Abstract: A popcorn popping and coating machine comprising a hot air popcorn popper having a discharge chute in communication with a rotary driven receptacle. The device includes a pivoting gate which blocks passage through the chute until the popper becomes filled with popped kernels so that the kernels continue to be heated until their introduction into the coating receptacle. The coating receptacle includes a cap which is rotatably secured within a yoke and frictionally engaged against a drive wheel which is rotatably driven by a motor within the housing. A confectionary preparation receptacle is secured to the chute so that the popcorn is coated as it falls into the receptacle and tumbles against both the sidewall and bottom wall of the coating receptacle. The receptacle and the chute are positioned so that the receptacle receives every kernel as well as the confectionary preparation, passing along the chute from the popper.

Abstract: A device suitable for coating popcorn with cheese, butter, or the like comprises an axle positioned at an acute angle to a horizontal plane, means for rotating the axle, and four vessel-gripping prongs releasably secured to the axle for rotation therewith. The prongs, which are formed from two U-shaped members, are spaced radially from each other and each has a portion which lies generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the axle.