A surgical instrument system comprising a handle, a motor, a control system, an elongate shaft, a first unfired end effector configured to releasably attach to the elongate shaft, a second unfired end effector configured to releasably attach to the elongate shaft in lieu of the first end effector is disclosed. The first end effector comprises a stored datum. The second end effector does not comprise any stored datum. The control system is configured to identify the first end effector via the stored datum when the first end effector is attached to the elongate shaft and supply the motor with a first operating parameter based on the stored datum. The control system is further configured to detect an absence of any stored datum when the second end effector is attached to the elongate shaft and supply the motor with a second operating parameter based on the absence of any stored datum.

A surgical instrument system can comprise a surgical instrument, a first end effector, and a second end effector, wherein the end effectors are attachable to the surgical instrument. The first end effector can comprise a first set of stored data pertaining to the first end effector, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to ascertain the first set of data and enter a first operating state. The second end effector can comprise a second set of stored data pertaining to the second end effector, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to ascertain the second set of data and enter a second operating state. The surgical instrument is further configured to enter a default operating state if said surgical instrument is unable to ascertain a set of stored data from an end effector.

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft is disclosed. The end effector and/or shaft comprise indicator lights which indicate the direction in which the end effector is being articulated. The indicator lights are positioned such that they are visible to a clinician via an endoscope monitor during an endoscopic procedure.

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft and an articulatable end effector is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector and means for retaining the articulation drive system in engagement with the end effector.

A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft rotatable relative to the handle, and an end effector articulatable relative to the shaft about an articulation joint is disclosed. The shaft comprises a grip and at least one articulation control on the grip.

A surgical instrument comprising a handle and a rotatable shaft is disclosed. The handle comprises a rotatable actuator configured to rotate the shaft.

A surgical instrument comprising a firing member driven by an electric motor is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a control system configured to evaluate the duty cycle of the electric motor and adjust the speed of the firing member based on the detected duty cycle of the electric motor.

A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw is disclosed. At least one of the first and second jaws comprises a proximal portion and a distal tip rotatable relative to the proximal portion.

A surgical instrument comprising a firing member driven by an electric motor is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a control system configured to evaluate the duty cycle of the electric motor and adjust the speed of the firing member based on the detected duty cycle of the electric motor.

A surgical instrument comprising tissue stops is disclosed.