Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.

Abstract: A dry, agglomerated cement material, a method of preparing the dry, agglomerated cement material, a method of cementing, and an apparatus for agglomerating particulate materials. The dry, agglomerated cement material comprises a plurality of particles of a cement bonded together by a water-soluble binder material. The dry, agglomerated cement material is prepared by depositing the water-soluble binder material on the particles such that the binder material bonds the particles together. The inventive agglomerated cement material can be conveniently transported by both pneumatic and non-pneumatic means. The method of cementing comprises the step of mixing the agglomerated cement material with water to form a cement slurry.

Abstract: Set retarded ultra fine cement compositions which remain pumpable for a predictable period of time at temperatures up to about 400.degree. F. are provided. The compositions are basically comprised of an ultra fine hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry and a set retarder comprised of a water soluble aliphatic compound containing at least three carbon atoms and at least one phosphonic acid or phosphonate group.

Abstract: Improved set retarded cement compositions and methods of using such compositions which are substantially non-thinning at high temperatures and which can include fresh or salt water are provided. The compositions are comprised of hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, a set retarder and a delayed viscosifying agent which yields viscosity at high temperatures comprised of a treated depolymerized galactomannan gum.

Abstract: Improved set retarded cement compositions and methods of using such compositions which are substantially non-thinning at high temperatures and which can include fresh or salt water are provided. The compositions are comprised of hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, a set retarder and a delayed viscosifying agent which yields viscosity at high temperatures comprised of a treated depolymerized galactomannan gum.

Abstract: Chloride-free set accelerated cement compositions and methods of using the compositions for cementing conduits in well bores are provided. The compositions are comprised of hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry and a chloride-free set accelerator selected from trihydroxybenzoic acid, disodium dihydroxybenzenedisulfonate or derivatives of such compounds.

Abstract: Set retarded cement compositions for cementing across a zone or zones in a well having enhanced compressive strength and rapid gel strength development after placement. The cement compositions are comprised of hydraulic cement, sufficient fresh water to form a pumpable slurry, a set retarder comprising a copolymer of 2-acrylamido, 2-methylpropane sulfonic acid and acrylic acid having a average molecular weight below about 5000 and any other desired additives. Methods of cementing utilizing the cement composition also are provided.

Abstract: Set retarded cement compositions for cementing across a zone or zones in a well having enhanced compressive strength and rapid gel strength development after placement. The cement compositions are comprised of hydraulic cement, sufficient fresh water to form a pumpable slurry, a set retarder comprising a copolymer of 2-acrylamido, 2-methylpropane sulfonic acid and acrylic acid having an average molecular weight below about 5000 and any other desired additives. Methods of cementing utilizing the cement composition also are provided.

Abstract: Cementing compositions having improved fluid loss capabilities for use in oil, gas, water and other well cementing operations are disclosed. Such compositions are comprised of water, hydraulic cement and a fluid-loss additive comprising a graft polymer comprised of a backbone of lignin, lignite, derivatized cellulose and various synthetic polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide and polyethyleneimine. The grafted pendant groups comprise at least one member selected from the group of homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, acrylonitrile, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, acrylic acid, N,N-dialkylaminoethylmethacrylate and their salts. The backbone comprises from about 5 to about 95 percent by weight of the graft polymer, and the pendant groups can comprise from about 5 to about 95 percent by weight of the graft polymer.

Abstract: Cementing compositions having improved fluid loss capabilities for use in oil, gas, water and other well cementing operations are disclosed. Such compositions are comprised of water, hydraulic cement and a fluid-loss additive comprising a graft polymer comprised of a backbone of lignin, lignite, derivatized cellulose and various synthetic polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide and polyethyleneimine. The grafted pendant groups comprise at least one member selected from the group of homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, acrylonitrile, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, acrylic acid, N,N-dialkylaminoethylmethacrylate and their salts. The backbone comprises from about 5 to about 95 percent by weight of the graft polymer, and the pendant groups can comprise from about 5 to about 95 percent by weight of the graft polymer.