Abstract: A product dispenser mounting system includes a dispenser holder body configured to support a product dispenser; and a mounting apparatus configured to fixedly mount on a support object and to removably connect to the dispenser holder body in one or more orientations such that dispenser holder body is maintained in a selected one of the one or more orientations when the dispenser holder body is connected to the mounting apparatus. The system may also include at least one actuation sensor configured to detect actuation of the product dispenser.

Abstract: A washing apparatus washes a cleaner having a mop unit formed at a lower portion thereof. The washing apparatus includes a tray configured to form a space to receive the cleaner and washing water. A washing unit is disposed at a lower portion of the inside of the tray in contact with the mop unit. The washing unit includes a first spinning mop protrusion line configured to protrude upwardly, an upper end of the first spinning mop protrusion line being inclined downwardly in a first direction.

Abstract: A cleaning robot system is provided. The cleaning robot system includes a cleaning robot including one or more mop members configured to clean a surface and a base station that operates in conjunction with the cleaning robot. The base station includes a housing, a cleaning notch disposed in the housing and configured to receive the one or more mop members during a cleaning process for cleaning the one or more mop members, at least one fluid inlet structure configured to supply a cleaning fluid to at least a portion of the one or more mop members, one or more protruding portions disposed in the cleaning notch and configured to scrape off the cleaning fluid from at least the portion of the one or more mop members, and a fluid discharge structure configured to drain the cleaning fluid from the cleaning notch.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having an intelligent system including a recovery tank sub-assembly, a vacuum fan sub-assembly, a solution tank sub-assembly, wherein the solution tank sub-assembly preferably includes a secondary electrochemical cell, a solution flow sub-assembly, a control console sub-assembly, a frame and wheel sub-assembly and/or a frame and transaxle sub-assembly, a scrub head sub-assembly, a scrub head lift sub-assembly, a squeegee sub-assembly, a solution flow sub-assembly, and an intelligent system associated with at least one of the above-identified sub-assemblies, wherein the intelligent system at least one of selectively gathers, obtains, monitors, stores, records, and analyzes data associated with components of the floor cleaning machine assembly, and at least one of controllably communicates and disseminates such data with at least one of another system and user.

Abstract: A fluid flow structure for a washing machine is located within a wash tank of the washing machine, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for the guide surface. The guide surface includes at least one region contoured inconsistently from the contour of at least one corresponding wall of the washing machine wash tank. The contour of the guide surface is generally curved so as to aide in reducing and/or preventing the pinning of items that often occurs in rectangular wash tanks of the prior art. The support for the guide surface creates a gap between the guide surface and at least one wall of the washing machine wash tank.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a door, and a drying device configured to supply air to a washing space in the tub. The drying device includes a condensing duct disposed outside the tub, a cold air supply module that is disposed outside the tub and defines a heat exchange flow path part adjoining the condensing duct, and a fan configured to cause air flow in the condensing duct. The condensing duct includes an upstream portion communicating with the inlet port and extending above the inlet port and then downward, and a heat exchange portion connected to the upstream portion and extending downward to the heat exchange flow path part. A height of an upper end of the heat exchange flow path part is equal to or larger than a height of a lower end of the inlet port.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a storage part in which a washing target is stored. The storage part includes a guide disposed in an edge area, a frame coupled to the guide, and a tray coupled to the frame. The tray includes a locking portion protruding from an edge area thereof and coupled to the frame, and configured to elevate the tray with respect to the frame. The frame includes a slot in which the locking portion is inserted, and a rail protruding toward the slot and forming some area of an outer shape of the slot, and configured to guide the movement of the locking portion and suppress the locking portion from being separated from the slot.

