an apparatus and method for disassembling a container having sections joined at sealed thermoplastic joining surfaces , such as toner cartridges , by cutting between the joined sections with a computer controlled laser beam , and the disassembled product of the method and apparatus that is suitable to be remanufactured and reassembled . the technique may be applied to other articles besides toner cartridges , such as inkjet cartridges , any container that must be opened with precision to preserve the container for reuse or to avoid damage of internal components . it is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure . it is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims .