A materials handling system includes an insertion subsystem for inserting materials into envelopes to form mailpieces of a first type and mailpieces of a second type. To maintain the auxiliary discharge in the state where the laser output is zero, the base discharge command is set to a first command value when the mechanical shutter is closed, and is set to a second command value smaller than the first command value when the mechanical shutter is opened. The step is a process of merging tentatively an assistant mask layer into one of main mask layers. The addressing scheme includes determining a current increment by analyzing a pattern associated with data samples within the memory buffer and determining the memory address for each data sample within the memory buffer using the current increment. The monopolar element is connected to the source of electrosurgical energy and is selectively activateable independent of the bipolar mode. As such, the connector can accommodate a mating connector of a first thickness or a mating connector of a second, different thickness.