<p>A diaphragm actuated pressure regulator (10) is provided having a molded contoured diaphragm (18) capable of operation in the upper portion of the diaphragm's deflection stroke without experiencing material deformation and thereby preserving the precision of the diaphragm's response to pressure fluctuations. The pressure regulator (10) includes a curved lever arm (48) for transmitting the deflection of the diaphragm (18) to a displacement of a valve pad (56) which regulates the flow of gas from an inlet (62) through an orifice restriction (58) to an outlet (64). The lever fulcrum (50) is located in the throat area of the pressure regulator (10) and supported by a guide to provide a high lever ratio which enables a relatively small diaphragm (18) to generate a relatively high valve closing force. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the diaphragm (18) includes an O-ring shaped circumference (20) which is secured between the upper assembly (12) and the lower case (14) of the pressure regulator (10) thereby insuring an air tight seal without the need for an additional gasket or sealant material.</p>
