Abstract: A pocket atomizer that can be primed to hold liquid such as tear gas, in position for immediate discharge upon first application of its plunger. The atomizer includes a hollow piston having a hollow piston rod. The piston is movable up and down within a pump cylinder to force liquid up through the hollow piston rod. A check valve is located within the lower end of the hollow piston rod, and an orifice is located in the upper end of the hollow piston rod for discharging the pumped liquid. A capillary tube located within the hollow piston rod has an upper end coupled to the orifice for preventing liquid from draining therefrom between uses and thereby eliminates the necessity of priming the atomizer between uses. The lower end of the capillary tube terminates some distance above the check valve to define a chamber above the check valve. The check valve includes a valve seat and a ball of greater diameter than the capillary tube and of sufficient mass to seat in the valve seat when the piston is moved up.