Patent Publication Number: US-6664898-B1

Title: Multiple hazard field marker and components therefor

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of Applicant&#39;s parent patent application Ser. No. 09/901,792 filed on Jul. 9, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,480,115, which is a division of Applicant&#39;s parent patent application Ser. No. 09/306,171 filed on May 6, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,259,373, issued on Jul. 10, 2001 which is a non-provisional application under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) of provisional application No. 60/085,159 filed on May 12, 1998. 
    
    
     GOVERNMENT RIGHTS 
     The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of Contract Number DABT31-97-C-0022 awarded by the Department of the Army. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a highly visible, easily deployed multiple hazard marker and multiple hazard marker system for breach lanes through a minefield, biohazard warning, chemical warning, buried power and fluid transmission lines, construction zones, surveying sites, flood warning, fire zone warnings, blasting zones and the like. 
     2. Prior Art Statement 
     Previous attempts to provide a marker for breach lanes through a minefield have resulted in at least two such markers known as the Air Implacement Marker (AIM) and the Impulse Cartridge Method (ICM). The ICM consists of a barrel assembly for accepting the pole like marker and a shell chamber for receiving an explosive shell. The pole like marker is adapted to be driven into the substrate to be marked, such as the ground, by firing the explosive shell within the chamber creating a driving force behind a top end of the pole like marker. Although suitable for earthen emplacement, utilization upon harder surfaces such as roadways is impossible. Furthermore, emplacement from the air, such as by helicopter, cannot be effected. Similar disadvantages exist with the Air Implacement Marker which is driven into the substrate to be marked by a short duration blast of a highly compressible fluid such as air. The AIMs are small diameter fiberglass poles having a reflective surface upon a portion of the length of the marker pole. These poles are subject to easy breakage during the emplacement process as the marker pole bends upon impact with the substrate when fired from a moving vehicle and fractures along stress lines within the fiberglass pole. Therefore, a significant need exists for a marker system employing markers which are adapted to stand upright upon contact with the substrate to be marked and which may be deployed from a moving vehicle. 
     It is known to provide a single hazard marker such as a road safety marker having three legs bound together at the top thereof and at another location thereon with a lighting housing atop the three legs. For instance, see the Design Pat. No. 389,078 issued on Jan. 13, 1998 to Freeman, et al. 
     Additionally, it is also known to provide a single hazard marker such as an emergency warning flag system to mark areas for use solely by emergency vehicles comprising a flag pole with a flag secured to the upper end thereof, a base unit and an attachment means extending downwardly from the base unit for securement to a ground surface. For instance, see the U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,004 issued on Oct. 31, 1995 to Clayton E. McGlothin. 
     It is also known to provide a single hazard marker such as a reflective element comprising a body member having optically reflective means on the outer surface thereof for attachment to a fence post. For instance, see the U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,895 issued on Mar. 24, 1998 to Owczarzak, et al. 
     It is also known to provide a single hazard marker such as a traffic signal marker comprising an unbreakable elongated light transmitting tube containing two manually miscible chemical reactants affixed to a base member comprising first and second support members to maintain the light in an upright position. For instance, see the U.S. Pat. No. 3,933,118 issued on Jan. 20, 1976 to Lyons, et al. 
     It is yet known to provide a single hazard marker such as a collapsible road hazard marker comprising a resilient spiral arm defining a collapsible body having a generally conical shape having an apex with a latch member mounted to the collapsible body at the apex and a base member for receiving the latch member. For instance, see the U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,705 issued on Apr. 26, 1994 to Greg R. Gagliano. 
     The prior art describes a single hazard marker system such as a reusable road hazard warning system comprising an elongated flexible carrier having a plurality of road warning elements attached thereto and normally maintained retracted when the carrier is disposed in a storage mode, the warning elements being erectable when the carrier is payed out upon a road surface. For instance, see the U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,089 issued on Nov. 12, 1985 to Thomas P. Mahoney. 
     Still known is to provide a single hazard marker such as an apparatus for marking the post-detonation safe area within an explosive terrain, the marking apparatus assembly including a housing means and adapted for delivery to the area by a remotely launched device, a means for ejecting the marking apparatus from the launched device, a plurality of marking means having means for extending associated therewith within the housing means and an initiating means for initiating the extension means by an external pressure source. For instance, see the U. S. Pat. No. 4,969,398 issued on Nov. 13, 1990 to Neal M. Lundwall. 
     It is further known to provide a two-stage release self-righting mechanism for use in erecting a load from a side position to an upright position comprising an array of spring legs for attachment to the load and a pair of primary and secondary releasable holder assemblies. For instance, see the U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,136 issued on Dec. 3, 1991 to Axelson, et al. 
     Another known single hazard marker is a deployable lane marker comprising a base, an illuminator and a frangible bracket releasably holding the illuminator in a lowered position on the base. For instance, see the U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,898 issued on Jan. 14, 1997 to John G. Korpi. 
     It is also known to provide an apparatus for deploying single hazard markers from a self-propelled land vehicle comprising at least one vertical shaft adapted to hold a stack of foldable markers in a folded position, a delivery gate at the lower end thereof, a means associated with the shaft for biasing the stack of markers toward the delivery gate, means associated with the gate for sequentially releasing markers. For instance, see the U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,515 issued on May 31, 1988 to Kasher, et al. 
     It is further known to identify certain hazards by spectroscopy. For instance, see the article by Caffrey, et al., “Chemical Warfare Agent and High Explosive Identification by Spectroscopy of Neutron-Induced Gamma Rays,” IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, Vol. 39, No. 5. 
     Also known is to detect certain biological hazards using a surface transverse wave resonator. For instance, see the article by McGowan, et al., “Biological Agent Detector using a Surface Transverse Wave Resonator: Preliminary Report,” 1994 IEEE MTT-S Digest, TU4D-4. 
     It is further known to neutralize CW agents. For instance, see the article by Yu-Chu Yang, “Chemical Reactions for Neutralising Chemical Warfare Agents,” published in the May 1, 1995 issue of Chemistry &amp; Industry, Vol. 8, pp 334-337. 
     Known sensors and circuits are described in the book by Joseph J. Carr,  Sensors and Circuits  published by Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1993. 
     It is known to detect mines in a mine field with electronic means. For instance, see the article by Earp, et al., “Ultra Wideband Ground Penetrating Radar for Detection of Buried Metallic Mines,” appearing in IEEE AES Systems, September 1996, Vol. 11, No.9. 
     Finally, it is known to detect mines in a mine field by an airborne minefield detection and reconnaissance system. For instance, see the article by Andre G. Lareau, “Flight Performance of an Airborne Minefield Detection and Reconnaissance System,” Photogrammetric Engineering &amp; Remote Sensing, Vol. 57, No. 2, February 1991, pp 173-178. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marking system comprising a deployment vehicle, a deployment surface, a plurality of multiple hazard markers and means to deploy the multiple hazard markers carried by the deployment vehicle, each multiple hazard marker having a means for standing erect upon the deployment surface, a means for visibly marking a location on the deployment surface, a means for visibly signaling the presence of physical hazards, a means for determining the presence of ABC hazards and a means for communicating. 
     A further object of this invention is to provide a multiple hazard marker system consisting of at least one multiple hazard marker, a deployment vehicle, a communication system, a deployment surface and a means for deploying the multiple hazard marker, the multiple hazard marker comprising a surface engaging portion, an upper portion and a central portion, a means for remaining erect when deployed associated with the surface engaging portion, a means for marking a position upon a field where deployed associated with the upper portion, a means for collapsing or expanding associated with the central portion, a means for signaling, a means for activating associated with the means for signaling and a means for transmitting associated with the means for activating wherein the means for deploying the multiple hazard marker comprises a means for collapsing the multiple hazard marker, a means for retaining the multiple hazard markers contained therein and at least one means for releasing the multiple hazard marker. 
     Yet another object of this invention is to provide a multiple hazard marking system which may be deployed by aircraft for marking the boundaries of a minefield wherein the mines in the field have been detected by ground penetrating radar or a thermal signature. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marker having means to remain erect on an even or uneven surface when deployed, the means to remain erect associated with a surface engaging portion and comprising a plurality of deployable leg elements, the leg elements having means for engaging the deployment surface. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marker having a self aligning mounting to align the mast vertically upon deployment and a plurality of deployable leg elements each journaled in a mounting plate in the central portion and extending therefrom, the leg elements having ground engaging spike like elements associated therewith. 
     Still another object of this invention is to provide a multiple hazard marker having means for visibly marking a location on the deployment surface that comprises at least one luminous device such as an illuminating means and/or a luminescent or fluorescent material and/or signal flags affixed to a top portion of the multiple hazard marker. 
     Yet another object of this invention is to provide a multiple hazard marker which is at least five feet in height for easy detection by ground based personnel or vehicles. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marker having spring actuated legs upon deployment from a deployment cartridge. 
     It is still another object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marker system having means for communicating including means for receiving radio frequency signals from remote transmitters, the means for communicating receiving information from a station remote from the multiple hazard markers deployed on a field, at least one of the remote transmitters associated with the deployment vehicle. 
     Additionally, it is an object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marker having means for signaling the presence of said ABC hazards wherein the means for signaling comprises means for changing the color of a luminous device associated with the multiple hazard marker and/or transmit information to a station remote from the multiple hazard markers deployed on a field. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marker which can be reprogrammed from a station remote from the multiple hazard markers deployed on a field. 
     Yet a further object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marker system wherein a multiple hazard marker of the system has a canister associated with one end of the mast thereof having means which can detect, and/or quantify and/or qualify atomic, biological and/or chemical hazards, the multiple hazard marker further having means for communicating comprising means for electronically transmitting toxicity levels and/or means for visibly signaling the presence of the ABC hazards. 
     Still a further object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marker which may be deployed seriatim to mark at least one edge of a lane through a hazardous field from a deployment vehicle such as a military tank moving at a speed of up to fifteen kilometers per hour, the multiple hazard markers being deployed from either side of the tank, the multiple hazard markers standing and remaining erect upon the deployment surface after deployment. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marker system having multiple deployments from an automated, rotary carousel magazine having multiple rows of multiple hazard marker cartridges mounted therein, the carousel having means for rotating, stopping and deploying associated therewith. 
     Finally, it is an object of this invention to provide a multiple hazard marker which is deployed by gravity from a deployment vehicle. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the multiple hazard marker system of this invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the multiple hazard marker deployed upon a field to be marked. 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of the cartridge utilized in the multiple hazard marker system of FIG. 1 having a multiple hazard marker in a stowed position therein. 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the multiple hazard marker of the multiple hazard marking system of FIG. 1 having the central portion on sheet  4   a , the mast of the multiple hazard marker on sheet  4   b  and one of the legs on sheet  4   c.    
     FIG. 5 is a top plan section view of the release mechanism of the multiple hazard marker system of FIG. 1 taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a signal device utilized in the multiple hazard marker of the multiple hazard marker system of this invention. 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the means for deploying the multiple hazard marker of the multiple hazard marker system of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred multiple hazard marker of the multiple hazard marking system of FIG. 1 having the central portion on sheet  8   a , the mast of the multiple hazard marker on sheet  8   b  and one of the legs on sheet  8   c.    
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the preferred multiple hazard marker of this invention shown in the collapsed state for loading into the deployment cartridge of the multiple hazard marking system of FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the various features of this invention are hereinafter described and illustrated as a multiple hazard marker system consisting of a multiple hazard marker, a deployment surface and a means for deploying the multiple hazard marker, wherein the multiple hazard marker comprises a surface engaging portion, an upper portion and a central portion, a means for remaining erect when deployed associated with the surface engaging portion, a means for marking a position upon a field where deployed associated with the upper portion, a means for collapsing or expanding associated with the central portion, a means for signaling, a means for activating associated with the means for signaling and a means for transmitting associated with the means for activating and the means for deploying the multiple hazard marker comprising a means for collapsing the multiple hazard marker, a means for retaining the multiple hazard marker and a means for releasing the multiple hazard marker, it is to be understood that the various features of this invention can be used singly or in various combinations thereof in a system of marking a position upon a deployment surface and/or indicating the presence of hazardous conditions therearound as can hereinafter be appreciated from a reading of the following description. For instance, the multiple hazard marker of this invention may be as depicted in FIGS. 4 a ,  4   b , and  4   c  or may be as shown in FIGS. 8 a ,  8   b  and  8   c  or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the showing of the embodiments in the figures is merely representative of the myriad of multiple hazard markers which can be constructed to accomplish the purposes of this invention and this invention is not to be limited in the scope by the figures presented. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, the multiple hazard marker system generally described by the numeral  150  consists of a means  100  for deploying the multiple hazard marker  10  mounted upon a ground engaging deployment vehicle  160 , means for deploying  100  having at least one multiple hazard marker  10  therein. As best observed in FIG. 7, means for deploying  100  comprises a mounting bracket  103  generally horizontally disposed for mounting upon deployment vehicle  160 , however, means for deploying  100  may be altered to allow mounting bracket  103  to be disposed in any other orientation as required by the structure of deployment vehicle  160 . Mounting bracket  103  comprises a channel  102 , a mounting bar  101  and attachment pins  104 , channel  102  having openings  105  and mounting bar  101  having openings  106  respectively, openings  105  and  106  adapted to receive attachment pins  104  therein. Channel  102  is adapted to slide longitudinally along mounting bar  101  for extending or retracting means for deploying  100  therealong in order to place means for deploying  100  at further or closer orientations to an edge  161  of deployment vehicle  160 . Three mounting openings  105 ,  106  are shown in each of channel  102  and mounting bar  101  respectively, however, it is to be understood that openings  105  and/or  106  may be disposed along the entire length of channel  102  or mounting bar  101  to provide for a greater number of longitudinal orientations. 
     In FIG. 7, a cartridge tube  120  is affixed to the terminal end  107  of channel  102  in an orientation to provide for vertical deployment of multiple hazard marker  10  therefrom. Cartridge tube  120  is mounted at a right angle to channel  102  as channel  102  is adapted to slide horizontally along mounting bar  101  atop deployment vehicle  160 . Channel  102  is shown oriented downwardly with the majority of the closed end removed for clarity, however open channel  108  may be upwardly oriented or toward either side as well. Cartridge tube  120  is permanently fixed to terminal end  107  and has a lower end  121  disposed slightly below the lower surface  158  of mounting bar  101  such that lower end  121  is located above a deployment surface  90  at least the length  11  of a deployed multiple hazard marker  10 . Referring also to FIG. 3, cartridge tube  120  is generally tubular having a diameter  123 , an upper end  122  and a length  124  between lower end  121  and upper end  122 . Length  124  is generally at least the length of a collapsed multiple hazard marker such as multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A shown therein such that the multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A assumes a vertical orientation within cartridge  120 . Therefore , length  124  is at least three feet and may be more than five feet, and in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 a ,  8   b  and  8   c , cartridge  120  may have more than one multiple hazard marker  10 A held therein ready for deployment therefrom. As cartridge  120  stands upright in a vertical orientation, upright standards  110  and angled support braces  109  are affixed to channel  102 , upright standards  110  extending upwardly at a right angle from each upright edge  111 ,  112  of channel  102  a portion of length  124  of cartridge  120 . Angled support braces  109  are disposed at an angle to channel  102  and affixed to pads  116  fixed in turn to upright edges  111 ,  112  at one end  113  thereon and to upright standards  110  near an opposite end  115  thereof, ends  115  extending alongside cartridge  120  and further being affixed thereto. A support  117  may be affixed to upright standards  110  at the upper ends  118  thereof, ends  115  of angled support braces  109  protruding through holes  114  in support  117 . Support  117  generally extends above upper ends  118  of upright standards  110  providing more support to cartridge  120 . 
     Referring again to FIG. 1, the embodiment shown on the right side of deployment vehicle  160  in FIG. 1, a military tank, must be reloaded after deployment of the multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A therein, however, an automated deployment device  165  shown on the left side of deployment vehicle  160  having a plurality of means for deploying  100  arranged in a circular fashion about a central point  157  forming a carousel  164  may be employed to deploy a plurality of multiple hazard markers  10 ,  10 A in sequential fashion. Carousel  164  is shown on the left side of deployment vehicle  160  and may contain up to one hundred means for deploying  100 , carousel  164  rotating an angular amount equal to the angular distance between the centerlines  162  of each means for deploying  100  for each multiple hazard marker  10 , 10 A to be deployed. Carousel  164  has a control and drive mechanism  159  to control the rotation thereof and fix each sequential means for deploying  100  in a deployment position approximating the deployment position of the single means for deploying  100  shown on the right side of deployment vehicle  160 . Of course, multiple circular rows  163  of means for deploying  100  may be provided for in carousel  164  by reducing the number of means for deploying  100  for each successive inwardly disposed row  163 . Cartridge tube  120  has both ends  121 ,  122  open for ease of loading and deploying of multiple hazard markers  10 ,  10 A and due to the height of the tank, the lower end  121  is disposed approximately seven feet above deployment surface  90 . 
     The preferred embodiment of the marker  10  of this invention is adapted to be deployed in a collapsed condition and ready to expand vertically and horizontally on alighting upon deployment surface  90 . Thus, the marker  10 A shown in FIGS. 8 a ,  8   b ,  8   c  and  9 , when deployed from cartridge tube  120  of means for deploying  100 , has a means for expanding  12 A associated with a central portion  13 A, a means for remaining erect  14 A associated with a surface engaging portion  15 A, means for expanding  12 A allowing for vertical expansion of an upper portion  17 A and horizontal expansion of the means to remain erect  14 A as will hereinafter be fully explained. Multiple hazard marker  10 A shown in FIGS. 8 a ,  8   b  &amp;  8   c  may be loaded in a cartridge  120  having multiple release mechanisms  119  for holding several multiple hazard markers  10 A therein, each marker  10 A being in a collapsed state and being deployed by gravity from lower end  121 . 
     Multiple hazard marker  10 A of FIG. 9 has an upper portion shown in FIG. 8 b  generally described by the numeral  17 A, a central portion in FIG. 8 a  generally described by the numeral  13 A and a surface engaging portion in FIG. 8 c  generally described by the numeral  15 A. Upper portion  17 A comprises an elongated mast  18 A having an upper end  19 A and a lower end  20 A and is generally a hollow tube in several sections, each section approximately one foot long, the uppermost section  18 A′ having an outside surface  28 A, a bore  29 A′, outside surface  28 A being threaded on terminal end  238 . Elongated mast  18 A is adapted to be extended to a length substantially equal to the sum of the lengths of the individual sections and in this preferred embodiment is substantially equal to five times the length of uppermost section  18 A′ as measured from terminal end  238  to lower end  239 . Lowermost section  18 A″ is threaded on both ends thereof, threads  214  on lower end  20 A being threadedly received in a spherical bearing or gimbal  51 A to be hereinafter described, lower end  20 A further has a hole  218  disposed therethrough for accepting a roll pin  219  therein. Roll pin  219  is inserted into hole  218  and a hole  221  in stud  232  of counterweight  87 A after assembly of mast  18 A and insertion of a compression spring  220  through the hollow portions of each section of mast  18 A. Uppermost section  18 A′ carries a means for marking  16 A which may comprise a luminescent or phosphorescent coating  22 A on a portion  21 A of outside surface  28 A for ready recognition in dark environs, and/or the identification flag  155  of FIG. 4 b  having indicia  156  thereupon, and may further comprise a lighting lens  24 A of means for signaling  36  of FIG. 6 affixed to terminal end  23 A, lighting lens  24 A illuminated by one of electrically actuated light bulbs  32 , bulbs  32  providing a constant source rather than a pulsating strobe for enhanced use in limited visibility. Means for marking  16 A is readily observed by personnel on foot or in vehicles as terminal end  23 A is adapted to be disposed at least five feet above deployment surface  90 . 
     Lower end  20 A of lowermost section  18 A″ of mast  18 A has a counterweight  87 A associated therewith, counterweight  87 A shown in FIG. 8 a  providing a righting moment to elongated mast  18 A thus making mast  18 A always substantially vertical after multiple hazard marker  10 A is fully deployed upon deployment surface  90 . Referring to FIG. 8 a , mast  18 A is supported in a spherical bearing or gimbal  51 A mounted in a mounting bore  76 A disposed in a top plate  38 A and press fit thereinto. Counterweight  87 A may be a solid metallic mass and is typically about three inches in diameter and four inches in length. One end is tapered and at the juncture of the taper, a cushion  210  is provided. On one end  233 , stud  232  is substantially the same diameter as inner bore  29 A of lowermost section  18 A″ of mast  18 A with threads  235  on an opposite end thereof for being threaded into threaded bore  89 A opposite the tapered end of counterweight  87 A. Counterweight  87 A is preferably made of steel but may be brass, lead, cast iron or a thermoplastic material containing comminuted particles of a metallic material. 
     As best observed in FIG. 8 a , central portion  13 A comprises top plate  38 A, substantially conical housing  31 A, gimbal  51 A, a base mounting plate  50 A having ears  58 A affixed to the outer curved surface  72 A thereof and associated securement parts hereinafter described. In this preferred embodiment, top plate  38 A is flat sheet metal disc having an outer diameter  57 A welded to an upper end  148 A of conical housing  31 A. Conical housing  31 A is preferably formed of sheet metal, rolled into a conical shape with the terminal ends of the sheet butt welded to form a rigid upright cone as shown. Base mounting plate  50 A is a shallow pan-like element also formed of sheet metal and is welded to a lower end  147 A of conical housing  31 A after assembly of all parts of surface engaging portion  15 A hereinafter described thereonto. Leg slots  39 A are disposed within protruding ears  58 A, ears  58 A generally disposed ninety degrees apart on outer curved surface  72 A though a greater or lesser number of ears  58 A may be affixed thereto for accepting a greater or lesser number of legs  37 A. Only two ears  58 A are shown in FIG. 8 a  for clarity. Leg pins  41 A are adapted to be disposed through leg pin holes  40 A which are formed perpendicular to leg slots  39 A through lobes  60 A of ears  58 A and thus legs  37 A are joumaled therein. Leg pin holes  40 A pass completely through lobes  60 A such that leg pins  41 A may be inserted from either lobe  60 A through leg  37 A and pivot sleeve  43 A into the opposite lobe  60 A thereby pivotally attaching legs  37 A to base mounting plate  50 A. Leg pin holes  40 A may be counter bored in one of lobes  60 A for accepting a socket head cap screw  61  of FIG. 4 a  therein as leg pin  41 A, socket head cap screw  61  having a threaded portion  63  and a head portion  64 , head portion  64  adapted to be seated in the counter bore  62  when threaded portion  63  is disposed through leg holes  40 A, pivot sleeve  43 A and leg  37 A into a threaded portion  63 A of leg pin hole  40 A. In the preferred embodiment, threaded portion  63 A is omitted and leg hole  40 A is a smooth bore through both lobes  60 A. When used, socket head cap screws  61  have mating nuts  180  threaded onto threaded portion  63  thereof, nuts  180  disposed against an outer edge  178 A of one lobe  60 A while head portion  64  bears against outer edge  178 A of the other lobe  60 A. Carriage bolts or machine bolts having a head portion  64  and a threaded portion  63  may also be used in place of socket head cap screws  61 . Similarly, a fixed diameter pin may be inserted therein and peened on either or both ends fixing same in pivot hole  40 A in lobes  60 A. 
