Patent ID: 7354774

Claim:
A method of dispensing a sample into a storage unit having a plurality of receptacles, said method comprising the steps of: adding a sample to a dispensing unit, said dispensing unit including: a lower plate ( 26 ) having a plurality of access ports therethrough, wherein at least one of said access ports is in fluid communication with a tubular microtube ( 32 ) extending from, and having a longitudinal axis disposed transversely to, said lower plate; and an upper plate ( 28 ) releasably attached to said lower plate, said upper plate including a sample port extending therethrough for supplying a sample to said dispensing unit, wherein said sample port is located spaced from, so as to not overlie, at least a portion of said access ports; wherein a liquid flow path is defined between, and generally parallel to, said upper and lower plates to permit communication between said sample port and said access ports; and creating a temperature generated vacuum in said receptacles of said storage unit to dispense an aliquot of said sample into each of said receptacles.