Abstract: A smart holster system may provide notifications of weapon danger, and may include a holster body with a first sensor. The first sensor may detect removal of the weapon from the holster body and indicate the weapon has been drawn. A second sensor coupled to the holster body may detect a gunshot. An indicator panel may include first, second, and third indicators. The first indicator may activate when the weapon has been drawn or the gunshot has been detected. The second indicator may activate after the weapon has been drawn and until the gunshot is detected or a predetermined amount of time elapses. The third indicator may activate after the gunshot is detected or the predetermined amount of time elapses after the weapon has been drawn. A transmitter may notify a Public Safety Access Point (PSAP) without entering a phone number in response to the third indicator being activated.

Abstract: A latch includes a cam arm that follows a serpentine groove in the latch handle where curves of the groove create catch positions that define extended and retracted handle positions. In one of the handle positions, an arm of the handle abuts a toothed arm and urges the toothed arm to a latching position in which a tooth is extended. In the other handle position, the arm retracts from the toothed arm, allowing the tooth to retract.

Abstract: Intelligent portable carrier device for supporting movement in product tracking and monitoring of regulated products, such as tissue and biologics. Embodiments of the invention use product identification technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers, to uniquely identify the regulated products as they are added to or removed from the intelligent portable carrier device. Embodiments of the invention may also be configured to monitor and report temperature and other environmental conditions associated with the intelligent portable carrier device.

Abstract: An operator control device for an on-board electronics system of a motor vehicle or for a mobile communications device, having an operator control unit arranged in a receptacle of a docking station located in the interior of the motor vehicle and an interface between the operator control unit and the docking station for data interchange of information. The operator control unit has an operator control panel which has a plurality of operator control elements which can be manually operated. The receptacle with the operator control unit accommodated therein can be driven so as to move in an alternating rhythm, which is associated with the respectively operated operator control element, by one or more actuators when one of the operator control elements is operated.

Abstract: A wireless electromechanical lock with one or more of an internal antenna, touch activation, and/or a light communication device that acts as a user interface. In some embodiments, the lock utilizes an antenna near the exterior face of the lockset, designed inside the metal body of the lockset itself. A light communication device is provided in some embodiments to communicate information, visually, to the user via animations and dynamic displays of light. In some embodiments, the lockset includes a touch activation capability, which can be used to lock/unlock the lock and/or otherwise provide input.

Abstract: A bipole is fitted in a warning system socket for removably receiving a hazard warning system in order to set one of at least two operating modes of the hazard warning system. An electric characteristic of the bipole can be read out electrically by an electronic control of the hazard warning system via two electric contact pairs which are in contact with each other in the received state of the hazard warning system. In particular, the bipole is used via at least one pair of electric contacts, the pair being generally provided for externally connecting an optical and/or acoustic alarm emitter, in order to read in the electric characteristic of the bipole. The bipole is preferably a passive electric resistor.

Abstract: A mechanism enabling an electronic dial to operate without generating a click noise. The dial includes a rotational operation member that is turnable. A rotary plate is rigidly secured to the operation member. The rotary plate is formed of a conductive material and has a plurality of detecting portions circumferentially formed thereon. A printed circuit board is disposed between the operation member and the rotary plate. The printed circuit board has a first detection electrode group formed on a surface thereof opposed to the operation member and a second detection electrode group formed on a surface thereof opposed to the rotary plate. A detection circuit detects a touch operation onto the operation member based on an output from the first detection electrode group and detects a turning operation of the operation member based on an output from the second detection electrode group.

Abstract: A syringe drive device 11 includes a fixing section 15 fixing an outer tube 14, a movable holder 16 holding a plunger 13, and a drive section 42 driving the holder 16 along an axis of the plunger to push and pull the plunger with respect to the outer tube 14. An internal pressure detector 18 has a positive pressure detection switch 63 detecting an internal pressure of a syringe 12. A determination section 41 determines the issuance of an alert when the holder 16 is stopped and the positive pressure detection switch 63 is ON. A display section 19 is lit to indicate the alert when the determination section 41 determines to issue the alert.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for identification of components in an electrical low-voltage switchgear assembly is disclosed. The electrical low-voltage switchgear assembly according to one embodiment of the invention includes at least one truck module, which can be positioned in a truck slot. In at least one embodiment, both the truck slot and the truck module include associated devices for wire-free communication, wherein the communication devices are designed to transmit and/or receive data which is relevant for an automatic identification of the truck slot and/or the truck module, and allow automatic association of these components with one another.

