A laser irradiation apparatus includes: multiple irradiation units each to emit a laser beam to a surface of a base to form a pattern, the multiple irradiation units, including: a first irradiation unit to emit a first laser beam; and a second irradiation unit to emit a second laser beam; and a circuitry to: control the first irradiation unit to irradiate only a first irradiation region on a surface of a base with the first laser beam; and control the second irradiation unit to irradiate only a second irradiation region on the surface of the base with the second laser beam. The first irradiation region and the second irradiation region are not overlapping each other.

Methods and systems for forming vacuum insulated containers, such as beverage and food containers, are described. The methods and systems include using a laser to close openings in walls of the container while the container is held at vacuum conditions. The closing of the opening forms the vacuum space within the walls of the container.

Methods and systems for forming vacuum insulated containers, such as beverage and food containers, are described. The methods and systems include using a laser to close openings in walls of the container while the container is held at vacuum conditions. The closing of the opening forms the vacuum space within the walls of the container.

A purging attachment for a workpiece having a surface to be processed using laser radiation, wherein the workpiece has a chamber open on at least one side of the workpiece, and wherein the surface is within the chamber, comprises: a central opening through the purging attachment; a purge gas supply channel extending through the purging attachment to an outlet opening; a purge gas suction channel extending through the purging attachment to an inlet opening, wherein the outlet opening of the purge gas supply channel and the inlet opening of the purge gas suction channel are arranged on opposite sides of the central opening; and a centering portion configured to interact with a centering region arranged on the side of the workpiece such that the central opening, the outlet opening, and the inlet opening communicate with the chamber.

A method of forming a sealed canister and a method of storing radioactive materials is provided. The method of forming includes placing a top plate on a top opening of a side wall, a bottom of the side wall being sealed to a base plate. The top plate includes a top surface with a top edge having a bevel and with a channel set in from the top edge. Finally, a weld is formed between the beveled top edge and the top opening of the side wall to seal the top plate to the side wall.

A method of removing a coating made of an organic material, in particular an organic lacquer or a polymer coating, which adheres to the surface of tin-plated sheet steel. In a first step, the tin layer of the tin-plated sheet steel is completely or incipiently melted by exposure to electromagnetic radiation with a predefined wavelength, to which the organic coating is at least primarily transparent, with the organic coating becoming detached from tin layer, and in a second step, the organic material of the coating which detached from the tin layer is removed.

A container can include a body having a volume defined therein for retaining a product. The body can include a top surface adapted to be sealed by a lid. The container further includes a channel defined in a portion of the body such that the channel is in fluid communication with the internal volume at a first end and sealed by a portion of the body at an oppositely disposed second end. The container further includes a top flange surrounding the top surface of the body and includes a portion that borders the channel, with removal line disposed in the container to define a removable portion. The removal line extends from a first edge to a second edge and through the channel such that the removable portion can be removed from the body along the removal line to expose the channel.

A method of forming a sealed canister and a method of storing radioactive materials is provided. The method of forming includes placing a top plate on a top opening of a side wall, a bottom of the side wall being sealed to a base plate. The top plate includes a top surface with a top edge having a bevel and with a channel set in from the top edge. Finally, a weld is formed between the beveled top edge and the top opening of the side wall to seal the top plate to the side wall.

A container system for radioactive waste and method for using the same is provided. The system includes a canister configured for holding radioactive waste and a lid system. In one embodiment, the lid system comprises a two-part lid assembly including a confinement lid and a shielded lifting lid. The confinement lid is detachably mounted to the confinement lid. In use, the lifting lid supports the confinement lid for lifting and placement on the canister. The lifting lid further shields operators while the confinement lid is mounted to the canister. Thereafter, the lifting lid is removed and may be reused for confinement lid mountings on other canisters. In one embodiment, the confinement lid is bolted to the canister. The canister may be disposed in a protective overpack for transport and storage.

Apparatus for controlling a welding station used for welding seams extending along cylindrical can bodies, the welding station comprising a pair of welding rolls and a calibration unit for causing a desired cylinder overlap during welding. The calibration unit is adjustable along at least three different adjustment axes. The apparatus comprises: a weld monitor configured to monitor welded seams and provide an electrical signal indicative of weld thickness at a series of predetermined points along the seam length; a controller configured to receive said signal and to generate one or more control signals; and adjustment mechanisms for coupling to the calibration unit, or forming part of the calibration unit. The adjustment mechanisms are configured to receive the signal(s) and to be responsive thereto to adjust the calibration unit relative to one or more of said three adjustment axes, to provide the desired cylinder overlap and/or a desired weld quality.