Abstract: A carrier for one or more straws of an appliance such as a dish washing appliance. The carrier and/or rack may be in fluid communication with one or more spray elements when in a stowed position within a dishwasher tub. The one or more carriers may route fluid from the one or more spray elements to wash an interior and/or an exterior of at least one straw. The carrier may include one or more bridges projecting inwardly towards the one or more straws defining one or more pathways for received fluid. The body of the carrier may include a lid and/or latch. The carrier may be adjustable to engage one or more straws of varying lengths. The carrier may include an adjustable end and a fixed end. The carrier may include a biasing mechanism.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has a cyclone having a cyclone axis of rotation that extends between the front and rear ends of the cyclone. A main body houses a suction motor. The suction motor is positioned rearward of the cyclone. The suction motor has an axis of rotation that is parallel to the cyclone axis of rotation. A pistol grip handle is located at the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner wherein a finger grip area is positioned forward of the pistol grip handle and rearward of the main body. The cyclone axis of rotation extends through the pistol grip handle. An energy storage unit located at a lower end of the pistol grip handle and a power switch located at an upper end of the pistol grip handle.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning robot can include a body, a drive wheel, and a plurality of skids. The drive wheel can be connected to the body and can be engageable with a floor surface of an environment. The drive wheel can be operable to move the mobile cleaning robot about an environment. The skids can be separate skids that can be connected to the body and can be engageable with the floor surface to support, together with the drive wheel, the mobile cleaning robot with respect to the floor surface.

Abstract: A flange unit for a filter unit for positioning in a water treatment device, the water treatment device including a water reservoir and a suction head. The flange unit includes a base plate having a central recess for accommodating a filling piece of the suction head, a connecting unit for detachably connecting the flange unit to an inner side of the water reservoir, a closure element for closing the recess, and a handle unit for detaching the connecting unit from the flange holding device and for carrying the filter unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cleaner having an improved structure configured to improve the cleaning performance. The cleaner comprises a suction unit provided inside a body. The suction unit includes an impeller configured to suction air by rotating about a shaft, and a diffuser configured to guide air discharged from the impeller. The impeller includes a hub, and a blade disposed on the hub, and provided with a leading edge disposed in an upstream side in a direction in which air introduced into the suction unit flows, and a trailing edge disposed in a downstream side in the direction in which the air introduced into the suction unit flows. The leading edge of the blade forms an inclination of 60 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less with respect to an axial direction.

Abstract: A cyclone for a hand vacuum cleaner has an outlet port that is sized to produce an annular flow band in the cyclone which extends radially inwardly to overlap the solid sidewall of the vortex finder.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a mobile robot in which at least one suspected wet contaminated region where a dust concentration is relatively low is specified in a cleaning area, and the suspected wet contaminated region is specified as a wet contaminated region based on a floor image of the suspected wet contaminated region.

Abstract: A medical system includes a first medical device and a second medical device. The first medical device includes a handle and a shaft. The shaft includes a lumen. A distal portion of the shaft includes an articulation joint, and the lumen extends through at least a portion of the articulation joint. The second medical includes a control device and a rod. The rod is configured to be positioned within at least a portion of the lumen of the shaft within the articulation joint. The control device is configured to control a position of the rod within the shaft. The position of the rod within the shaft controls an articulation angle of the articulation joint.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus (2000) detects an abnormal region (30) in each of a plurality of video frames (14) constituting video data (12) in which the inside of a body is captured. The information processing apparatus (2000) outputs output information related to the detected abnormal region (30). Herein, the information processing apparatus (2000) starts outputting of the output information when a detection score based on a proportion of the number of the video frames (14) in which the abnormal region (30) is detected becomes equal to or more than a first threshold value in a state where outputting of the output information is not being performed. Further, the information processing apparatus (2000) ends outputting of the output information when the detection score becomes equal to or less than a second threshold value in a state where outputting of the output information is being performed.

