def get_api_ruler(self):
        """Return the existing reader if it exists or launch a new one.

        Returns
        -------
        api_ruler : org.clulab.reach.apis.ApiRuler
            An instance of the REACH ApiRuler class (java object).
        """
        if self.api_ruler is None:
            try:
                self.api_ruler = \
                    autoclass('org.clulab.reach.export.apis.ApiRuler')
            except JavaException as e:
                raise ReachOfflineReadingError(e)
        return self.api_ruler
Return the existing reader if it exists or launch a new one.

        Returns
        -------
        api_ruler : org.clulab.reach.apis.ApiRuler
            An instance of the REACH ApiRuler class (java object).