Patent ID: 8517048

Claim:
A mechanically operated proportional flow control valve with a valve spool which is moveable between two end limits limiting a requlatinq range, the valve having at least one “locked-in” position at at least one of the end limits of the regulating range and a device for selectively limiting the requlatinq range; wherein the device has a selectively pivotable locking bar which can be swung by means of an external locking bar control into and out of the path of a catch pin connected to the valve spool, and wherein the locking bar is designed to limit the regulating range of the valve so that said at least one of the “locked-in ” positions can be blocked; and wherein the locking bar has two locking formations which engage the catch pin mounted on a lever which pivots to move the valve spool, wherein at least one of the locking formations is adjustable, in order to compensate existing tolerances and therefore to achieve as high a flow rate of the directional control valve as possible.