Abstract: A medical control device includes: an imaging controller configured to control an imaging device to cause the imaging device to capture normal light emitted from a light source and received by way of an observation target in a first period to generate a first captured image, and to capture excitation light emitted from the light source and received by way of the observation target and fluorescence light from the observation target excited by the excitation light in a second period to generate a second captured image; and image processing circuitry configured to: perform an adjustment process to reduce a component of a color corresponding to the excitation light included in the second captured image; and generate a superimposed image by superimposing the first captured image and the second captured image subjected to the adjustment process.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope that allows treatment, which uses treatment tools, to be performed accurately. An observation window is mainly disposed in a nearby region, a first treatment tool outlet port is mainly disposed in a fourth quadrant, a second treatment tool outlet port is mainly disposed in a third quadrant, and an upper end position of the second treatment tool outlet port is disposed above an upper end position of the first treatment tool outlet port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an insertion tube of an endoscope from a tubular element, wherein the insertion tube includes a proximal passive flexible portion and a distal deflecting portion, wherein, in the proximal passive flexible portion, cuts are provided to enable the proximal passive flexible portion to be bent. In the method, the cuts are configured in the proximal passive flexible portion such that adjacent cuts do not have the same distance. The invention further relates to an endoscope including such insertion tube.

Abstract: An adaptor may include a shell and a plunger positioned at a first end of the shell and moveable between an undepressed state and a depressed state. The adaptor may further include a ramp extending from a second end of the shell and a carrier coupled to the ramp. In the undepressed state, the carrier may be located at a first position along the ramp, and wherein, in the depressed state, the carrier may be located at a second position along the ramp, wherein the second position may be closer to the second end of the shell than the first position.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system includes an endoscope, a robotic arm including a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism coupled to the endoscope. The surgical robotic system further includes a controller configured to receive a command to move the endoscope using the robotic arm, access a set of calibration parameters associated with the endoscope, generate an adjusted command based on the command and the set of calibration parameters, and provide the adjusted command to the robotic arm to move the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope has a pannable camera at the distal end of its insertion shaft, the pannable camera assembly being pivotable to provide a range of a field of view that can be equal to or greater than 180 degrees. A terminal light emitting element may be mounted to the camera assembly in order to illuminate the immediate field of view of the camera sensor regardless of the rotational position of the camera assembly. A fluid-carrying conduit of the insertion section may also be used to house functional components, including the camera assembly, actuation cables, a communications cable connected to the camera sensor, and/or a fiberoptic cable providing light to the light emitting element. A distal section of the endoscope handle may be rotatable relative to a proximal handheld section of the endo scope handle, a rotary encoder being provided to convert the rotational position of the insertion shaft relative to the handle into a signal for the purpose of image orientation correction by an electronic processor.

Abstract: Provided are a flexible tube for an endoscope, the flexible tube having a flexible tube base containing metal as a constituent material, a resin cover layer that covers an outer periphery of the flexible tube base, and a primer layer that includes a specific silane coupling agent and that is disposed between the flexible tube base and the resin cover layer, in which the resin cover layer includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, and polyolefins at least on a side of the resin cover layer in contact with the primer layer, an endoscopic medical device including the flexible tube for an endoscope, a method for producing the flexible tube for an endoscope, and a method for producing the endoscopic medical device.

Abstract: An endoscope with a folding mechanism for foldably or bendably holding an endoscopy head at the distal end of the endoscope, preferably an endoscope shaft, having a number of axially successive segments that are adjustable via an actuating element. The segments define at least one channel for the passage of minimally invasive surgical instruments, flushing media, supply lines and the like. The segments are in the form of wedge-shaped cylinder sections having end faces oriented relative to each other in a wedge-shaped manner. Each cylinder section receives a cylinder jacket portion having a minimum axial length and an opposite cylinder jacket portion having a maximum axial length. Two directly adjacent segments are mutually oriented such that they are axially supported on or axially abut the relevant cylinder jacket portions of maximum axial length, which results in hinge- or joint-contact occurring on the support or placement point.

