Filling valve apparatus

A filling valve assembly (10) is provided for use in filling containers (50) with a carbonated liquid or other type of liquid. The assembly (10) includes a housing (11) having a filling orifice (40) for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. A valve element (13) is located within and movable through the housing (11) and includes a valve seal (36) movable against the housing (11) for selectively opening and closing the filling orifice (40). A capillary screen (38) is connected above the valve seal (36) and is moveable therewith. The orifice (40) is aerodynamically shaped and has a annular enlarged portion (72) smoothly feeding into a narrowed venturi area (76) to continually compress the liquid, and then into an expanded area (70) to the walls of the container (50). A container seal (110) forms part of the expanded area (70) to enhance the laminar flow.