Abstract: Methods and/or devices are provided for monitoring life-expectancy and/or useful life of an optical transceiver module by tracking an insertion cycle count of an optical transceiver module. An alarm/warning indicator may be generated or the optical transceiver module can be disabled completely if the insertion cycle count exceeds a predefined threshold. The host device first detects the insertion of the optical transceiver module and then reads the cycle count along with an identifier value from the non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module. The host device then increments the insertion cycle count by one, to account for the current insertion, and stores this new cycle count into a non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module. The insertion cycle count value may be encrypted and/or the non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module may be password-protected to avoid accidental and/or unauthorized access to the non-volatile memory of the optical transceiver module.

Abstract: Packaging installation with a metering apparatus and method for monitoring damage in a packaging installation in which packs (19) which are to be filled can be charged with the contents in each case by means of a metering apparatus (01) designed according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein —the vibrations of the wall of the dispensing container (02) are measured at least during operation of the stirrer (06) and/or of the metering screw (05), —the measured values are evaluated by the vibration evaluator (10), —deviations in the vibration behavior are detected and compared with limit values stored in the vibration evaluator (10), —when the limit values are exceeded, this indicates with sufficient probability, that the stirrer (06) or the metering screw (05) is in contact with the dispensing container (02), —an alarm is triggered by means of the vibration evaluator (10).

Abstract: A wear sensor system, compressors using the wear sensor system and methods of detecting wear on a bearing. The wear sensor system includes a stationary housing-mounted circuit comprising a first inductor electrically connected to a voltage source and a rotating shaft-mounted circuit comprising a second inductor electrically connected to a capacitor. When there is no metal-to-metal contact between the shaft of the compressor and the housing into which the shaft is mounted, the housing-mounted circuit inductively charges the shaft-mounted capacitor and reduces a current level when the shaft mounted capacitor is charged. Likewise, when there is metal-to-metal contact between the shaft and the housing (which is indicative of bearing wear), the shaft-mounted circuit is grounded; this causes the housing-mounted circuit to increase the current level. This increased current level may be output to a suitable device for display or other indicia of bearing wear.

Abstract: Clip-worn apparatuses having sensor clips configured to detect whether electronic devices, such as communications headsets, are being worn (i.e., “donned” or “DON'd”) or are not being worn (i.e., “doffed” or “DOFF'd”) by a user. An exemplary clip-worn apparatus includes a DON/DOFF sensor clip having a clip with a first end and an opposing second end. The first end includes a source (e.g., a light source). The opposing second end includes a detector (e.g., a light detector). When the clip-worn apparatus is DOFF'd, a detection path between the source and the detector is clear and unobstructed. When the clip-worn apparatus is DON'd (by clipping the DON/DOFF sensor clip to a target object, e.g., a user's ear), the target object becomes positioned between the source and the detector, thereby obstructing the detection path between the source and the detector.

Abstract: Errors in work in a bolt or nut tightening process are reduced to an extremely low level. Further, the process of the work is accurately recorded and quality of production processes is improved. A production management device receives information on a production instruction from a superordinate device, optically displays, according to the information, a socket to be selected for work to tighten a bolt or a nut, automatically recognizes a nut taken out from a socket holder, and alarms when the recognized socket and the displayed socket do not agree.

Abstract: A nuclear imaging system includes a scanner (8), such as a PET scanner. A patient is injected with a [13N]ammonia radioisotope tracer which is contaminated with a small percent of 18F contamination. The scanner receives radiation from the injected tracer and a reconstruction processor (28) reconstructs the detected radiation into image representations. A calibration processor (16) generates an estimated decay curve based on the proton bombardment and a priori information about the tracer. An activity meter (42) measures radiation emitted from a sample of the tracer and a dose calibrator (44) determines a decay curve from the measured radiation. The detected radiation is corrected with one of the decay curves during reconstruction or a correction processor (50) corrects reconstructed images with one or both of the decay curves. A display (14) displays uncorrected reconstructed images and the decay curve and/or the corrected images.

Abstract: An electronic device may communicate wirelessly with another electronic device. The electronic device may include a first processor configured to control only wireless communications with the another device but not operations associated only with the electronic device, a second processor configured to control the operations associated only with the electronic device but not the wireless communications with the another device, and a memory device connected between the first and second processors. The first and second processors may each be configured to exchange information with the memory device separately and independently of the exchange of information by the other of the first and second processors with the memory device.

Abstract: An electrical machine configured to operate at a power range of several MVA includes a rotor is configured to rotate about a rotor axis. The rotor includes a rotor lamination stack. A stator includes a stator lamination stack concentrically surrounding the rotor lamination stack, wherein a ring-like air gap separates the rotor lamination stack from the stator. An air gap monitoring device extends through the air gap in an axial direction and is configured to detect at least one of a change in a rotor geometry and a presence of debris in the air gap.

Abstract: A container having an internally directed audible output actuated by removal of a stopper is described. The container includes a hollow body with an open mouth and a base that includes a speaker and control electronics. A sensor is provided that is configured to detect presence of the stopper in the open mouth of the container. In one embodiment the sensor is comprised of a normally open electrical circuit formed by a pair of opposing arrays of electrical traces disposed within the mouth. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises an infrared light source and sensor that detects an amount of internally reflected infrared light within walls of the body. In yet another embodiment, the sensor comprises a device which detects the presence and/or absence of a magnetic field. Upon detection of removal of the stopper, an audible output is produced by the speaker into the container body and is perceivable by nearby users.

Abstract: Provided is a clinical diagnostic system that comprises a diagnostic instrument and a disposable cartridge. The diagnostic system can be used to measure assays in point of care clinical settings.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for reducing the transmission of infrared (IR) signals outside of a reclamation receptacle. Techniques include using a reclamation receptacle having an IR transmitter configured to transmit IR signals when the reclamation receptacle is in a closed configuration and configured to cease transmission of the IR signals when the reclamation receptacle is in an open configuration. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag may be deposited in the reclamation receptacle. The RFID tag may receive the IR signals and generate a radio frequency (RF) signal in response to the IR signals, wherein the RF signal indicates that the RFID tag is in the reclamation receptacle.

Abstract: A measurement system measures a gap between a plurality of rotating bucket tips and a stationary shroud surface. The system includes a sensor secured to the shroud surface, where the sensor senses a distance between each of the rotating bucket tips and the shroud surface, and a key phasor indexing each of the plurality of rotating bucket tips. A processor receives data from the sensor and the key phasor and calculates a shift against each of the plurality of buckets. The processor determines a time to bucket replacement based on current service hours of the plurality of rotating buckets tips.

Abstract: A near-field coupling device that may facilitate communications with a transponder is provided. The near-field coupling device may include a ground plane, a dielectric substrate, one or more conductive strips and a terminating load. The conductive strips together with the ground planes form coupling elements. The near-field coupling device further includes one or more switching elements for selectively connecting and disconnecting the coupling elements with a transceiver. The connected coupling elements define a total characteristic impedance. Using the switching element, the ratio between the total characteristic impedance of the connected coupling elements and the terminating load may be changed in order to adjust the distribution of an electromagnetic field along the coupling elements according to the type and position of the transponder to be processed.

Abstract: A belt lock for a seat belt equipped with a locking mechanism that is arranged in a belt lock housing. The locking mechanism has a component that changes its location from a first end position into a second end position and detects a locking status. In the actuation of the locking mechanism, the component that changes its location interacts with the detector of the locking status. The locking status is detected by an electromechanical switch that is arranged in the vicinity of the component that changes its location and can be actuated upon its movement from the first into the second end position.

Abstract: An alignment system for coupling a component to a vehicle includes at least one sensor target coupled to the component, and a controller assembly configured to transmit a signal towards the sensor target and receive a reflected signal from the sensor target, wherein the controller assembly is configured to output an orientation dataset for the component relative to the vehicle using the reflected signal. The system also includes a processing device communicatively coupled to the controller assembly, wherein the processing device is programmed to translate the orientation dataset and cause a set of component positioning signals based on the orientation dataset to be displayed at a user interface.

