Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a workpiece from one location of a machine to another is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of picking assemblies that are movable along a closed transfer path. Each of the picking assemblies includes a vacuum manifold assembly that receives a compressed gas, such as compressed shop air. A vacuum generator, such as Venturi device, is disposed in the vacuum manifold assembly and generates a vacuum from the compressed gas received at the input of the vacuum manifold assembly. The vacuum manifold assembly further includes at least on suction cup in fluid communication with the vacuum generated by the vacuum generator.