Patent ID: 7418852

Claim:
A starwheel for use with a can necking machine, comprising: a first segment with a plurality of recesses about its periphery configured to be connected to a drive shaft; and a plurality of second segments with a plurality of recesses about their respective peripheries, each second segment is configured to be connectable to the first segment, each of the plurality of second segments having a different width so as to be selectable to produce, when connected to the first segment, a total width suitable for supporting a can having given length and diameter dimensions, wherein each of the recesses of the first segment has a first channel portion formed in the bottom thereof, each of the first channel portions communicating with a source of negative pressure, and wherein the recesses of the second segment are configured to register with the recesses formed in the first segment, each second segment having a second channel portion formed therein, each second channel portion being configured to register with a first channel portion and define a complete channel.