Abstract: A method for increasing efficiency in a co-extrusion process for producing filled food products. The prior art co-extrusion process included a co-extrusion die for extruding an elongated cylindrical filled food shell which contains a filler material. A conveyor was used to advance the extruded filled food shell from the co-extruder along a predetermined path. A rotary stamping disk partitioned the cylindrical filled food shell into filled food segments. The present method includes providing multiple co-extrusion dies with parallel aligned outlets extruding a plurality of parallel elongated cylindrical filled food shells containing a filler material along the predetermined path. The rotary stamping disk has at least one circumferential row of stamping dies for each of the plurality of cylindrical filled food shells, such that the circumferential rows of stamping dies on the rotary stamping disk partition the plurality of cylindrical filled food shells into a plurality of rows of filled food segments.

Abstract: A rotary stamper disk includes a disk having a first side, a second side, a rotational axis and a circumferential exterior mounting surface. A first circular plate is positioned on the first side of the disk. The first circular plate has a radius greater than the disk, thereby defining a first mounting flange that protrudes beyond the circumferential exterior mounting surface of the disk. A second circular plate is positioned on the second side of the disk. The second circular plate has a radius greater than the disk, thereby defining a second mounting flange that protrudes beyond the circumferential exterior mounting surface of the disk. A plurality of spacer members are positioned transversely at spaced intervals along the circumferential exterior mounting surface of the disk. Each of the spacer members has a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the plurality of spacer members is removably secured to the first mounting flange of the first circular plate.