Abstract: A device includes a bottom housing that includes a printed circuit board, a processor formed on the printed circuit board, a probe tip coupled to the processor, and a first wall. The first wall includes a front side surface, a backside surface, and an opening extending from the front side surface to the backside surface. The printed circuit board is coupled to the front side surface of the first wall. The printed circuit board includes a plurality of electrical contacts located on the back surface and coupled to the processor. The electrical contacts on the backside surface of the printed circuit board are visible through the opening formed in the first wall of the bottom housing. The electrical contacts are sealed from fluid penetration and can connect to the electrical contacts of a battery connected to the device.

Abstract: Featured is an apparatus that places or locates a proximal end portion of a penetrating member in a target area of a body. Such an apparatus or needle driver is particularly suited for locating a percutaneous needle in a soft tissue target area of a body particularly a body having inhomogeneous soft tissues. The apparatus includes a first arm that is configured and arranged so as to support a distal portion of the penetrating member and a first drive mechanism that is coupled to the first arm. The first drive mechanism is configured and arranged to move or translate the first arm from an initial position to any of a number of other positions that are spaced from the initial position and correspondingly translate the proximal end portion of the penetrating member.

Abstract: Featured is an apparatus that places or locates a proximal end portion of a penetrating member in a target area of a body. Such an apparatus or needle driver is particularly suited for locating a percutaneous needle in a soft tissue target area of a body particularly a body having inhomogenous soft tissues. The apparatus includes a first arm that is configured and arranged so as to support a distal portion of the penetrating member and a first drive mechanism that is coupled to the first arm. The first drive mechanism is configured and arranged to move or translate the first arm from an initial position to any of a number of other positions that are spaced from the initial position and correspondingly translate the proximal end portion of the penetrating member.