Abstract: A bending mechanism includes: a shaft part; a bendable part linked to the shaft part; a forward end part linked to the bendable part; an operating rod or an operating wire inserted through grooves or holes of the shaft part and the bendable part and having a distal end thereof fixed to the bendable part; and a pressing portion configured to be able to press the operating rod or the operating wire against a fixed portion of the shaft part. The bendable part is configured to be bendable as a result of the operating rod or the operating wire being operated in an extending direction thereof. The operating rod or the operating wire is configured such that, when pressed against the fixed portion of the shaft part by the pressing portion, the operating rod or the operating wire is fixed by friction force.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for air/water and flushing valves. For example, an endoscopic valve of the present disclosure may include a valve stem with contiguous first and second channels and with first and second ports formed within a sidewall of the valve stem. A series of seals may be disposed around an outer surface of the valve stem proximal and distal to the first and second ports. A gating member may be slidably disposed within the proximal channel and a valve insert may be disposed between the proximal and distal channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for imaging tissue comprising: a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end; an inflatable balloon disposed about the distal end of the catheter; and an optical housing extending from the distal end of the catheter into the balloon, the optical housing being configured to position inside the balloon a light source for illuminating a tissue outside the balloon and a camera for imaging the illuminated tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a correlated set for minimal invasive surgery comprising a surgical instrument and a pattern generating member, a surgical system, a training kit, a method of training and a method of performing a minimal invasive surgery. The surgical instrument comprises a handle portion, a surgical tool and a body portion connecting the handle portion to the surgical tool. The pattern generating member comprises a pattern light source and a projector for projecting a light pattern. The projector is adapted for being at least temporarily fixed to the body portion of the surgical instrument such that a movement of said surgical tool results in a correlated movement of said projector.

Abstract: A light source device includes: a first light emitter configured to emit first light; a second light emitter configured to emit second light having an identical color component to the first light; and an illumination controller configured to cause, after causing the first light emitter to emit the first light, the second light emitter to emit the second light according to a set light amount in a state in which the first light emitter is caused to emit the first light.

Abstract: A photo enhancer device is provided that includes a mirrored plate and a transparent plate connected with a stiff, resistant, or resilient living hinge that opens up the plates automatically with force when located within an open mouth. The disclosed method and appliance determines sizes and positions of dentition of arches, and more particularly relates to photographing dentition and arches using a mirrored plate.

Abstract: A surgical visualization system comprises: (a) an endoscope comprising: (i) a shaft comprising a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a patient, (ii) a camera positioned at the distal end of the shaft for visualizing a first structure below a tissue surface within the cavity when the distal end is inserted into the cavity, wherein the camera defines a line of sight, wherein the camera is configured to be swept over the first structure; and (b) a processor in operative communication with the camera of the endoscope, wherein the processor is configured to: (i) monitor at least one sweep parameter when the camera is swept over the first structure, and (ii) estimate a depth of the first structure below the tissue surface based on the monitored at least one sweep parameter.

Abstract: A disposable diaper product useful for collecting a urine sample from an infant is disclosed. In one example the product may have a liquid control structure overlying a liquid impermeable backsheet, with a plan surface area defining a volume coextensive therewith, wherein a portion of the volume defined by at least 50 percent of the plan surface area contains no more than 50 percent by weight absorbent material. In another example the product may have a liquid control structure overlying a liquid impermeable backsheet, and have an average Liquid Release Ratio of at least 3 percent. A method for collecting a urine sample from an infant is also disclosed, in which a diaper is used for collection.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system includes (i) a sample collection vessel having an opening for receiving a biological sample, (ii) a selectively movable valve comprising a core and a collar disposed about the core, and (iii) a sealing cap coupled to the collar and including a reagent chamber for storing a measure of sample preservation reagent. The sealing cap is configured to associate and form a fluid tight connection with the sample collection vessel. Associating the sealing cap with the sample collection vessel causes a physical rearrangement of the core relative to the collar such that a fluid vent associated with the core is placed into fluid communication with the reagent chamber, thereby permitting sample preservation reagent to pass from the regent chamber to the sample collection vessel.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system includes (i) a sample collection vessel having an opening for receiving a biological sample, (ii) a selectively movable valve comprising a core and a collar disposed about the core, and (iii) a sealing cap coupled to the valve and including a reagent chamber for storing a sample preservation reagent. The valve is configured to retain the sample preservation reagent in the reagent chamber when the valve is in a closed configuration. The sealing cap is configured to associate and form a fluid tight connection with the sample collection vessel. Associating the sealing cap with the sample collection vessel causes the valve to be placed in an open configuration in which a fluid vent through the core is placed into fluid communication with the reagent chamber, thereby causing or allowing sample preservation reagent to pass from the regent chamber to the sample collection vessel.

