A can end is seamed to a cylindrical can filled with contents. The can is fed along a substantially elliptical path including straight and arcuate paths. While the can is being fed along the straight path, the can end is seamed to the can by a linear seaming device. At the same time, the can end is rotated by a can end holder which has a pinion gear held in mesh with a rack which extends fully along the elliptical path. The rack is composed of separate rack members which are relatively movable to adjust the tension of an endless chain that moves can ends and cans along the elliptical path.
