Filling machines

A dispensing unit for particulate material comprising, a nozzle having an outlet for delivery of particulate material to a container, means to seal an open end of the container around the nozzle for filling container, first vacuum applying means for evacuating the container applied to the nozzle, said first vacuum applying means having an inlet means located at the lower end of the nozzle adjacent to the nozzle outlet, the inlet means including means to prevent the flow of particulate material through the inlet means when the level of particulate material reaches the level of the inlet means to block the inlet means, a porous member located in the nozzle, said porous member and said inlet means being at substantially the same elevation, second vacuum applying means for drawing at said porous member a vacuum which is less than the vacuum at the inlet means of said first vacuum applying means, said second vacuum applying means being operable with said porous member to consolidate and prevent release of material from the outlet from the flow of material through the outlet ceases from the container is filled to the elevation of the nozzle outlet so that the container can be removed from the dispensing unit without risk of further discharge from the outlet nozzle.