What's this device called?

[hbelkins]

2021 Western road trip Day 4 - 043 by H.B. Elkins, on Flickr

What is the official name of this pedestrian crossing signal? And wasn't there some sort of controversy about this type of device recently, where it was deleted but later restored to the MUTCD?

[hotdogPi]

RRFB (rectangular rapid flashing beacon)

[Rothman]

RRFB (rectangular rapid flashing beacon)

I never can remember what the "r" stands for that doesn't stand for "rapid."

[vdeane]

As mentioned, they're RRFBs.  And yes, there was controversy due to a patent over the flash pattern.  This was resolved by changing to a more conventional flash pattern.

It hasn't yet made it to the full MUTCD... it had an interim approval (revoked and later restored due to said controversy) and is set to be fully incorporated with the 2020 MUTCD.

[hbelkins]

As mentioned, they're RRFBs.  And yes, there was controversy due to a patent over the flash pattern.  This was resolved by changing to a more conventional flash pattern.

It hasn't yet made it to the full MUTCD... it had an interim approval (revoked and later restored due to said controversy) and is set to be fully incorporated with the 2020 MUTCD.

Yep. I had forgotten what the dispute was over. They're popular in Montana. The photo I posted was from there, and I actually used one when I crossed the street at West Glacier.

[SkyPesos]

There's a similar type near where I live, but instead of a rectangular bar with flashing lights (those exist here too though), the lights are embedded into the edges of the sign. Also, the lights are triggered by a sensor instead of a button.

[Bruce]

I thought they were common in cities across the country? They certainly are widespread in the Northwest, even in small towns.

[Rothman]

I thought they were common in cities across the country? They certainly are widespread in the Northwest, even in small towns.

They are in NY.

[snowc]

I thought they were common in cities across the country? They certainly are widespread in the Northwest, even in small towns.

They are also here in the creek!

[jeffandnicole]

They appear to be the preferred option in NJ as well.