     Top plate  38 A has upper surface  66 A and lower surface  67 A, with a mounting hole  76 A bored through from upper surface  66 A to lower surface  67 A on centerline  53 A for receiving gimbal  51 A therein. Mounting hole  76 A is substantially larger in diameter than the outside diameter  78 A of lowermost section  18 A″ of mast  18  but is substantially the same diameter as mounting sleeve  224  of gimbal  51 A for press fitting gimbal  51 A thereinto. Since mounting hole  76 A is substantially larger in diameter than lowermost section  18 A″ of mast  18 A, mast  18 A is readily tiltable and rotatable therewithin after assembly of multiple hazard marker  10 A. 
     Gimbal  51 A has a threaded hole  75 A substantially the same diameter as outer diameter  78 A of lowermost section  18 A″ of mast  18 A through its geographic center for threadedly receiving mast  18 A therein. Typically, gimbal  51 A is a spherical bearing mounted in a mounting sleeve  224 , mounting sleeve  224  adapted to frictionally engage bore  76 A in top plate  38 A. As gimbal  51 A is free to rotate within mounting sleeve  224 , mast  18 A always assumes a vertical orientation without regard to the contour of deployment surface  90 . 
     Referring again to FIGS. 8 a ,  8   b  and  8   c , multiple hazard marker  10 A is assembled by first press fitting gimbal mount  224  into top plate  38 A, threading lower end  20 A of mast  18 A into and through threaded bore  75 A in gimbal  51 A such that hole  218  through lowermost mast portion  18 A″ is accessible below gimbal  51 A. Compression spring  220  is inserted into bore  29 A of mast  18 A fully extending mast  18 A. Stud  232  is then inserted into lower end  20 A mast  18 A and roll pin  219  is driven through holes  218  and  221  affixing stud  232  to mast  18 A below gimbal  51 A. Top plate  38 A is welded to upper end  148 A of housing  31 A before assembly of counterweight  87 A upon lower end  20 A of mast  18 A. 
     Referring now to FIG. 8 b , mast  18 A comprises several short sections beginning with the largest diameter piece, lowermost section  18 A″ and terminating in the smallest diameter piece, uppermost section  18 A′, all these sections joined together in a manner well known in the art such that mast  18 A may be telescopically extended to its full height without the individual sections becoming separated. Uppermost section  18 A′ has threads  237  upon its terminal end  238  for receiving an instrument housing  234  thereon. Bore  29 A′ in uppermost section  18 A′ is slightly smaller than the outside diameter of compression spring  220  such that compression spring  220  bears against the lower end  239  thereof allowing for full extension of mast  18 A. Mast latch mount  216  is slipped over terminal end  238  of uppermost mast section  18 A′ aligning threaded hole  247  with threads  213  and threaded upon threads  213  on lowermost mast section  18 A″. Mast latches  240  are pinned to mast latch mount  216  with latch pins  241  passing through latch pin holes  242  in mast latch mount  216  and hole  243  in latch  240 . Mast latch  240  may be biased outwardly from mast  18 A with a biasing element  95  similar to spring  96  shown in FIG. 8 c  wrapped around latch pin  241  with ends  201  and  202  associated with latch mount  216  and latch  240  respectively. Threaded hole  247 ′ in mast latch plate  215  is aligned with threads  237  upon terminal end  238  of uppermost mast section  18 A′ and then threaded thereon leaving a portion of threads  237  visible above mast latch plate  215  for mounting instrument housing  234  thereon. Mast latch plate  215  and mast latch mount  216  are formed from flat plates of metal and are substantially equal in size. Slots  244 ,  244 ′ are machined into each end of each plate  215 ,  216  with latch pin holes  242 ,  242 ′ cross bored through the ends thereof adapted to have latch pins  241 ,  241 ′ inserted therein. Latch pins  241 ,  241 ′ are typically one inch long, one quarter inch diameter roll pins and are inserted into latch pin holes  242  in mast latch plate  215  for receiving latch  240  thereon. Slots  244 ′ in mast latch plate  215  are aligned with slots  244  in mast latch mount  216  and set screws  245 ,  245 ′ are threaded into cross bored holes  246 ,  246 ′ in mast latch plate  215  and mast latch mount  216  to maintain alignment of slots  244 ,  244 ′. Mast  18 A may then be compressed to its shortest height, substantially equal to the length of lowermost mast section  18 A″ with latches  240  being registered with latch pins  241 ′ in mast latch plate  215  to retain mast  18 A in a compressed condition. Latches  240  are formed from flat bar stock and are identical to leg latch  217  without a protruding latch finger  262 . 
     Upper end  19 A of mast  18 A is then fitted with an instrument housing  234  by threading instrument housing  234  upon threaded end  237  of uppermost section  18 A′. Instrument housing  234  is formed as a hollow sphere in two mating halves adapted to be threaded together. One half has a threaded hole  236  to be received onto threads  237  of upper most section  18 A′ of mast  18 A. Instrument housing  234  has circuit board  91  of FIG. 6 mounted therein, circuit board  91  having electronic transmitters, integrated circuitry, means for detecting  305  including sensing elements  280 , means for signaling  36  including light bulbs  32 , means for receiving  285 , including receiver module  94  and receivers  137 , means for activating  290 , means for controlling  310  and means for switching  135  included in command signal impulse actuator  93 , means for communicating  300  and means  295  for transmitting and solar generators. Circuit board  91  may receive power for transmission by absorbing power from the initial detected received transmission through inductive coupling. If it is desired to provide communication between instrument housing  234  and housing  31 A, connecting wires may be threaded through bore  29 A of mast  18 A from instrument housing  234  to housing  31 A, these wires assuming a coil like structure when mast  18 A is compressed and exiting mast  18 A above the end of stud  232  through a hole provided in lower end  20 A of lowermost mast section  18 A″. Instrument housing  234  contains means for marking  16 A a location on deployment surface  90 , means for marking  16 A comprising a means for visibly signaling  36  the presence of physical hazards by signal flags  155  affixed to marker  10 A and/or at least one luminous device  24 A associated therewith, means for determining  305  the presence of ABC hazards and a means for communicating  300 , the means for communicating  300  including a means for receiving  285  radio frequency signals from remote transmitters and/or a means for electronically transmitting  295  toxicity levels of said ABC hazards to remote transceivers. The means for signaling  36  the presence of said ABC hazards may also comprise a means for changing  86  the color of the luminous device  24 A associated with said marker  10 A. The short-range wireless transceivers are capable of sending an identifying code and several multiplexed data streams. The transceivers operate at low-power (less than 2 W), over short-to-intermediate range (˜1 km minimum goal), are capable of being carried in the pocket of a battle dress uniform and are commercially available off-the-shelf components. In the preferred embodiment of the marker system  150  of this invention, at least one of the remote transceivers is associated with deployment vehicle  160 . When flag  155  is used on marker  10 A, uppermost mast section  18 A′ functions as a flag carrying tube  169 , flag  155  affixed around the outer periphery  28 A thereof and secured upon itself with the hook and loop fastener associated with flag  155 . 
     Base mounting plate  50 A is a shallow like pan structure and comprises a flat base disc  222  and an upright peripheral wall  223  welded thereto. Flat base disc  222  has inside surface  70 A and bottom surface  71 A. Ears  58 A are welded to outer curved surface  72 A of upright wall  223 , ears  58 A protruding outwardly therefrom. A series of foot holes  253  arranged in radial rows are disposed through flat base disc  222  for receiving feet  48 A therein. 
