Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods of installation and use

An electronic key to power and selectively enable a dispensing system having a key port, and a stored distributor identification code, wherein the dispensing system receives replaceable refill containers each having an associated refill identification code, the electronic key comprising:

• a key controller;
• a plug coupled to said key controller, said plug adapted to be received in the key port of the dispensing system to allow said key controller to electronically communicate with the dispensing system;
• and
• a battery coupled to said plug, wherein said battery powers the dispensing system when said electronic key is coupled to the key port, and wherein the dispensing system is enabled if the distributor identification code and the refill identification code match, and wherein said dispensing system is disabled if said refill identification code and said distributor identification code are different.

An electronic key to power and selectively enable a dispensing system having a key port, and a stored distributor identification code, the dispensing system using replaceable refill containers, the electronic key comprising:

• a key controller;
• a key memory associated with said key controller, said key memory storing a key identification code;
• a key counter associated with said key memory, said counter containing a first predetermined count value;
• a plug coupled to said controller, said plug adapted to be received in the key port of the dispensing system to allow said key controller to electronically communicate with the dispensing system;
• and
• a battery associated with said counter;
• wherein said battery powers the dispensing system when said plug is coupled to the key port, wherein the dispensing system is enabled if the distributor identification code and said key identification code match, and said first predetermined count value is not equal to a second predetermined count value.