400 in this manner eventually returns the linear clamping and stapling attachment to a closed state where the distal end of the bowel is clamped between the upper jaw 80 and the lower jaw 40 with a small portion of the distal end of the bowel extending laterally beyond the upper jaw 80 and the lower jaw 50 once the distal end of the bowel is clamped as described above the sensor electrodes 182 184 are in contact and the surgeon is alerted via circuit components in the electromechanical drive component that it is safe and or appropriate to activate the cutting and stapling mechanism the surgeon then activates the cutting and stapling mechanism it should be noted that the resistance afforded by the mechanical relationships between the upper jaw 80 vertical bores 90 vertical shafts 130 horizontal shaft 150 and upper drive socket 180 of the linear clamping and stapling attachment and the upper flexible drive shaft and upper motor 400 of the electromechanical driver component together ensure that the upper jaw 80 and lower jaw 50 remain clamped together during the operation of the stapling mechanism to begin the stapling and cutting procedure the surgeon activates the lower motor 420 of the electromechanical driver component corresponding to the lower flexible drive shaft 430 which engages the lower drive socket 310 at the proximal end 300 of the lower horizontal shaft 260 thereby causing the lower horizontal shaft 260 to turn in a clockwise rotation when the stapling.