Abstract: A belt lock for a seat belt that has a locking mechanism that is arranged in a belt lock housing. The locking mechanism includes a component that changes location from a first end position into a second end position when the locking mechanism is actuated, and in doing so interacts with a status detector. The status detector is designed as an electrical switching system. The component that changes location is a mandrel that can be moved axially when the locking mechanism is actuated and that is provided with an electrically conductive contact region and forms a component of the electrical switching system.

Abstract: A bipole is fitted in a warning system socket for removably receiving a hazard warning system in order to set one of at least two operating modes of the hazard warning system. An electric characteristic of the bipole can be read out electrically by an electronic control of the hazard warning system via two electric contact pairs which are in contact with each other in the received state of the hazard warning system. In particular, the bipole is used via at least one pair of electric contacts, the pair being generally provided for externally connecting an optical and/or acoustic alarm emitter, in order to read in the electric characteristic of the bipole. The bipole is preferably a passive electric resistor.

Abstract: A hand-held non-lethal self-defense chemical spray device possessing a focused light source that automatically activates upon removal of the device from a holster to aid in the safe and effective use of the device by the operator such as a law enforcement officer. The focused light source emits a light in the direction of the chemical spray prior to and during discharge of the device to aid in the aiming of the chemical spray and assist the operator in seeing the target in low-light conditions. The focused light source automatically turns-on upon removal of the device from a holster, and automatically turns-off upon replacement of the device inside the holster. The spray canister does not require the user to manually activate the light source and retains similar size shape and form to that of a conventional self defense spray canister already in use by law enforcement officers nationwide.

Abstract: A security fence for swimming pools is provided to be so positioned as to surround the water of a swimming pool. The security fence comprises fence sections which are linked to an alarm system. The fence sections are moveable between a non-signaling position and an alarm signaling position. When the fence sections are in the non-signaling position and a given fence section is engaged with sufficient force it is moved to the alarm signaling position thereby signaling the alarm. The foregoing prevents a user, such as a child, from entering the pool water when the alarm system has been activated.

Abstract: A manual connecting device includes a connecting tool to be guided manually for connecting a connection to a predetermined connecting point, in particular to a predetermined connecting point in an electrical switchgear cabinet or in an electrical control cabinet. The connecting device also includes a camera and an image processing device connected to the camera. The device is suitable for detecting a respective connecting point before, during or after connecting and for generating an alarm signal if the detected connecting point deviates from the predetermined connecting point.

Abstract: A system is described for determining if two seat buckles are attached. The system includes seat belt portions and corresponding seat buckle members. The system also includes a sensing element located within a first seat buckle member and configured to output signals corresponding to one or both of attachment and non-attachment between the seat buckle members. A transmitter located within the first seat buckle member is configured to receive the signals from the sensing element. The transmitter transmits unique identification information, corresponding with a location of the seat belt, and data corresponding to the signals received from the sensing element. A display unit is configured to receive the unique identification information and data from the transmitter and provide a display indicative of an attachment status between the seat buckle members.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods for testing the valve seating integrity of a valve. The valve components that determine valve seating integrity are typically a valve seat and a valve closing element that engages the valve seat to close the valve. Examples of the test method described herein respectively test valve seating integrity during opening of the valve and during closing of the valve, and do so in all instances without interrupting the operation of a process control system that includes the valve, without isolating the valve, and without relying on user analysis.

Abstract: There is provided a passive RFID transponder assembly that includes a condition responsive device adapted to read a condition relating to the component that is associated with the RFID transponder assembly. The condition that is read by the condition responsive device relates to physical contact with a field technician or a mating component, relates to electrical connection between an integrated circuit chip and an antenna, relates to one or more environmental conditions, or the like. The components with which the RFID transponder assemblies are associated include components of telecommunications equipment, such as fiber optic connectors, fiber optic adapters, fiber optic patch panels, copper connectors, and copper adapters to list some non-limiting examples.

Abstract: A container suitable for wet wipes that comprises at least one compatibility sensor, at least one output device and at least one triggering device and a compatible a refill pack of wipes comprising a compatibility actuator. The compatibility sensor of the container and compatibility actuator of the refill pouch are designed to interact with each other. The interaction enables the operation of the output device, which functions only when triggered by the triggering device. The output device is capable of producing a sensory perceptible effect. The container and refill pack together can form a kit.