     Referring now to FIG. 8 c , preferably, legs  37 A are cut to length from a section of ¾″ square tubing having a wall thickness of {fraction (1/16)}″ and have pivot tongues  207  welded to opposite sides thereof, pivot tongues  207  formed from ⅛″ thick flat metal strips and extending beyond the end of the section of square tubing. Pivot tongues  207  have pivot holes  208  disposed therethrough for receiving leg pins  41 A therein at assembly of legs  37 A. On the surface  249  of pivot end  45 A opposite pivot tongues  207 , a steel pivot lug  248  is welded, pivot lug  248  having a leg pivot hole  184 A disposed therethrough for receiving a brass pivot bushing  43 A. Legs  37 A are mounted in slots  39 A shown in FIG. 8 a , and are pinned thereto utilizing leg pins  41 A. Each leg  37 A has a pivot sleeve  43 A disposed through a leg hole  184 A bored through pivot lug  248  of leg  37 A adjacent a pivot end  45 A thereof, sleeve  43 A press fitted therein and extending completely through pivot lug  248 , sleeve  43 A having a length substantially the same as the distance between lobes  60 A. Pivot sleeve  43 A provides for easy assembly of legs  37 A into slots  39 A. Legs  37 A are generally square but may be circular, triangular or any other cross sectional shape. The diameter of pivot holes  84 A through sleeves  43 A is substantially the same as the diameter of leg pins  41 A allowing for free movement thereon. Leg  37 A is biased outwardly away from base mounting plate  50 A by a spring  96  wound around sleeves  43 A with end  201  disposed within leg  37 A and end  202  disposed against outer curved surface  72 A. Opposite pivot end  45 A of leg  37 A is an articulated leg extension  204 , leg extension  204  biased in an outward direction by another spring  96  wound around sleeves  43 A with end  202  disposed within leg  37 A and end  201  disposed within leg extension  204  and adapted to be disposed along the same axis as leg  37 A. Leg extensions  204  are also cut to length from a section of ¾″ square tubing having a wall thickness of {fraction (1/16)}″ and have one end  227  rounded terminating in curved surfaces  226 , end  227  cross drilled with a pivot hole  205 . Springs  96  allow leg  37 A and leg extension  204  to flex upwardly on an uneven deployment surface  90 . Leg extension  204  is prevented from moving beyond a straight line extension of leg  37 A by a stop pin  225  welded across pivot tongues  207  of leg  37 A, stop pin  225  bearing against the lower surface  250  of leg extension  204  at the juncture of curved surface  226  and lower surface  250 . At assembly, leg pin  41 A affixes leg extension  204  to leg  37 A by first passing through one pivot hole  208  in leg  37 A then through one pivot hole  205  of leg extension  204  then through spring  96  and finally through the other pivot holes  205 ,  208 . Socket head cap screws  61  may be used as leg pins  41 A, socket head cap, screws  61  having nuts  180  affixed to the threaded portion  63 , head portion  64  of cap screw  61  bearing against surface  228  and nut  180  bearing against surface  229  of leg  37 A. Each of leg  37 A and leg extension  204  have a plurality of toes  49 A associated therewith. Toes  49 A are affixed to outer surfaces  230  of leg  37 A and  231  of leg extension  204  for positive engagement with deployment surface  90 . Toes  49 A are pointed such that toes  49 A penetrate deployment surface  90  thereby establishing firm engagement for multiple hazard marker  10 A. Toes  49 A are conical arrow point elements having a point  98 A at one end and a threaded portion  209  at the opposite end thereof. Toes  49 A are generally threaded into toe holes  206  provided in outer surfaces  230  and  231  of leg  37 A and leg extension  204  respectively. 
     Referring again to FIG. 8 a , a skid plate  99  is formed from a flat piece of sheet metal having an upturned peripheral edge  251  forming a shallow lipped open pan. Edge  251  extends beyond the outer curved surface  72 A of base mounting plate  50 A and is angled upwardly from the plane of the flat sheet by 45 degrees. Skid plate  99  is biased away from base mounting plate  50 A for absorbing shock for multiple hazard marker  10 A when deployed upon deployment surface  90 . A series of feet  48 A are welded to skid plate  99  on an inside surface  252  thereof at the same spacing and radial arrangement as the arrangement of foot holes  253  in base mounting plate  50 A. Feet  48 A have upper end  200 A threaded whilst end  212  is machined square for welding to skid plate  99 . Springs  190 A are provided over feet  48 A after feet  48 A are welded to skid plate  99 . Feet  48 A are then aligned with foot holes  253  in base mounting plate  50 A having threaded portion  211  extending therethrough. Nuts  180  are affixed to threaded portions  211  of feet  48 A thereby affixing skid plate  99  to base mounting plate  50 A. Feet  48 A are adapted to move freely through foot holes  253  thus providing for the aforementioned shock absorbing capabilities. Skid plate  99  also has toe holes  254  disposed into the exterior surface  255  thereof, toe holes  254  adapted to threadedly receive toes  49 A therein for aggressively gripping deployment surface  90  when alighting thereupon. Toe holes  254  are spaced from the locations of each of feet  48 A but may be aligned therewith with toes  49 A threading into feet  48 A by providing a threaded hole in each of feet  48 A. Thus, surface engaging portion  15 A is readied for assembly to central portion  13 A of marker  10 A. 
     After assembly and until alighting upon deployment surface  90 , legs  37 A along with leg extensions  204  are latched in a folded position upon an outer angled surface  256  of housing  31 A. An actuating mechanism, generally shown in FIG. 8 a  with numeral  257  is affixed to angled surface  256  having an actuating finger  258  adapted to rest upon upturned edge  251  of skid plate  99  such that when skid plate  99  moves upon contact with deployment surface  90 , actuating finger  258  causes leg catches  217  to release legs  37 A and leg extensions  204 . Actuating mechanism  257  comprises leg catches  217 , actuating finger  258 , lever arm  259 , lever mount  260 , latch mounts  261 ,  261 ′ and latch finger  262 ; lever mounts  260  and latch mounts  261 ,  261 ′ welded to angled surface  256  of housing  31 A. Latch mounts  261 ,  261 ′ have an angled base  263  cut at the same angle as angled surface  256  and are transversely mounted on angled surface  256 . One latch mount  261 ′ is longer than latch mount  261  due to the angled surface  256 . Latch mounts  261 ,  261 ′ have pin holes  276 ,  276 ′ therethrough for receiving a pivot pin  264  therein for rotatably affixing leg catch  217  thereto. Lever mount  260  is also welded to angled surface  256  but is disposed longitudinally along angled surface  256  and thus has a square cut base. Leg catch  217  is formed from a flat piece of bar stock and has a square surface  266  disposed longitudinally and laterally from a pivot pin hole  278 , square surface  266  adapted to engage leg extension  204  to retain leg  37 A in the folded position. Leg catch  217  also has latch finger  262  extending away from leg latch  217  adapted to fit within a trip hole  267  in lever arm  259 . Lever arm  259  is a flat piece of bar stock having one section  268  angled upwardly to space trip hole  267  at the proper distance to receive latch finger  262  therein. The straight section  269  of lever arm  259  lies substantially parallel to angled surface  256  of housing  31 A. Lever arm  259  has a central pivot pin hole  273  approximately centrally located in the length thereof and one additional pin hole  274  located near an end  270  of section  269 . Actuating finger  258  is a ⅛″ thick flat piece of bar stock having a pivot pin hole  275  near an end opposite skid plate engaging surface  271 , pivot pin hole  275  adapted to be fitted with a pivot pin  264  in engagement with pivot pin hole  274  in end  270  of lever arm  259 , skid plate engaging surface  271  adapted to rest upon up-turned edge  251  of skid plate  99 . Skid plate engaging surface  271  of actuating finger  258  may be welded to upturned edge  251  after assembly of marker  10 A. After lever mount  260  and latch mounts  261 ,  261 ′ have been welded to angled surface  256 , lever arm  259  is pinned to lever mount  260  through pivot pin hole  272  in lever mount  260  and the central pivot hole  273  with a pivot pin  264  which may be a bolt or peened rivet. Leg latch mounts  261 ,  261 ′ are then welded to angled surface  256  spaced from lever mount  260  and leg latch  217  pinned thereto with a pivot pin  264 . Actuating finger  258  is pinned to lever  259  at lever pin hole  274  with a pivot pin  264 . Latch finger  262  is then inserted into trip hole  267  awaiting folding of legs  37 A at final assembly. In FIG. 9, the assembled latching mechanism  257  is shown holding leg  37 A against housing  31 A. 
