Apparatus for handling hollow core rolls

Apparatus for handling hollow core rolls of different core diameters, by picking up a roll disposed with its axis vertical, relating the same to a horizontal position, and sliding it onto a horizontally extending spindle. A stepped diameter holder having sets of gripper elements is supported on an angled arm driven by a rotary actuator. After insertion of the stepped diameter into a roll core and outward movement of the gripper elements, the core can be moved to a horizontal orientation by oscillation of the actuator. The stepped diameter holder has a ball locking assembly which is inserted into a receptacle attached to the projecting end of the spindle. After full insertion sensed by blockage of air flow out of a hole in the end of an actuator rod caused by contact with a compressible insert, the actuator rod is moved axially to dock the spindle to the stepped holder by operation of the ball locking assembly and the gripper elements are released, allowing powered push off of the roll onto the spindle.