Abstract: An RFID communication system comprising a near field coupler that is capable of selectively communicating with a targeted transponder positioned among a group of multiple adjacent transponders. The coupler is configured to receive communication signals from a transceiver and transmit the signals to a targeted transponder in a transponder operating region. The coupler includes a number of radiating elements spaced apart and a switching element. The switching element selectively couples one or more of the radiating elements to the transceiver. The coupled elements transmit the signals into the transponder operating region by emanating a near field effect. The pattern of the near field effect may be adjusted by changing the combination of the coupled radiating elements.

Abstract: A golf club storage and protection device comprising an elongated member and a sensing device. The elongated member houses the golf club shaft and grip and protects the shaft and grip from wear and damage. The sensing device is housed within the elongated member and includes a motion sensor that senses movement of the elongated member beyond a motion threshold level, and an alarm. The sensing device contacts the grip when the golf club is present in the elongated member and the alarm is kept deactivated. When the golf club is removed from the elongated member for at least a predetermined time period and the elongated member is moved beyond the motion threshold level, the alarm will activate until either the golf club is returned to the elongated member or the device is turned off.

Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises a battery, a display, a switch and a processor. The battery is for supplying operating power. The switch includes a magnetic element and a sensor configured for detecting the magnetic flux of the magnetic element. The sensor has a first predetermined value for turning on the switch. The switch is turning on in response to the magnetic flux of the magnetic element detected by the sensor being equal to the first predetermined value of the sensor. The processor is coupled to the switch, the battery and the display. The processor responsive to turning on of the switch for controlling supply of operating power from the battery to the display. The processor maintains supply of operating power from the battery to the display in response to turning on of the switch.

Abstract: A component (10) of a device, such as a keypad mechanism (10) of a cash dispenser, is provided with a mechanism for detecting separation of the component from another part (16) of the device, for example a front panel (16) of the cash dispenser. The mechanism includes a member (64) moveable between first and second positions, and biasing means (34) to bias the member resiliently in the first position. In use, the member (64) is forced into the second position by contact with the part (16). If the component (10) and the part (16) are separated, the member (64) moves from the second position to the first position. The mechanism also includes a signal means to provide a warning signal when the member (64) moves to the first position. A tube (50) of ceramic material or other hard material is provided to resist ingress of a drill bit to the member (64).

Abstract: Components having one or more sensors adapted to provide sensor data relating to a condition(s) of the component are disclosed. The component is adapted to communicate with another mating component to associate sensor data with identity information of the mating component. The sensor and identity information can be communicated remotely including via radio-frequency communications employing RF identification devices (RFIDs). Location of the mating component can be determined using the identity information of the mating component. In this manner, the sensor data can be associated with the location of the mating component using the identity information in a “component-to-component” configuration to provide location-specific sensor data.

Abstract: An electronic device fastener (EDF) to protect a portable device that is placed in a holder which may be a case, belt clip, holster, cradle, or the like worn or carried by the user that uses a release sensor, proximity sensor, shock sensor, and clip sensor to protect a portable device such as a cell phone, portable media player, personal digital assistant (PDA), two-way radio, GPS device, headset, or earpiece from loss and misplacement. The system can provide up to five modes of protection against loss and misplacement of a portable device.

Abstract: A stowage magazine is provided for securing a can of ammunition rounds. The magazine includes a frame having lateral sides that define a space for the can; a hinge mechanism connecting to the lateral sides; and a door connecting to the mechanism. The door provides and restricts access to the space in respective open and closed positions. The door is openable along an axial direction to provide an operational surface. The mechanism avoids lateral obstruction beyond the door's surface.

Abstract: A system releases seat belts on school buses electronically via driver command or automatically by an inertia switch and electronic timer that then activate solenoids at each seat. This system operates on 12V direct current furnished by the load side of the bus's ignition switch. The system also has a level sensor that prohibits the system from energizing the solenoids when a bus equipped with the system does not have an upright position. The system provides a switch under each seat that notifies the driver when a child occupies it or a light at the dashboard. A second light flashes to notify the driver when the clip engages a buckle of each seat on a bus. The system allows for normal daily usage of seat belts and simultaneously releases the seat belts in an emergency.

