Abstract: A key operated restraining device is provided to create a securing loop of adjustable dimension. The device includes a locking head portion, an elongated smooth surfaced strap insertable into the locking head portion to form a securing loop of adjustable dimension, a support block disposed in the interior of the head portion, and a pawl member. Both the support block and the pawl member terminate in a spaced relation to an interior wall surface of the head portion and form a slideway for the strap operation. The pawl member is connected to the locking head by a resilient hinge structure with a spike inserted into or attached to the pawl biasing the pawl member into a locking position wherein the locking structure is operative to lockably engage a smooth strap and a release position wherein the locking structure is disengaged from the strap.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the dispensing of a fluid is disclosed, wherein the following capabilities may be provided: (a) regulation of the times that such dispensing can occur, (b) determination of the quality of the fluid so that, e.g., poor quality fluids can be purged, and/or (c) control of the system remotely. The system and method of the invention may be used for the dispensing of fluids such as beer and other beverages. A valve assembly in a fluid dispensing line can be configured to dispense the fluid, re-route the line contents so that it is purged when the quality of the fluid therein is determined to be unacceptable, or stop all flow of the fluid through the line. Quality detectors are provided for detecting the quality of the fluid being dispensed. For the dispensing of beer, an optical foam detector is disclosed as one such quality detector for detecting and purging a beer dispensing line when the line is substantially foam rather than beer.

Abstract: A key control device comprises an access key and lock, and a stored key and lock. The access lock operably receives the access key and is keyed such that when the access key is inserted into the access lock, it becomes movable between an access key release state and an access key capture state. The stored lock operably receives the stored key and is keyed such that when the stored key is received by the stored lock it becomes movable between a stored key release state and a stored key capture state. Only one key can be removed at any given time from either lock and such removal locks the other key against removal so that it is retained by the key control device. The access and stored lock are totally independent and not interconnected in any way.