Architecting and designing : UML 2.0 Lite : UML models : UML activity diagram : Synchronization bar
  
Synchronization bar
The synchronization bar is used to model the splitting or joining of transitions to or from Concurrent substates, synchronization, and splitting of control in a state diagram or activity diagram.
Rotating the synchronization bar
You may rotate the synchronization at 90-degree angles by right-mouse-clicking on it and selecting Rotate Symbol.
Moving the synchronization bar
If you select the Synchronization Bar at a point where its handlebars exist, and try to move the symbol horizontally, the symbol will not move. You will be, in essence, dragging on its handlebars to widen the symbol, but System Architect does not allow this symbol to be widened. To move a Synchronization Bar, you must select a point on the symbol where a handlebar does not exist. Because the Synchronization Bar is such a thin, small symbol, it is very easy to errantly select it at a point where there are handlebars.
See also
UML activity diagram