     Prior to assembly of surface engaging portion  15 A with central portion  13 A, and if desired, additional circuit boards  91  including electronic transmitters, integrated circuitry, means for detecting  305  including sensing elements  280 , means for signaling  36  including light bulbs  32 , means for receiving  285 , including receiver module  94  and receivers  137 , means for activating  290 , means for controlling  310  and means for switching  135  included in command signal impulse actuator  93 , means for communicating  300  and means  295  for transmitting may be mounted in housing  31 A and connected to wires leading from instrument housing  234 . When all onboard equipment is mounted and multiple hazard marker  10 A is ready for final assembly, surface engaging portion  15 A comprising skid plate  99 , base mounting plate  50 A having legs  37 A pivotally mounted in ears  58 A, is brought into position below conical housing  31 A such that lower end  147 A thereof is brought into contact with the top edge  277  of base mounting plate  50 A. Lower end  147 A may have an internal or external thread for mating with a corresponding thread on top edge  277  but preferably, lower end  147 A is welded to top edge  277 . Upon assembly of these mating edges, legs  37 A are folded upon angled surface  256  of housing  31 A and latched thereto with square surface  266  of actuating mechanism  257  overlying a portion of either leg  37 A or leg extension  204  to retain leg  37 A thereagainst until multiple hazard marker  10 A engages deployment surface  90 . Upon complete assembly of multiple hazard marker  10 A with legs  37 A folded upon angled surface  256  and mast  18 A collapsed, the overall height of marker  10 A is approximately two feet and at least two multiple hazard markers  10 A may be readied for deployment in each cartridge tube  120 , each multiple hazard marker  10 A resting upon a separate release mechanism  119 . 
     Multiple hazard marker  10 A, when deployed from cartridge  120  falls toward deployment surface  90  in the fully collapsed state having leg catches  217  retaining legs  37 A against angled surface  256  of housing  31 A and mast latches  240  retaining mast  18 A in a fully collapsed condition. As skid plate  99  contacts deployment surface  90 , skid plate  99  moves toward base mounting plate  50 A, absorbing the initial shock of the drop from deployment cartridge  120 , actuating fingers  258  move end  270  of lever arm  259  away from housing  3   1 A causing trip hole  267  to move toward angled surface  256  moving latch finger  262  along therewith thereby detaching square surface  266  from leg  37 A or leg extension  204 . Legs  37 A and leg extensions  204  spring away from angled surface  256  under force of springs  96  until toes  49  on legs  37 A and leg extensions  204  contact deployment surface  90 . Toes  49  are pointed to firmly engage deployment surface  90 , and, along with toes  49  on skid plate  99 , assist in retaining multiple hazard marker  10 A in a fixed position thereon. Upon alighting on deployment surface  90 , the weight of instrument housing  234  and mast latch plate  215  cause a slight rebound in mast  18 A causing latches  240  to fall away from mast latch plate  215  releasing mast  18 A. Spring  190 A within mast  18 A causes mast  18 A to fully telescopically expand to its full height. Thus, multiple hazard marker  10 A extends to its full deployment height of approximately two meters. Once deployed upon deployment surface  90 , multiple hazard marker  10 A may be initialized by a remote transceiver or may begin its own initialization and sampling sequence having been preset to begin upon deployment. 
     An alternate embodiment of the multiple hazard marker of this invention is adapted to be deployed primarily in an already erect orientation. Thus, in the multiple hazard marker  10  shown in FIGS. 4 a ,  4   b  and  4   c , cartridge tube  120  has an end cap  59  affixed to upper end  122  after multiple hazard marker  10  is inserted thereinto, end cap  59  depressing flag carrying tube  169 , when used, onto mast  18  against a spring  168 . The primary purpose of spring  168  is to extend flag carrying tube  169  after deployment of multiple hazard marker  10 , however, it is readily apparent from the reading of the following description that multiple hazard marker  10  is predisposed to be deployed sharply downwardly upon release of a release mechanism  119  as spring  168  assists gravity by pushing multiple hazard marker  10  from cartridge tube  120 . Thus, as will be apparent from FIGS. 3 and 4, as multiple hazard marker  10  is deployed from cartridge tube  120  of means for deploying  100 , a means for expanding  12  associated with a central portion  13  of multiple hazard marker  10  forms a means for remaining erect  14  associated with a surface engaging portion  15  of multiple hazard marker  10  as will hereinafter be fully explained. In a similar manner, the multiple hazard marker  10 A shown in FIGS. 8 a ,  8   b  &amp;  8   c  may be loaded in a cartridge  120  having multiple release mechanisms  119  for holding multiple hazard markers  10 A therein, each multiple hazard marker  10 A being in a collapsed state &amp; being deployed by gravity from lower end  121 . 
     As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, multiple hazard marker  10  has an upper portion in FIG. 4 b  generally described by the numeral  17 , a central portion in FIG. 4 a  generally described by the numeral  13  and a surface engaging lower portion in FIG. 4 c  generally described by the numeral  15 . Upper portion  17  comprises an elongated mast  18  having an upper end  19  and a lower end  20  and is generally a hollow tube having an outside surface  28 , a bore  29  and a length  30  as measured from terminal end  23  to lower end  20 . Where used as a simple marker  10 , such as in a minefield, mast  18  may be a solid rod, however, in the preferred embodiment, mast  18  is tubular and further has a hole  166  disposed therethrough for accepting a roll pin  167  therein. Roll pin  167  is inserted into hole  166  after assembly of a compression spring  168  and flag carrying tube  169  thereupon. Flag carrying tube  169  has a slot  170  disposed through its wall  171 , slot  170  extending approximately one half the length thereof having a first end  173  spaced above lower end  172  such that slot  170  does not breach end  172 . Spring  168  is disposed within flag carrying tube  169 , upper end  174  of spring  168  adapted to bear against the inside of a closed terminal end  23 ′ while lower end  175  of spring  168  bears against terminal end  23  of mast  18 . Whether used as a simple marker  10  described above or used for one of the multiple uses hereinafter described, upper end  19  carries a means for marking  16  which may comprise a luminescent or phosphorescent coating  22  on a portion  21  of outside surface  28  for ready recognition in dark environs, and/or an identification flag  155  having indicia  156  thereupon, and may further comprise a lighting lens  24 , of means for signaling  36  as shown in FIG. 6, affixed to terminal end  23  or  23 ′, lighting lens  24  illuminated by one of electrically actuated light bulbs  32 . Flag  155  or indicia  156  may also be made luminescent or phosphorescent. Upper end  19  may also have receiving antenna  25  and transmitting antenna  26  associated therewith, receiving antenna  25  electrically isolated from transmitting antenna  26  by insulating sleeve  27 , receiving antenna  25  and transmitting antenna  26  having functions hereinafter described. Means for marking  16  is readily observed by personnel on foot or in vehicles as terminal end  23 ,  23 ′ is adapted to be disposed at least five feet above deployment surface  90 . 
     Flag  155  has a hook and loop fastener affixed to one surface  179  thereof for wrapping about mast  18  or about flag carrying tube  169  and securing the hook side to the loop side of the hook and loop fastener. When employed, flag carrying tube  169  has luminescent or phosphorescent coating  22 ′ on a portion  21 ′ of outside surface  28 ′ and may also have receiving antenna  25 ′ and transmitting antenna  26 ′ associated therewith, receiving antenna  25 ′ electrically isolated from transmitting antenna  26 ′ by insulating sleeve  27 ′. 