Abstract: A medical device comprises an elongate sheath comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion and defining a first lumen. The medical device further comprises an elongate instrument slidably disposed at least partially within the first lumen. The elongate instrument comprises a rigid distal section defining a second lumen. The medical device further comprises a first extension member coupled to a proximal end of the elongate instrument and a second extension member coupled to a proximal end of the elongate sheath. The second extension member is configured to at least partially receive the elongate instrument. The medical device further comprises a holding mechanism coupled to the second extension member. The holding mechanism includes a protrusion configured to maintain the elongate instrument in a rotationally fixed position relative to the distal portion of the elongate sheath.

Abstract: A puncture device guide includes a guide platform configured to releasably attach to an ultrasound probe, a guide tower slidingly coupled to the guide platform, and a needle holder device for coupling to a puncture device. The guide tower projects upwardly from the guide platform and includes a vertical guidance slot and a plurality of attachment positions for engaging the needle holder device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biopsy rotary cutting device, which comprises a dynamic sealing structure(4) arranged outside an inner cutting cannula(3); the dynamic sealing structure(4) forms a cavity outside the inner cutting cannula(3); the inner cutting cannula(3) comprises a first tube section(31) and a second tube section(32) that are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the inner cutting cannula(3); the outer diameter of the second tube section(32) is smaller than that of the first tube section(31); a sealing ring(43) is arranged inside the dynamic sealing structure(4); the cavity comprises a first cavity(41) and a second cavity(42); when the inner cutting cannula(3) moves to a first position along its axial direction, the sealing ring(43) is located at the outer side of the second tube section(32); and there is an inter-cavity gap(46) between the sealing ring(43) and the second tube section(32) to realize communication between the first cavity(41) and the second cavity(42).

Abstract: A tissue grasping device for use with an endoscope may include a sheath, a control wire slidably disposed within the sheath, and a helical coil disposed over and attached to the control wire. The helical coil may include a proximal region in which adjacent windings are in contact, and a distal region in which adjacent windings are spaced apart. The helical coil may have a sharpened distal tip.

Abstract: The systems and devices disclosed herein can include a force transfer mechanism that permits force transfer between an instrument device manipulator and a tool coupled to the instrument device manipulator. The force transfer mechanism can include a first alignment member and a second alignment member. The first alignment member can have a disengaged position in which the first alignment member is out of engagement with the second alignment member, thereby reducing or preventing engagement between an instrument device manipulator base driveshaft and a tool driveshaft and permitting rotation of the base driveshaft relative to the tool driveshaft. When in an engaged position, the second alignment member can permit engagement between the base driveshaft to the tool driveshaft and transfer of rotary motion from the base driveshaft to the tool driveshaft. Additionally, the present disclosure also relates to methods of preparing and using a medical robotic system.

Abstract: A soluble needle (100) for hair transplantation, wherein the soluble needle (100) comprises a fixing plate (30) and a plurality of micro-needles (20) made of water-soluble polymers arranged on the fixing plate (30), wherein each of said micro-needle (20) comprises a needle wall (21) to penetrate scalps and a needle cavity (22) confined by the needle wall (21) and configured for accommodating a hair follicle. A method of manufacturing a soluble needle (100) for hair transplantation, wherein the method includes: dissolving water-soluble polymers in water to prepare a molding solution (S101); delivering the molding solution into a mold (S102); letting the molding solution settle in the mold to shape (S103); and separating and removing the mold to produce the soluble needle (S104). The soluble needle (100) effectively shortens the time of surgery, reduces the pain of the patients, and increases the viability rate of transplanted hair follicles.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue retrieval bag. The bag is defined by a region of the bag defining an opening; an exterior surface of the bag depending from the opening; and a channel formed into the exterior surface of the bag, wherein the channel provides access to the interior of the bag through the exterior surface. Also provided is a tissue retrieval defined by a region of the bag defining an opening; an exterior surface of the bag depending from the opening; and at least one porthole on the exterior of the bag, wherein at least one tube extends from the at least one porthole.

