Abstract: A latch assembly for an excavator dipper of the invention includes a latch bar slot having a first opening, a second opening and a side wall. An annular projection protrudes from the latch bar slot side wall and has an upper surface and a side surface. A latch bar is slidably and removably mounted in the latch bar slot. The latch bar has a first portion, a second portion and a tapered portion located between the first and the second portion. The first portion has a larger cross-sectional area than the second portion. An upper retainer insert assembly is removably carried in the latch bar slot between the first opening and the annular projection.

Abstract: Foundry molds are made principally from a mixture of refractory sand, a binder and a catalyst. The temperature of recycled sand is measured and a cooling medium is contacted with the sand. The flow of the cooling medium is controlled to cool the sand to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range which is slightly above a measured dew point temperature. Controlling the sand temperature to a temperature slightly above the dew point temperature prevents moisture condensation in the sand which interferes with binder curing to provide increased strength and controlled shelf life in the sand, binder and catalyst mixture.