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.