (10) comprises a ring (12) and a plurality of jingles (14). The ring (12) being adapted to support the jingles (14) and to removably lay upon a drumhead (15) portion of the drum (11). The plurality of jingles (14) are coupled with the ring (12) and are movable so as to affect a desired sound in response to a striking of the drum (11). No jingles (14) are coupled with a reserved portion (22) of the ring (12) so as to facilitate substantially unimpeded access to the drumhead (15) via the reserved portion (22).

Abstract: An actuator (100) for actuating an onboard device (200) on a sailboat (300), comprises: a piston (2) slidably mounted within a cylinder (1) and movable between a first operating position, in which the piston is at a first end portion (3a) of the cylinder (1), and a second operating position, in which the piston is at a second end portion (3b) of the cylinder (1); hydraulic means (101, 15) for supplying a pressurised working fluid at the first end portion (3a) of the cylinder (1), this fluid being adapted to cause the piston (2) to move from the first operating position to the second operating position; pneumatic means for supplying (102, 11) a pressurised gas at the second end portion (3b) of the cylinder, this gas being adapted to cause the piston (2) to move from the second operating position to the first operating position.

Abstract: A threaded nipple (26) at the closed end of a linear hydraulic motor (12) is received within a recess (82) in a frame member (78). Single clamp members, or individual clamp members (88), have recesses (92) that receive lower portions of the nipples (26). Bolts (94) extend through the clamp members (88) and screw into threaded openings in the frame member (78). This clamps the nipples (26) between the frame member (78) and the removable clamp members (88). End members (22) at the rod ends of the cylinders (12) include keys (66) that are received within recesses (80) formed in another frame member (76). Bolts (76) extend through the end member (22) and screw into threaded openings (84) in the member (76). A mounting frame has transverse mounting frame members (74, 102, 74?, 102?) that are used for mounting the drive assembly in an installation. The mounting frame members (74?, 102?) may have end portions (208, 210, 212, 214, 240, 242) that serve as cells in a trailer installation.

Abstract: A switch adapted to be positioned on the pushrod of a hydraulic cylinder assembly and including a housing adapted to be positioned against an end of the hydraulic cylinder assembly and including a plurality of axially spaced electrical contacts, and a plunger mounted for axial sliding movement in the housing and adapted to be fitted over the pushrod with a driving connection between the pushrod and the plunger whereby the plunger is moved slidably forwardly in the housing in response to forward movement of the pushrod for selective coaction between the contacts to selectively generate a plurality of control signals. The driving connection between the plunger and the pushrod includes a notch opening in a rear face of the plunger and a lug formed as an eccentricity on the pushrod and fitted in the notch. A shoulder on the pushrod proximate the lug presses against a bottom surface of the notch to provide the driving connection between the pushrod and the plunger.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closed cavity piston made from a metal injection molding process. The piston has an elongated cylindrical body with a first end that is adapted to receive a slipper. The piston also has at least one hollow compartment and a hollow stem that transports hydraulic fluid. After the metal injection molding process an end cap having a central opening is sinterbonded to the second end of the body. The central opening aligns with the hollow stem to provide a fluid outlet.

Abstract: A method for separating water from a Fischer-Tropsch reactor product stream in a cost effective and energy efficient manner which comprises feeding a Fischer-Tropsch product stream to a separation membrane, preferably a ceramic membrane, and recovering water vapor from the downstream permeate side of the membrane.

Abstract: A method and system for adsorptive separation of a feed gas mixture provides for increased system efficiency and product recovery. The requirement for purge gas streams consuming desired product gas to regenerate adsorption beds is reduced through an inventive method for adsorbent selection and adsorption bed and process design.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cooling and particulate scrubbing system for automobiles includes a first stage intercooler for initial, indirect cooling of the exhaust gas and a direct exhaust gas cooling and scrubbing device preferably positioned downstream in the exhaust system therefrom. The intercooler is designed to provide circulation of a liquid cooling medium by convection and has airflow ducts positioned within a surrounding jacket oriented to permit air to move therethrough during movement of the automobile. The a direct exhaust gas cooling and scrubbing device passes the exhaust gas through a liquid cooling medium whereby the exhaust gas is cooled in an effort to trap suspended particulates in the liquid cooling medium.

