Patent ID: 7322164

Claim:
A translating gate assembly adapted to cooperate with a clipper, comprising: a first gate member configured to translate between open and closed configurations; a stiffener assembly attached to the first gate member, the stiffener assembly configured to translate between a retracted and an extended configuration, wherein the stiffener assembly comprises an upper first linkage attached to a lower second linkage; a first actuator attached to the stiffener assembly first linkage, wherein the first actuator is configured to automatically translate the stiffener assembly to the extended configuration whereby the stiffener assembly applies a force against the closed first gate member sufficient to inhibit outward movement of the first gate member from the closed configuration during a clipping operation; and a second gate member with a second actuator configured to automatically translate between open and closed configurations, wherein when the first and second gate members are in the respective closed configurations, the first and second gate members meet to define a clip entry gate for clips delivered from an automated or semi-automated clipper, wherein the first and second actuators comprise respective rods, wherein the first linkage has opposing first and second end portions and a lobe actuator mount portion therebetween, with the first end portion of the first linkage being pivotably attached to a stationary mounting member and the second end portion of the first linkage being pivotably attached to an upper first end portion of the second linkage and the lobe mount portion being attached to a lower end portion of the first actuation rod, and wherein a lower portion of the second linkage is attached to the first gate member.