US Patent 9370354 Automated needle loader

An apparatus for loading suture needles into a surgical instrument comprises a body, a first movable member, an engagement feature, and a needle. The body has a channel configured to receive a surgical instrument. The engagement feature is configured to open a cover of a surgical instrument upon insertion of a surgical instrument into the channel of the body. The first movable member is configured to deliver the suture needle to a surgical instrument after a surgical instrument has been inserted into the channel and the cover has been opened. The apparatus may further comprise a second movable member configured to facilitate delivery of the needle to a surgical instrument in conjunction with the first movable member.