Abstract: A membrane separation module (10) has a shell (11) having inlet port (20), outlet port (21) and a plurality of membrane units (12) disposed therebetween. Each membrane unit (12) has a plurality of elongated membrane elements (13), with at least a portion of each membrane element (13) having a semipermeable surface to permit selective permeation of one or more components of a multi-component feed fluid. The plurality of elongated membrane elements (13) are attached to collecting manifolds (16) (17), with one of those manifolds (16) (17) being unrestrained, permitting axial movement of each membrane element (13) in response to temperature changes. At least one manifold (16) (17) from each membrane unit (12) is in fluid communication with a manifold (16) (17) from one other membrane unit (12).

Abstract: A semipermeable separation element comprises (a) a porous substrate, and (b) a film formed on said microporous substrate; said film comprising a silicone elastomer and a nanoparticle filler. The film preferably has an oxygen enrichment selectivity of at least 30, or even 60, over nitrogen. Methods of making and using the same and filter cartridges incorporating the same are also described.

Abstract: A volatile organic compound treatment apparatus comprising: an adsorber coming into contact with a gas to be treated and adsorbing volatile organic compounds; a plurality of pairs of electrodes, divided into a plurality of groups, which generate electric discharge so that a part of the adsorber is exposed to the electric discharge; and an electric discharge control mechanism for controlling whether or not the electric discharge is generated in what pair of the electrodes by applying a voltage to every group of the pair of electrodes such that different parts of the adsorber are sequentially exposed to the electric discharge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new self-locking carbon adsorbent comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate provided with an opening in the wall part thereof, wherein a substance to be adsorbed passes through the opening in one limited direction from the outside to inside of the carbon nanohorn in isothermal or isobaric adsorption, whereby the self-blocking carbon adsorbent is made to be useful, for example, for storing methane gas and can store various gases at room temperature at a high density.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas purification system with improved efficiency, simpler construction, cost reductions, form factor improvements, and increased durability. The present invention provides cost and form factor improvements through fewer components overall and through utilizing multiple integrated components. Prior art gas purification systems are more bulky and complicated. The present invention achieves increased thermal efficiency through utilization of a regenerative heat exchanger to recapture a portion of the heat energy transferred to the gas during the purification process. Prior art purifiers lacked a regenerative heat exchanger. The present invention integrates the two components into one integrated heater and purification vessel assembly. The present invention integrates the two discrete components into one integrated hydrogen sorption and particle filter assembly. The integrated hydrogen sorption and particle filter assembly is also capable of operating at higher temperatures.

Abstract: A fuel vapor adsorption filter for mounting within an intake air channel connected to an engine extends across the intake air channel in order to adsorb fuel vapor within the intake air channel when the engine has been stopped. The filter includes an adsorbing agent for adsorbing the fuel vapor. A holding layer is formed by a first non-woven fabric and serves to contain and hold the adsorbing agent. The first non-woven fabric is formed of thermoplastic resin fibers. A cover layer is made of a second non-woven fabric and serves to cover at least one side of the holding layer opposing the downstream side of the intake air channel. The second non-woven fabric is formed of thermoplastic resin fibers. The resin fibers forming the second non-woven fabric of the cover layer have an average diameter between 100 ?m and 330 ?m.

Abstract: A centrifugal gas/liquid separator for location in a liquid reservoir comprises a generally cylindrical wall defining a separation chamber having a closed end, an open end, an inlet in the cylindrical wall for supplying a gas/liquid mixture into the separation chamber, and a gas outlet located externally of the separation chamber for discharging gases from the separator. The separator defines at least one liquid flow path for conveying separated liquid from the open end of the separation chamber into a reservoir, and at least one gas flow path for conveying separated gases from a radially inner region of the open end of the separation chamber, externally of the separation chamber, to the gas outlet. The separator is particularly suitable for separating air/oil mixtures in an oil system of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: The portable air cleaning apparatus includes a body casing that has a base having a generally vertical sidewall and removable top wall. A fluid spray chamber has a recirculation system that supplies a fluid to at least one spray nozzle through which the fluid is sprayed into the fluid spray chamber. An air driving mechanism directs ambient air into an air inlet through the fluid spray chamber and discharges at least partially purified air out a plurality of air outlets. At least one inlet filter is positioned between the air inlet and a reservoir inside the spray chamber to create a counter-current contact between the air and the fluid to maximize the removal of particulates from the air. At least one outlet filter is positioned below the air outlets to further remove particulate matter from the air flow being discharged through the air outlets.

