VALVE FOR USE IN A SUCTION LINE

The valve comprises a housing connected to the outlet of a teat cup assembly. The housing includes a nipple formed in the bottom portion thereof for connection to a milk suction line. A ball member is mounted inside the valve housing and adapted to seat at the opening from the housing into the nipple when the interior of the housing is exposed to atmospheric pressure. The valve further includes a plunger slidably mounted in the wall of the valve housing, and the plunger is adapted to slide inwardly into the valve housing when the pressure in the housing falls below atmospheric pressure. The inward movement of the plunger is adapted to dislodge the ball member from its seated position at the nipple opening. The plunger member has an elastomeric washer mounted thereon which seals against the housing when the plunger slides inwardly. The washer has a locking ear thereon which engages a projection on the housing to lock the plunger in its retracted position during cleaning.