Abstract: The diaphragm valve has a valve body portion with a chamber therein. The chamber has an open top portion and an inlet and outlet communicating therewith. The valve body has a valve seat in the chamber. The valve member is positioned in overlying relation with the valve seat and is arranged to control the flow of fluid through the chamber. A yoke member connected to the valve body within the upper portion of the valve chamber has an axial passageway therethrough. A bonnet having a passageway therethrough is coaxially aligned within the yoke member. A valve stem is arranged for reciprocal movement within the yoke member and bonnet passageway. A diaphragm assembly is positioned within the valve chamber between the valve stem and the valve member. A spring urges the valve member upwardly against the underside of the diaphragm assembly to open the valve. A packing ring surrounds the valve stem and is positioned within an annular recessed portion of the bonnet passageway.