Abstract: A water cleaning dust-filtering device comprises a casing being a long hollow container; a bottom thereof being formed with a round hole; an L shape tube installed in the casing; a stopper being isolated into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; the stopper being a folded plate; a lower cover movably installed to a lower end of the casing; an interior of the lower cover having a dust-collector groove; an upper cover movably installed to a top end of the casing; a top thereof having an outlet; a first filter net installed with the dust-collector groove of the lower cover for filtering larger scale particles; and a second filter net for filtering water particles and the filter net being installed in the opening of the upper cover and a joint installed in the outlet of the upper cover; and a joint connected to a guide tube of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A portable beverage preparation device and system for making brews, mixes, and potions on demand by selectively introducing and mixing predetermined quantities of at least one stored, edible, beverage preparation confined in at least one sealed chamber into a portable beverage container containing a predetermined volume of a potable base liquid and having a dispenser means for introducing the at least one beverage preparation into the potable base liquid; wherein the drink container and the at least one sealed chamber are in close physical proximity to each other and separated by at least one thin membrane which, when inwardly perforated by the dispenser means, introduces the at least one beverage preparation into the base liquid. The system of the invention further provides a brewing element and a portable heating unit, the heater element of which fits into the beverage container for heating the liquid.

Abstract: A “closed/sealed” portable brewing system with a housing, a cover, and a filter, in which the housing has an opening with external threads having a first axis of rotation, the cover has internal threads with a second axis of rotation opposite from the first axis of rotation, and the filter is fixedly attached between the cover and the opening of the housing.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus, method, method of using such a beverage making apparatus and method of cleaning a beverage making apparatus is disclosed. The beverage making apparatus includes a liquid basin (16) for receiving a quantity of liquid and is in communication with a reservoir (20) for retaining a volume of heated liquid. A control valve (40) is provided and positioned for communication with the basin and reservoir for controlling flow of liquid from the basin to the reservoir. A controller (14) is coupled to the control valve for at least selectively operating the control valve for selectively controlling the flow of liquid from the basin to the reservoir. The control valve can be selectively operated to produce a generally continuous flow of liquid from the basin to the reservoir or may be controller for multiple dispensings of liquid from the basin to the reservoir during a brewing cycle.

Abstract: A pressure cooker includes a bowl and a removable lid carrying at least two jaws mounted to move on the lid between a locking position for locking the lid on the bowl and an unlocking position, each jaw being connected to a slider mounted to slide on the lid so that sliding of the slider causes the associated jaw to move towards one of the positions. A pinion is mounted to turn on the lid about an axis that is vertical in operation, each slider having a rack-forming toothed portion which co-operates with the pinion so that turning the pinion causes all of the jaws to move simultaneously towards one of the positions.

Abstract: A support base for supporting the spit assembly of a rotisserie oven. The support base includes a substantially circular-shaped member having a periphery and an indented portion defined therein. The indented portion has a frustum-conical shape and extends downwardly into the substantially circular-shaped member, and the substantially circular-shaped member has an opening for receiving the stub axle of a spit assembly defined therein.

Abstract: A container (10) for holding a bundt cake (12), which avoids an unsightly accumulation of sugar frosting around the central hole in the cake, and which provides strength for stacking containers with cakes therein on top of one another. The container includes a base (14) with a cake-supporting surface (30) and a central upward projection (32) for insertion into the central cake hole, and a cover (16) with a cover top (20) and with side walls (22) that have bottoms (24) that latch to the base. The central upward projection has a plurality of largely vertically extending grooves (40) that allow hot frosting to flow down to a recess (44) lying below the cake-supporting surface. The middle of the cover forms a downwardly-extending post (62) that engages the top of the center projection on the base, to support the cover, especially when containers holding cakes are stacked.

Abstract: A locking system for an appliance has lid and feed chute locking components that include a spring-biased, ramp surfaced pivoting arm that is adapted to be activated to extend or retract a rod that activates or de-activates a motor drive of a food processor. The arm is activated by rotational movement of the lid relative to the bowl, as an extension member attached to the lid, which is activated by insertion of the plunger, extends downwardly from the lid and engages the ramp surface of the pivoting arm when the lid is rotated. Thus, the plunger can remain inside of the food chute of the lid while the lid is removed or replaced.

Abstract: The invention provides a juicer and grater assembly comprising an extractor having a plurality of radially extending tabs integral with a lower portion thereof, a combination grater and strainer having at least a plurality of first apertures and a plurality of second apertures, wherein the extractor is removably secured on the combination grater and strainer in either a first position wherein the plurality of radially extending tabs cover the plurality of first apertures for allowing extracted juice to flow through the plurality of second apertures, or in a second position wherein the plurality of radially extending tabs cover the plurality of second apertures allowing juice and pulp to flow through the plurality of first apertures.

