Mary L Laird

Title: Innovator Mary L. Laird: Pioneering Cutting Tools in the Oil Industry

Introduction

Mary L. Laird is a prominent inventor based in Madisonville, Louisiana, with a notable record of seven patents. Her innovative contributions have significantly impacted the oil industry, particularly in the design and functionality of cutting tools used in wellbore applications.

Latest Patents

Among her latest inventions is the "Retractable Cutting and Pulling Tool with Uphole Milling Capability." This sophisticated tool features cutter blades that can extend and remain in place as long as pressure is applied to a piston. The blades are designed to operate effectively in open holes or to cut through the walls of tubular structures, allowing for uphole milling to extract piece segments of the tubular. Once pressure is released, a return bias mechanism retracts the blades, enabling tool removal through the cut tubular. Additionally, a backup plug can be deployed to obstruct the passage in the piston, utilizing surface pressure to retract the blades as needed.

Another significant patent attributed to her is the "Wireline Hydraulic Driven Mill Bottom Hole Assemblies and Methods of Using Same." This invention includes a bottom hole assembly engineered to engage and remove objects within the wellbore. It features a cutting tool situated at the lower end and employs an axial compression device that transitions between compressed and expanded positions. This device ensures that a consistent downward force is applied to objects being cut or abraded during operation.

Career Highlights

Mary L. Laird has established her professional career at Baker Hughes Corporation, a leading name in the oil and gas sector. Her innovative designs not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to safety and sustainability in drilling practices.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Laird has collaborated with colleagues such as Robbie B. Colbert and Gerald D. Lynde, showcasing a spirit of teamwork and collective innovation that is essential in the field of engineering and technology development.

Conclusion

Mary L. Laird's contributions to the field of wellbore technology through her innovative patents have established her as a key player in the industry. Her work continues to inspire future advancements in the design of cutting tools, effectively reshaping the methodologies of oil extraction and well maintenance.