Abstract: A method of controlling a filling machine which serves for the filling of containers, particularly for the filling of bottles with a liquid material, and has at least one filling valve for controlling the quantity of material given off, which valve is closed on basis of a first control signal derived from a signal transmitter at the end of the filling phase, when a predetermined condition of filling of the container is reached. An apparatus for the carrying out of this method having at least one filling element which has a liquid channel which discharges into an outlet opening, for instance a filling tube, for the delivery of the filling material to the container and is in communication with a chamber for the filling material, within which liquid channel a filling valve which can be controlled by a signal, preferably by an electrical or pneumatic signal.