Noncircular replaceable fuel filter elements and systems including the same

Abstract

One embodiment is a filter assembly wherein the shape of the filter is a non-circular geometry. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods to remove contaminates from a flow of fuel while at the same time providing a unique filter and filter assembly geometry. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a filter element suitable for filtering fuel having a substantially ellipsoid planar section normal to a major axis;   a first endplate coupled to the filter element and having a substantially ellipsoid shape, the first endplate further including an aperture; and   a second endplate coupled to the filter element, the second endplate being solid with no aperture and having a peripheral edge defining a substantially circular shape.   
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising a centertube coupled to one of the first endplate and the second endplate. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the centertube has a substantially ellipsoid planar section normal to the major axis. 
     
     
         24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising a seal mounted to the first endplate and disposed about the aperture. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the centertube extends substantially parallel with the major axis from the first endplate to the second endplate and has a first end connected with the first endplate and a second end connected with the second endplate. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the first endplate includes a rib protruding towards the second endplate that defines the aperture in the first endplate.