Abstract: A food processor includes a base, a lower cap, a blade unit and a top cap. The top cap has a fixed tube extending from an underside thereof and a sleeve is movably mounted to the fixed tube. A board is sandwiched between the sleeve and the blade disk of the blade unit so as to move the sleeve upward which then fixed to the fixed tube by an adhesive layer such that a gap with a fixed width is defined after the board is pulled away. The food can be cut into tiny particles and juice can be squeezed via the gap.

Abstract: A pitting machine comprises a punching head that performs a curvilinear oscillatory movement in synchronization with the translation movement of fruits to be pitted, in particular for use in industries that process food such as pitted dried or dehydrated plums and which are currently performing manual operations or using rudimentary equipment.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing envelopes and a product manufactured in accordance with such process is disclosed. The process requires printing of an ink design on an envelope, coating of the ink design with a varnish and subsequently embossing the combined ink and varnish design so that a foil look is obtained on the envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing onto vials. The vials may be connected in a series, the vials having an open end and a closed end. The apparatus comprises a conveyor for moving the vials, the conveyor having a mandrel for receiving the open end of the vials. The mandrel may contain a plurality of receiving post, for capturing the vials. The apparatus may further include a vial depressor for depressing the vials onto the receiving post of the mandrel, a first offset inking transfer device for printing a first ink pattern onto the vials, and a first ultra violet dryer positioned to receive the vials from the first offset inking transfer device and provide for curing of the ink pattern from the first offset inking transfer device.

Abstract: A method of screen printing an image or design onto a substrate comprising: (a) depositing a plurality of inks over a temporary substrate, the plurality of inks comprising an image or design; (b) depositing a backing material over the image or design; and (c) depositing a white colored ink over the backing material so that the backing material comprises an intervening layer between at least a portion of the white colored ink and the image or design.

Abstract: An intaglio offset printing machine includes a metal intaglio plate cylinder having a plurality of recesses in a circumference thereof and a transferring cylinder. Ink is filled into the recesses. The transferring cylinder presses against the metal intaglio plate cylinder, allowing the ink in the recesses of the metal intaglio plate cylinder to be transferred onto the transferring cylinder when the metal intaglio plate cylinder and the transferring cylinder are turned synchronously. The transferring cylinder presses against a surface of an object to be printed. Thus, the ink on the transferring cylinder is transferred onto the surface of the object passing through the transferring cylinder.

Abstract: A processing machine for webs includes second units which are driven independently of each other by drives. Signals for a lead axle position of a virtual lead axle are supplied to at least one signal line that connects the drives for these several units. The drives are each provided with an offset, which offset determines a permanent, but adjustable, displacement of a set angular position relative to the lead axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the drive of a printing machine. Cylinders and functional groups are to be driven with low technical expenditure. To this end, all form cylinders in a printing unit, for example, are driven respectively by separate electric motors and are not in mechanical drive connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to the drive of a printing machine. Cylinders and functional groups are to be driven with low technical expenditure. To this end, all form cylinders in a printing unit, for example, are driven respectively by separate electric motors and are not in mechanical drive connection.

Abstract: A material processing system for continuously processing a material defining a destination surface. The material processing system comprises an inking wheel and a handle assembly or a roller press assembly and an auxiliary housing. The handle assembly rotatably supports a first print wheel. The roller press assembly comprises a housing assembly that rotatably supports a second print wheel. The auxiliary housing is adapted to be connected to the housing assembly. The inking wheel is adapted to be connected to the handle assembly and to the adapter assembly. The material processing system is used to apply ink to the image surface in either one of first or second modes. In the first mode, the inking wheel is supported by the handle assembly such that the inking wheel is in contact with the first print wheel. In the second mode, the inking wheel is supported by the auxiliary housing such that the inking wheel is in contact with the second print wheel.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus configured such that it can press a laminate structure in which a magnetic film and a resist film are sequentially laminated on a substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a first press plate configured to mount the laminate structure, a second press plate adapted for sandwiching the laminate structure, a stamper placed on a surface of the second press plate, and has projections and recesses configured to be transferred onto the resist film, and a light source configured to dispose on the same plane as the laminate structure, and is oriented so that the light source can shine the resist film.

