Is current the same coming out of an IC as it was going in?
The 7409 is a Quad packed 2 input AND Gate with Open Collector Outputs. It needs a pull up on the output pin 3 to work. And it can only sink 16mA when the output is logic level low. Logic level high leaves the internal open collector transistor off, with a leak current of 250µA, only if the external pullup is there. It won't work at all in the setup you have pictured.



Notice the Output Y is connected to a transistor's Collector. Current would flow from external vcc through (in your case) the resistor and led, into the collector and out through ground (Or other way around depending on your school of thought). But you would need to connect the led/resistor to VCC, not Ground. And mind the 16mA limit. (Which is listed for TI's SN7409, not sure about the original 7409's maximum current)