An atomizing nebulizer for dispensing a substance or medicament is
described. The nebulizer is formed with a reservoir base releasably
secured to an effluent vent cap that together capture a diffuser and
integral dispersing baffle that are further formed with an uptake lumen
or channel terminating with a nozzle jet. The diffuser dispersing baffle
is positioned relative to the jet nozzle to optimize atomization of any
of a number of such substances so as to maximize disbursement of the
substance. The reservoir base also incorporates a pressurized
fluid-accelerating inlet tube terminated with a metering orifice that
cooperates with the nozzle jet when the inlet tube is received within the
diffuser uptake lumen or channel. When so received, the nozzle jet
axially registers proximate and superior to the orifice to establish a
vacuum space that is in fluid communication with a capillary interstice
established between the walls of the exterior of the inlet tube and the
confronting interior surface of the diffuser lumen or channel. When a
pressurized fluid is communicated through the lumen, the orifice, and
into the vacuum space towards the nozzle jet, a vacuum develops in the
vacuum space that, in combination with the capillary action of the
interstice, draws the fluid proximate to the orifice and disperses it
into droplets that are then entrained into a fluid stream to be further
atomized upon impact with the baffle and then dispensed.