Abstract: A printing press can securely supply a printing plate while bringing a printing plate into alignment with a plate cylinder in an axial direction of the plate cylinder, as well as omitting the necessity to return the plate registration of the plate cylinder to the original point. The printing press includes a printing plate guide plate that is pivotally movably mounted in an opening of a body cover that covers the plate cylinder, a sucker for holding a printing plate by suction so as to pull the same towards the printing plate guide plate. The sucker is disposed so as to be movable towards a clamping gripper disposed on the plate cylinder and in a direction parallel to an axis of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A printing press which can limit increase in the entire size of a plate discharge device while moving a printing plate in a plate discharge direction by a sufficient distance is provided. The plate discharge device is provided with a cylinder device. A first clamping roller is mounted via a pinion to a mounting member mounted to a rod of the cylinder device. A rack is disposed to be meshed with the pinion. A second clamping roller is provided to the mounting member so as to be movable closer to and away from the first clamping roller via a switching means.

Abstract: There is provided a printing press that can guide a printing plate, which is held in clamped relationship with the clamping gripper, so as to be mounted on the plate cylinder with accuracy, while guiding a printing plate in the plate discharge direction with accuracy, as well as preventing deterioration of the reliability for a long time. A printing plate guide plate having a leading end provided with guide rollers and guide blocks guides a printing plate during it is supplied to a plate cylinder and discharged therefrom. A pivotally moving plate auxiliarily guides the printing plate during it is guided by the printing plate guide plate.

Abstract: A print defect displaying method for displaying a defect on prints based on image data obtained by successively reading images from the prints. The method includes a first imaging step for obtaining first image data having a first resolution by reading an image from a first print, a defect detecting step for detecting a defect on the prints by comparing the image data obtained in the first imaging step and reference image data, a second imaging step for obtaining second image data having a second resolution higher than the first resolution, by reading an image from an area, including the defect detected in the defect detecting step, on a second print produced after the first print, and an enlarged image displaying step for displaying in enlargement the area including the defect based on the second image data.

Abstract: The invention provides a marker projectile comprising a hollow body (1) having an opening (5) at the front; marker substance (8) disposed within the hollow body (1); and an expelling member (7) such as a metal ball within the hollow body (1), behind the marking substance (8). The hollow body (1) and expelling member (7) being configured such that upon impact of the projectile with a target, the momentum of the expelling member (7) relative to the hollow body (1) carries the expelling member (7) forwardly to expel the marking substance (8) through the opening (5), and characterised by a separator (4) extending at least partly over the front opening (5), the separator (4) defining two or more spaces (42a, 42b, 42c) through which the marker substance may pass when expelled through the opening (5).

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) includes a conveyor course (12), which has a curved portion and two tracks (22, 24) located one above the other, and a conveyor carriage (14); each of the tracks (22, 24) is assigned at least one horizontal track roller (34, 36) of the conveyor carriage (14), and at least one of the tracks (22, 24) is assigned a further horizontal track roller (34, 36), which is spaced apart in the conveying direction (L) from the one track roller (34, 36) associated with the same track (22, 24). The axes of rotation (A, B) of the two track rollers (34, 36) are located in alignment with one another; and, whenever both tracks (22, 24) are each assigned a further track roller (34, 36), the axes of rotation (A, B) of these further track rollers (34, 36) are likewise in alignment with one another.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) includes a conveyor course (12) with two tracks (22, 24) stacked one above the other, and with a conveyor carriage with two track rollers which are connected to one another by means of a bracketlike mounting element. A first shunt unit (52, 54) is associated with at least one of the two tracks (22, 24) and connects a main portion (22A, 24A) of this track (22, 24) selectively with one of at least two secondary portions (22B, 22C, 24B, 24C) of that track (22, 24). Moreover, a second shunt unit (58) is associated with at least one of the two tracks (22) and selectively opens or closes a through opening (60), provided in that track (22), for the bracketlike mounting element of the conveyor carriage. Regardless of whether the second shunt unit (58) is provided, the first shunt units (52, 54) are embodied as self-locking in directions opposite from one another.

Abstract: A box car includes end walls joined to opposing side walls that define the interior cargo area. Each end wall includes a corrugated side that faces the cargo area. The adjustable spacer is arranged within a cavity in the corrugated side in a stowed position so that it does not protrude into the cargo area. The side walls include tracks in which opposing guides that support the lateral beam are slideably received. The tracks do not protrude into the cargo area. The guides include multiple holes providing keyways that receive removable locks. Vertical side posts are arranged along the exterior of the side walls. Holes are arranged in the side walls in the area of the side posts. The locks are received in one of the holes in the guides and a hole in the side wall to lock the adjustable spacer in the desired position relative to the box car.