Patent ID: 7621926

Claim:
A clip applier for applying a surgical clip, the applier comprising: a cartridge with a proximal end and a distal end and including: a feeder having a proximal end and a distal end, a closure member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a slot formed therein, a pair of symmetrical opposing crimping members extending outwardly from the distal end of the closure member, and a rack mechanism having a spur gear disposed on a spindle, a first rack connected to the feeder, and a second rack connected to the closure member, wherein the spindle extends through the slot in the closure member such that the spur gear interfaces with the second rack; and an actuator coupled to the proximal end of the cartridge and the proximal end of the closure member, the actuator arranged to open the opposing crimping members during an opening stroke and the closure member and the second rack arranged to move synchronously throughout the opening stroke.