     Lower end  20  of mast  18  has a counterweight  87  affixed thereto and may have an instrument container associated therewith. Counterweight  87  provides a righting moment to elongated mast  18 , and as best observed in FIG. 2, mast  18  is always substantially vertical after multiple hazard marker  10  is fully deployed upon deployment surface  90 . Referring to FIG. 4 a , mast  18  is supported in a spherical bearing or gimbal  51  mounted in a mounting bore  76  disposed in a support plate  38  and a mounting bore  77  in base mounting plate  50  and attached thereto with flat head cap screws  177 . Mast  18  may also be pivotally mounted between support plate  38  and base mounting plate  50  on the centerline  53  of multiple hazard marker  10  by counter boring support plate  38  from lower surface  67  and base mounting plate  50  from upper surface  70  to provide for capture of gimbal  51  therebetween when support plate  38  and base mounting plate  50  are joined together, central portion  13  joining upper portion  17  to surface engaging portion  15 . 
     As best observed in FIG. 4 a , central portion  13  comprises support plate  38 , release base mounting plate  50 , gimbal  51 , pivot sleeves  43 , leg pins  41  and associated securement parts hereinafter described. In this embodiment, support plate  38  is a six sided figure which has an outer diameter  57  partially cut away to an inner diametral surface  56  and triangular sides  83  with leg slots  39  disposed within protruding ears  58 , ears  58  centrally disposed on triangular sides  83 . Ears  58  extend from triangular sides  83  to outer diameter  57 , while leg slots  39  extend from outer diameter  57  inwardly beyond inner diametral surface  56  substantially to triangular sides  83  such that legs  37  may freely pivot about leg pins  41 . Triangular sides  83  meet at inner diametral surface  56  in truncated apices  68 . Support plate  38  may alternately be described as a mounting plate having ears  58  protruding from sides  83  thereof. Leg pins  41  are adapted to be disposed through leg pin holes  40  which are formed perpendicular to leg slots  39  through lobes  60  of ears  58 . Leg pin holes  40  pass completely through lobes  60  such that leg pins  41  may be inserted from either lobe  60  through leg  37  and pivot sleeve  43  into the opposite lobe  60  thereby pivotally attaching legs  37  to support plate  38 . Leg pin holes  40  may be counter bored in one of lobes  60  for accepting a socket head cap screw  61  therein as leg pin  41 , socket head cap screw  61  having a threaded portion  63  and a head portion  64 , head portion  64  adapted to be seated in counter bore  62  when threaded portion  63  is disposed through leg holes  40 , pivot sleeve  43  and leg  37  into a threaded portion  65  of leg pin hole  40 . Usually, threaded portion  65  is omitted and leg hole  40  is a smooth bore through both lobes  60 . Socket head cap screws  61  having mating nuts  180  threaded onto threaded portion  63  thereof have nuts  180  disposed against an outer edge  178  of one lobe  60  while head portion  64  bears against outer edge  178  of the other lobe  60 . Carriage bolts or machine bolts having a head portion  64  and a threaded portion  63  may also be used in place of socket head cap screws  61 . 
     Support plate  38  is disposed superior to base mounting plate  50  and secured thereto with bolts  52  screwed into threaded holes  54  in base mounting plate  50 , bolts  52  disposed through holes  55  in support plate  38 . In FIG. 4 a , base mounting plate  50  is shown separated out of plane from support plate  38  for clarity. Support plate  38  has upper surface  66  and lower surface  67 , and has a mounting hole  76  bored through from upper surface  66  to lower surface  67  on centerline  53  for partially receiving gimbal  51  therein. Mounting hole  76  is substantially larger in diameter than the outside diameter  78  of mast  18  but is substantially the same diameter as gimbal  51  for press fitting gimbal  51  thereinto. Since mounting hole  76  is substantially larger in diameter than mast  18 , mast  18  is readily rotatable therewithin after assembly of multiple hazard marker  10 . 
     Base mounting plate  50  has its apices  73  rotated 60 degrees from leg slots  39  formed into support plate  38  but aligned with apices  68  thereof, leg slots  39  extending inwardly from an outer diameter  57  and thereby centrally located along each of sides  69  of base mounting plate  50 . Apices  73  are curved surfaces  72  corresponding in diameter to inner diametral surface  56  of support plate  38 , curved surfaces  72  extending between ears  58  upon assembly of base mounting plate  50  to support plate  38 . Base mounting plate  50  has upper surface  70  and bottom surface  71 , plate  50  also having a mounting bore  77  formed thereinto on centerline  53  for partially receiving gimbal  51  therein. Mounting bore  77  is identical in diameter to mounting bore  76  and is also adapted to receive gimbal  51  therein in tight fitting relationship. Thus, mounting bore  77  is also substantially larger than mast  18  thereby allowing full movement of mast  18  about gimbal  51 . Upper surface  70  is adapted to mate with lower surface  67  of support plate  38  and be contiguous therewith forming a continuous bore  76 ,  77  therein for receiving gimbal  51  therein. Gimbal  51  may also be held in bore  76 ,  77  by flat head cap screws  177  received in threaded bores  176  in opposite sides of the mount for gimbal  51 . Threaded bore  176  extends completely through the mount having cap screws  177  threaded from both sides of the mount, the heads of cap screws  177  extending beyond the outer diameter of the mount for gimbal  51  over a portion of surface  66  of plate  38  and surface  71  of plate  50  to capture gimbal  51  thereunder. Threaded bores  176  may also be disposed into plates  38  and  50  having the heads of cap screws  177  overlapping the mount for gimbal  51  to capture same thereunder. 
     Gimbal  51  has a hole  75  substantially the same diameter as outer diameter  78  of mast  18  through its geographic center for receiving mast  18  therethrough and has mast  18  firmly affixed therein. Typically, gimbal  51  is a spherical bearing and may be expanded by heating, or mast  18  may be supercooled, prior to sliding mast, 18  therein. Thus, hole  75  is expanded along with gimbal  51 , or mast  18  reduced in diameter, and after inserting mast  18  to its desired location within gimbal  51 , gimbal  51  and mast  18  are allowed to return to ambient temperature thereby rigidly affixing gimbal  51  to mast  18 . As gimbal  51  is free to rotate, mast  18  always assumes a vertical orientation without regard to the contour of deployment surface  90 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 a ,  4   b  and  4   c , legs  37  are mounted in slots  39  and are pinned thereto utilizing leg pins  41 . Each leg  37  has a pivot sleeve  43  disposed through a leg hole  184  bored through leg  37  adjacent a pivot end  45  thereof, sleeve  43  press fitted therein and extending completely through leg  37  beyond outer surface  81 , sleeve  43  having a length substantially the same as the distance between lobes  60 . Pivot sleeve  43  strengthens leg  37  at its mounting location and provides for easy assembly of legs  37  into slots  39 . Legs  37  are generally circular but may be square, triangular or any other cross sectional shape. The diameter of pivot holes  84  through sleeves  43  is substantially the same as the diameter of leg pins  41  allowing for free movement thereon. Opposite pivot end  45  of leg  37  is a deployment surface engaging end  44  having a foot  48  associated therewith. Foot  48  may further have at least one spike like element such as toe  49  thereon for positive engagement with deployment surface  90 . Toe  49  may be pointed such that toe  49  penetrates deployment surface  90  thereby establishing a firm release base for multiple hazard marker  10 . Leg  37  may further be fitted with an end cap  85  in pivot end  45 , end cap  85  having a vent  197  provided therein, vent  197  may further have vent tube  198  disposed therein providing release of entrapped air within leg  37  upon alighting upon deployment surface  90 . Foot  48  of leg  37  is spring loaded within leg  37  for absorbing shock for multiple hazard marker  10  when deployed upon deployment surface  90 . Foot  48  is generally a solid shaft of a diameter to pass freely within leg  37 , foot  48  having a slot  187  in its lower end  199  adapted to receive toe  49  therein. Foot  48  is fitted onto leg  37  through a hole  189  in cap sleeve  188  and held thereon by an enlarged sleeve bushing  183 , bushing  183  larger than hole  189  in cap sleeve  188 . Bushing  183  is shrink fitted upon foot  48  in a manner similar to that known to affix gimbal  51  onto mast  18 . Toe  49  is held onto lower end  199  of foot  48  by roll pins  181  driven through holes  186  in foot  48  and holes  185  through toe  49 . Toe  49  is an arrow point  182 , a flat piece of metal having a point  98 . Leg  37  has a spring  190  disposed in bore  97  with upper end  192  bearing against pivot sleeve  43  and lower end  191  bearing against bushing  183 . When loaded in cartridge  120 , foot  48  typically has very little preload upon spring  190  as spring  190  has a free length substantially equal to the distance from leg pin  41  to bushing  183 . Bushing  183  is substantially the same external diameter as bore  97  and thus has a sliding fitting relationship therewith providing shock absorbing capabilities upon deployment of multiple hazard marker  10 . As is readily apparent, bushing  183  has a frictional sliding engagement with bore  97  providing some shock absorbing, but cooperates with vent  197  in end cap  85  to provide pneumatic shock absorbing as well. Therefore, when foot  48  engages deployment surface  90 , entrapped air within leg  37  is controllably released through vent  197  providing the aforementioned pneumatic shock absorbing capabilities. The diameter of vent  197  and or vent tube  198  may be altered to provide more or less shock absorbing as is well known in the art. Furthermore, vent tubes  198  of each of legs  37  may be interconnected to provide for greater shock absorbing capabilities especially when at least one of legs  37  engages deployment surface  90  in advance of another of legs  37  thus creating a positive pressure atop bushings  183 . 