Abstract: A seat belt monitoring system is provided. The seat belt monitoring system includes a seat belt system. The seat belt system has a first portion including a seat belt webbing and a tongue. The seat belt system also includes a buckle. A radio frequency device is associated with the first portion. The seat belt monitoring system further includes a radio frequency receiver that detects either a signal from the radio frequency device or a particular spatial relationship between the radio frequency device and a second radio frequency device placed near the buckle of the seat belt system.

Abstract: The rotation operation plane of the ring-shaped operation members that operate the rotation is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the rotation operation of the ring-shaped operation member can be performed without holding a finger in the vertical direction. Furthermore, since the rotation operation plane is inclined with respect to the placement plane of the case, static friction on the placement plane is generated by a force component of the operation force acting on the rotation operation plane and is perpendicular to the placement plane, thus the case does not move toward the rotation operation direction during the rotation operation.

Abstract: A device for use with an anti-theft locking assembly which comprises an enclosure, a noise emitter mounted within the enclosure, a battery, and a control circuit, an actuator extending externally of the enclosure and being designed to be plugged into a first actuator receptor on a towing vehicle or a second actuator receptor on the locking assembly, the noise emitter being activated when the actuator is unplugged from one of the receptors. The device will strongly remind the user that the anti-theft locking device is to be connected.

Abstract: A security fence for swimming pools is provided to be so positioned as to surround the water of a swimming pool. The security fence comprises fence sections which are linked to an alarm system. The fence sections are moveable between a non-signaling position and an alarm signaling position. When the fence sections are in the non-signaling position and a given fence section is engaged with sufficient force it is moved to the alarm signaling position thereby signaling the alarm. The foregoing prevents a user, such as a child, from entering the pool water when the alarm system has been activated.

Abstract: A mine roof monitoring apparatus has at least two contact members. At least one contact member maintains contact with the roof of a mine shaft. At least one contact member maintains contact with a floor of the same mine shaft. A motion monitoring apparatus monitors the relative motion between the two contact members, and a flag on the motion monitoring apparatus changes position, when a predetermined amount of motion occurs between the two contact members. This indicates that the roof of the mine shaft has subsided enough to move the respective contact member.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an alarm assembly for a wheel chair is disclosed. A pair of mounting brackets is combined to the frame underneath the seat of the wheel chair. A removable and extendable switch-bar selectively combines to the mounting brackets. The switch-bar is adjustable in length to accommodate chairs of various widths and selectively positionable on the mounting brackets to change the distance between the seat and switch. The switch on the switch-bar senses the presence of a patient and in response to the absence of a patient communicates an alarm signal to the alarm.

Abstract: A substrate position detection method includes rotating the susceptor so that the substrate receiving portion is moved into an image taking area of a imaging apparatus; detecting first two position detection marks provided in the process chamber so that the first two position detection marks are within the image taking area, wherein a first perpendicular bisector of the first two position detection marks passes through a rotational center of the susceptor; detecting second two position detection marks provided in the susceptor so that the second two position detection marks can be within the image taking area, wherein a second perpendicular bisector of the second two position detection marks passes through the rotational center of the susceptor and a center of the substrate receiving portion; and determining whether the substrate receiving portion is positioned in a predetermined range in accordance with the detected first two and second two position detection marks.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bearing is disclosed. The method involves positioning a non-contacting bearing isolator adjacent a bearing on a piece of rotating equipment so that at least one operating parameter of said bearing is communicated to said bearing isolator; and, positioning an energy detector within range of said bearing isolator so that said energy detector is able to monitor said at least one operating parameter of said bearing by detecting at least one operating parameter of said bearing isolator.

Abstract: A method for guiding a user to connect a peripheral component to a unit of electronic equipment includes the user tapping upon one of a plurality of connector interfaces comprising the unit of electronic equipment. In response to the tapping, the one tapped connector interface is identified and the user is notified of the identity of the one tapped connector interface. The identifying includes detecting the tapping at two or more sensors and processing signals generated by the sensors to detect the one tapped connector interface. The notifying includes articulating an identity of the one tapped connector interface using a voice synthesizer and loudspeaker.