Chunk Pack 



In preparing the chunk-style pack, the loins have to be cut into 

 small pieces. This is done biy means of a guiUotine-tj-pe cutter similar 

 to that used for solid packs except that the cutter^ instead of con- 

 sisting of a single knife edge set at right angles to the length of the 

 iQinsj consists of knives arranged in an angular form to cut the fish 

 into ditoond-shaped pieces. 



All chunk-style tuna is machine packed by more conventional type 

 fillers such as are used in other food industries. These machines have 

 taken over practically 100 percent of the filling of this type of pack 

 at a great saving of cost over hand filling. The essential elements 

 of the machine are a circular horizontal steel plate carrying the measure 

 boxes and a series of plungers to clear the measure boxes at the proper 

 time anl tamp the material into the can. 



The circular disk varies in diameter depending on the make of mar.hine 

 and the number of pockets or measure boxes ranged around its circumfer- 

 enceo One popular machine has a disk approximately 36" across. This 

 disk revolves in a horizontal plane around an upright shaft. Equally 

 spaced around the circumference of the disk area number of holes of a 

 size sli^tly less than the can diameter. The fish to be filled into 

 the can is received off the inspection belt from the diced tuna cutter 

 or the flaking screen. The loose material falls on to the revolving 

 disk and is directed into the pockets or measure boxes ty a stationary 

 plow fixed at the edge of the disk. Below each pocket is a tubular 

 extention of such a length that its volume, viien filled level with the 

 surface, holds the material required for the in-fill weight of the can. 



The lower openings of the measure boxes are closed at the time 

 of filling ty a stationary metal plate which is set close to the open- 

 ings to prevent material sifting out. Beneath this plate is the empty 

 can turret which has received the onpty cans from the can chute. This 

 turret positions the empty can directly beneath the measure box with 

 the lip of the can close to the lower side of the plate which forms the 

 temporary bottom of the measure box. As the turret revolves, this 

 bottom plate opens up allowing the material to fall through into the 

 waiting can below. At the same time, a plunger above the measure box 

 descends and forces the material down into the can, tamping it sufficient- 

 ly to form a head space in the can. 



These plungers are all carried in a cage above the rotating turret, 

 a plunger for each can. Plungers are forced down and withdrawn at the 



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