An apparatus and method for automatically modulating vacuum applied to a vacuum cup are described herein. More particularly an automated labeling apparatus and method for applying labels onto containers using a vacuum based transport mechanism is described herein.

A multi-purpose labeling system can include a conveyor, a visual analysis module, and a labeling assembly. The conveyor can move an object in a first direction. The visual analysis module can include an optical sensor directed toward the conveyor to generate image data depicting the object. The labeling assembly can be spaced from the conveyor in a second direction and include a printer, a labeling module, and an alignment assembly. The printer can print a label based on the image data, and the labeling module can have a labeling plate for receiving the label. The alignment assembly can include a lateral-motion module, a vertical-motion module, and a rotary module for moving the labeling module along or about the first, the second, and a third direction, and can place the labeling plate adjacent to an object surface.

A multi-purpose labeling system can include a conveyor, a visual analysis module, and a labeling assembly. The conveyor can move an object in a first direction. The visual analysis module can include an optical sensor directed toward the conveyor to generate image data depicting the object. The labeling assembly can be spaced from the conveyor in a second direction and include a printer, a labeling module, and an alignment assembly. The printer can print a label based on the image data, and the labeling module can have a labeling plate for receiving the label. The alignment assembly can include a lateral-motion module, a vertical-motion module, and a rotary module for moving the labeling module along or about the first, the second, and a third direction, and can place the labeling plate adjacent to an object surface.

According to some example embodiments, a label pickup module may include a pad part including cells and suction holes penetrating through each cell from one surface of each of the cells contacting labels to the other surface; an adsorption flow path part on an upper portion of the pad part and an air movement passage formed therein, communicating with the suction holes; a rod parts having one side fixed to each of the cells and independently movable up and down; a body part on the other side of the rod parts, including rooms having a hollow shape configured to move while accommodating each of the rod parts, and having air holes configured to move air through each of the rooms; and an air blocking unit configured to open and close the air holes.

According to some example embodiments, a label pickup module may include a pad part including cells and suction holes penetrating through each cell from one surface of each of the cells contacting labels to the other surface; an adsorption flow path part on an upper portion of the pad part and an air movement passage formed therein, communicating with the suction holes; a rod parts having one side fixed to each of the cells and independently movable up and down; a body part on the other side of the rod parts, including rooms having a hollow shape configured to move while accommodating each of the rod parts, and having air holes configured to move air through each of the rooms; and an air blocking unit configured to open and close the air holes.