Abstract: An integrated needle for use with a permanent pigment applicator device having a fixed needle coupler that is coupled to a needle drive mechanism includes an elongated needle shaft with a fastening head and an attachment piece having an elongated coupling member that is detachably coupled to the needle coupler. The needle is received in a needle chamber of the attachment piece and is securely held in place around the needle fastening head. The integrated needle can be attached to the drive mechanism simply by grasping the attachment piece and coupling it to the needle coupler of the drive mechanism. After each use, the integrated needle can be disposed of and a fresh integrated needle can be attached. In this way, the needle does not have to be handled when it is attached to the applicator device and the needle coupler can be easily removed and thoroughly cleaned in an autoclave.

Abstract: A device for applying permanent pigment, such as in a tattooing procedure, which has a disposable needle coupler which couples the needle to the device. The device has a housing which is structured to allow easy user access to the internal parts that are likely to be exposed to contamination from the tattooing procedure. The needle coupler is structured to allow easy manipulation to detach it from or attach it to the device without require the use or tools. The pigment applicator device may be a manual device or an electro-mechanically driven device. In the latter, the needle coupler is detachably coupled to a drive mechanism for actuating reciprocal axial movement of the needle via the needle coupler. The drive mechanism may include a cam for translating a rotational motion into a reciprocal axial motion of the needle coupler.