Abstract: Various implementations include an ultrasound needle guidance device. The device includes a coupling body and at least one needle holder portion. The coupling body is configured to fixedly couple to an ultrasound probe that is able to produce an ultrasonic beam along a scanning plane. The needle holder portion has a rotational axis and defines a needle opening having an opening central axis extending perpendicularly to the rotational axis. The needle holder portion is rotationally coupled to the coupling body such that the needle holder portion is rotatable about the rotational axis relative to the coupling body from a first position to a second position. The needle holder portion is configured such that, when the coupling body is coupled to the ultrasound probe, the opening central axis is disposed within the scanning plane in all positions in a range from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a friction stir weld joint using a friction stir tool. A first metallic work material and a second metallic work material are provided and are substantially abutted to define a joint interface having a weld surface. A quantity of metallic donor material is provided and deposited into a depression formed in the weld surface along the joint interface. A friction stir welding tool having a shoulder and a pin depending from the shoulder is provided and applied against the donor material within the depression using a plunge force. The friction stir welding tool is rotated such that the pin contacts the donor material and heats the donor material to plasticize at least a portion of the donor material forming a friction stir weld joint. The friction stir welding tool is then urged along the joint interface.