def get_value(self, name):
        """
        Returns the value of the parameter with the specified name.
        """
        # first clean up the name
        name = self._clean_up_name(name)

        # now get the parameter object
        x = self._find_parameter(name.split('/'))

        # quit if it pooped.
        if x == None: return None

        # get the value and test the bounds
        value  = x.value()
        
        # handles the two versions of pyqtgraph
        bounds = None
    
        # For lists, just make sure it's a valid value
        if x.opts['type'] == 'list':

            # If it's not one from the master list, choose
            # and return the default value.            
            if not value in x.opts['values']:
                
                # Only choose a default if there exists one                
                if len(x.opts('values')):                              
                    self.set_value(name, x.opts['values'][0])                
                    return x.opts['values'][0]
                
                # Otherwise, just return None and do nothing                
                else: return None

        # For strings, make sure the returned value is always a string.
        elif x.opts['type'] in ['str']: return str(value)
                
        # Otherwise assume it is a value with bounds or limits (depending on 
        # the version of pyqtgraph)    
        else:        
            if   'limits' in x.opts: bounds = x.opts['limits']
            elif 'bounds' in x.opts: bounds = x.opts['bounds']
            if not bounds == None:
                if not bounds[1]==None and value > bounds[1]: value = bounds[1]
                if not bounds[0]==None and value < bounds[0]: value = bounds[0]
            
        # return it        
        return value
Returns the value of the parameter with the specified name.