End effector for a transport device for the movement of parent rolls of convolutely wound web materials

An end effector for a transport device for the movement of parent rolls of convolutely wound web materials, said end effector comprising:

• a frame;
• a first radial member operably connected to said frame, said first radial member having a first longitudinal member operably connected thereto and extending therefrom;
• a second radial member operably connected to said frame, said second radial member having a second longitudinal member operably connected thereto and extending therefrom said first radial member and said second radial member being rotatable about an axis of rotation;
• a first core plug operably connected to said first longitudinal member, said first core plug being extensible from a first position to a second position relative to said first longitudinal member;
• a second core plug operably connected to said second longitudinal member, said second core plug being extensible from a first position to a second position relative to said second longitudinal member, said first and second core plugs being capable of cooperative and penetrating engagement with a core of said parent roll when said first core plug is disposed proximate to a first portion of said core of said parent roll and said second core plug is disposed proximate to a second portion of said core of said parent roll disposed distal from said first portion of said core of said parent roll;
• wherein when said first and second core plugs are cooperatively engagable with said first and second portions of said core of said parent roll respectively, said end effector being capable of changing an orientation of said core and said parent roll from a first position to a second position by rotating said parent roll about said axis of rotation.