Patent ID: 7887553

Claim:
A clip applier comprising: a handle assembly actuating a drive force; a clip applying mechanism including a feed rod translatable along a central longitudinal axis and a distal portion fixed relative to the translation of the feed rod, the feed rod being actuated by the drive force for distally advancing a plurality of clips positioned therewith, wherein a clip is rotated relative to the distal portion in a plane that is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis prior to firing; an anvil cooperatively engageable with a hammer in direct contact with the feed rod for applying a first clip at an angle of application transverse to the central longitudinal axis; and a stop structure positioned adjacent the distal portion of the clip applying mechanism; an empty clip indicator having a body with a protrusion extending therefrom, the empty clip indicator being located proximal to a most proximal clip in the plurality of clips, wherein translation of the feed rod advances the empty clip indicator in a distal direction such that the protrusion engages the stop structure to prevent continued distal advancement of the feed rod and thereby disable the clip applying mechanism, wherein subsequent to engagement of the protrusion and the stop structure, the protrusion is substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis.