(57) A filling nozzle assembly includes an elongated fill sleeve (94) for insertion into a container (14). A fill tip (92) is located at an end of the sleeve and is axially slidable between open and closed positions. A spring 122 biases the tip to its closed position. An apparatus (24, 32) is provided to lower the sleeve into the container during which time a shroud (96) contacts the container inhibiting further insertion of the sleeve, but permitting axial movement of the fill tip, thereby opening same. A latch (100) keeps the fill tip open as the sleeve is withdrawn from the container until the latch is tripped by a release mechanism (146).