Fed dumps 'patient' from statement, but hikes seem far off

* But the U.S. central bank signaled a more cautious outlook for U.S. economic growth and slashed its projected interest rate path, in a sign that it remains concerned about the health of the recovery. * In its statement following a two-day meeting, the Fed's policy-setting committee repeated its view that job market conditions had improved and gave its strongest signal to date that it was nearing its first rate hike since 2006. * The Fed said a rate increase remained "unlikely" at its April mee