Abstract: A mixing and spraying assembly for a tissue sealant includes a mixing assembly, a spray tip assembly, and a malleable section having a proximal end connected with the mixing assembly and a distal end connected with the spray tip assembly for enabling the spray tip assembly to be angulated relative to the mixing assembly. The malleable section includes a flexible shaft having a length, a malleable wire conduit that extends along the length of the flexible shaft, and a malleable wire disposed in the malleable wire conduit. The malleable wire is longer than the flexible shaft and has a proximal end that is connected to the mixing assembly and a distal end that is connected to the spray tip assembly. First and second fluids are mixed within the mixing assembly to form a tissue sealant that is delivered through the malleable section for being expressed from the spray tip assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for delivery of a ferrofluid to a targeted treatment site, such as delivery of a ferroadhesive to a pathological fistula to occlude the fistula. A device includes a catheter having a lumen and a distal opening. A hollow solenoid is coupled to a distal section of the catheter, and a hollow core of the solenoid allows passage of a ferrofluid through the catheter and through the hollow core so that it may exit past the distal end of the hollow solenoid. The solenoid may be selectively actuated to maintain or control the position of the delivered ferrofluid.

Abstract: A device for retracting or opening and closing a tissue wound employs two or more retractor arms that do not enter or penetrate into the wound or incision. The retractor arms engage the tissue on either side of the wound and apply outward or inward pressure on the tissue surface to open or close the wound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue repair device. The device includes a handle, a knob coupled to the handle, and a needle coupled to the handle. The needle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a slot, wherein a first anchor is housed within the distal end and a second anchor is housed within the slot and located proximal to the first anchor. An actuator disposed within the needle and operatively coupled to the knob, wherein advancement of the knob allows for engagement of the actuator with the first anchor and subsequent advancement of the first anchor via the actuator. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.

Abstract: A knotless tensionable fixation system may be utilized for performing surgical methods for repairing tissue defects within a joint. An exemplary surgical method may include fixating a graft over top of the tissue defect with the knotless tensionable knotless fixation system. The knotless tensionable fixation system may include a plurality of knotless suture anchors, the graft, and a reinforcement construct. The reinforcement construct may establish a fixed segment of material over the graft after being secured in place by the plurality of knotless suture anchors.

Abstract: Methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue capture anchor is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and spreader and inside surfaces of a bone hole to secure the tissue within the hole. A bone anchor is described that comprises an anchor body with expandable tines and a spreader that expands the tines into bone. The spreader captures tissue via a suture loop at the distal end of the bone anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and move the spreader within the anchor to expand the anchor and capture the tissue between the anchor and the bone. Methods are described that allow use of single bone anchor to secure tissue to bone or also to use more than one bone anchor to provide multiple lengths of suture material to compress a large area of soft tissue against bone.

Abstract: A knotless button includes a body defining a proximal portion and a distal portion. The body further defines an internal cavity and a first loop opening extending from the internal cavity to an outer surface of the body. A locking insert is slideably positioned within the internal cavity. The locking insert defines a second loop opening extending from a first side of the locking insert to a second side of the locking insert. The locking insert is slideably moveable from a first position to a second position within the internal cavity. A flexible strand defines a first adjustable loop extending through the first loop opening and the second loop opening. The locking insert is slideably moveable from a first position configured to allow adjustment of the first adjustable loop to a second position configured to lock the first adjustable loop.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems, devices, and methods for endoscopic suture termination. In some embodiments, a suture device may include an elongate member having a working channel and a suture channel, the elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The suture device may further include a suture extending through the suture channel, and a plurality of anchor components coupled to the suture, wherein the suture and the plurality of anchor components are deployable from the elongate member for engagement with a target tissue.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for surgical suturing are provided. In general, a loading element can be configured to facilitate loading of a plate into a surgical instrument configured to facilitate passage of a suture through tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured to advance the suture through a tissue of a patient, to capture a free end or looped end of the suture after the suture's advancement through the tissue, and to pull the captured suture out of the patient's body with a portion of the suture remaining passed through the tissue within the patient's body.