Abstract: A filling device for delivering liquid to a container, such as a storage battery, with valve actuating means for automatically cutting off liquid flow when the liquid level reaches the level of the discharge nozzle and which is operated by having a vacuum formed within the discharge nozzle wherein the liquid inlet passage to the valve is restricted to substantially reduce the rate of liquid flow from a liquid supply line into the valve chamber and the discharge nozzle is provided with a narrow liquid outlet passage formed around the end of a vacuum line connected with said valve actuating means with the size of the inlet and outlet passages being coordinated so that liquid flow is cut off only when the liquid in the container being filled reaches the level of the lower end of said discharge nozzle.