     Referring again to FIGS. 4 a ,  4   b  and  4   c , multiple hazard marker  10  is assembled by shrink fitting gimbal  51  onto mast  18  spaced from lower end  20  approximately one fourth the length  30  of mast  18  and affixing support plate  38  to base mounting plate  50  with screws  52  passed through holes  55  in support plate  38  and screwed into holes  54  in base mounting plate  50 . Upper end  19  of mast  18  is then inserted through mounting hole  76 ,  77  from surface  71  of base mounting plate  50  having gimbal  51  aligned with mounting hole  76 ,  77  and press fitted therein. Housing  31  is affixed to lower end  20  of mast  18  by threading a counterweight  87  upon a threaded portion  88  of lower end  20  and affixing housing  31  thereto. Counterweight  87  is a significant mass and may be utilized alone to provide the righting moment for mast  18  or may be utilized with housing  31  as counterweight  87  has means thereupon for mounting electronic transmitters, integrated circuitry, means for detecting  305  including sensing elements  280 , means for signaling  36  including light bulbs  32 , means for receiving  285 , including receiver module  94  and receivers  137 , means for activating  290 , means for controlling  310  and means for switching  135  included in command signal impulse actuator  93 , means for communicating  300  and means  295  for transmitting and has a threaded bore  89  aligning with bore  29  of mast  18  for passing wiring or sensing tubing therethrough. 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, lighting lens  24  may comprise separate bulbs  32  of different colors, such as red, green and yellow having separate wires connected thereto, but as best shown in FIG. 6, lighting lens  24  may also be a hemispherically polished end  35  of a fiber optic cable  33  having an opposite end  34  divided into separate strands grouped for illumination by separate light bulbs  32 , light bulbs  32  controlled by means for controlling  310  mounted on integrated circuit boards  91 . Light bulbs  32  are each a different color, one each for red, green or yellow, red signifying warning, green indicating no hazard or safe, and yellow for hazard. Lighting lens  24  provides significant illumination such that the indicating lights represented by the three colors may be observed from outside a hazard warning area and therefore, when no hazard is indicated, may guide personnel and vehicles through a previously hazardous area. Of course, when a hazard is indicated by the yellow or red light emitted through lens  24 , personnel and vehicles are warned thereby to avoid the area marked by those multiple hazard markers  10 . Other colored lights, including white, may be added to lens  24  by further dividing fiber optic cable  33  at end  34  or by having a multiple′ colored wheel rotationally indexed for passing before any of light bulbs  32 . For instance, a white light may be utilized as means for signaling  36  to indicate that multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A is in a sampling mode or has not yet determined the status of the area being marked. 
     Optionally, lighting lens  24  may be a separate lamp housing (not shown) similar to housing  31  adapted to be affixed to terminal end  23  of mast  18  or terminal end  23 ′ of flag carrying tube  169 . As such, the separate lamp housing may contain separate light bulbs  32  for the distinct indicating colors and also may contain sensors  280  for environmental sampling for chemical, biological or atmospheric conditions and may further contain a separate set of electronic circuit boards  91  acting independently of circuit boards  91  in housing  31 . An on-board feed-forward, back propagation neural network will be integrated into circuit board  91  and be capable of processing the multiple sensory outputs which will allow a single multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A to continuously monitor for multiple hazards and relay the information regarding the samples to remote receivers at remote stations  265 . Thus, multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A will help to manage and enhance the three principal approaches to mitigation of the military environmental life-cycle-survivability issues: detection, warning, and assisting the friendly forces on the ground, in the water and in the air. 
     During assembly of multiple hazard marker  10 , polished end  35  of fiber optic cable  33  is passed through threaded bore  89  into bore  29  of mast  18 , end  35  terminating just slightly above terminal end  23 . Terminal end  23  may further have a cover  92  affixed thereto by inserting into bore  29  or fitting over outer surface  28  and being secured in fluid fight engagement therewithin or thereonto. Cover  92  is adapted to be transparent such that the signal lights of means for signaling  36  emitted by polished end  35  of cable  33  may readily pass therethrough. Ends  34  are fixed in proximity to bulbs  32  or a colored wheel as hereinbefore mentioned upon structure associated with counterweight  87 . In like manner, transmitting antenna  26  and receiving antenna  25  are affixed to upper end  19  such as by winding a wire for each antenna about outer surface  28  and electrically isolating one from the other with an insulating sleeve  27 . Receiving antenna  25  is an aluminum or steel tube identical to the tube used for mast  18  and, in fact, comprises upper end  19  of mast  18  while transmitting antenna  26  is a mid portion  146  of mast  18 . Insulating sleeve  27  is formed from a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon and is greater in outside diameter than mast  18  and has a bore equal to outside diameter  78  such that receiving antenna  25  and transmitting antenna  26  are received therein. Connecting wires for antennas  25 ,  26  are then routed downwardly inside bore  29  of mast  18  to interconnect with appropriate circuits on circuit boards  91 . A portion  21  of upper end  19  of mast  18  is then coated with a phosphorescent or luminescent coating  22 . Portion  21  may comprise the entire length of mast  18  but usually a three inch long portion  21  is coated near terminal end  23  of upper end  19 . 
     When flag carrying tube  169  is desired to be used, tube  169  is selected to be just slightly larger in internal diameter than the outside diameter  78  of mast  18  and is therefore slidably engaged thereupon. A slot  170  is provided through the wall  171  of tube  169 , slot  170  beginning above a lower end  172  of tube  169  and extending approximately one half the length thereof. Slot  170  is of a width to allow free sliding along a fixed pin  167  driven through hole  166  in upper end  19  of mast  18 . Flag  155  is wrapped around flag tube  169  and secured thereto with the hook and loop fastener provided on surface  179  of flag  155 . Spring  168  is then inserted into flag carrying tube  169  and flag tube  169  is fitted around mast  18  and pressed downwardly thereonto. Roll pin  167  is then inserted through slot  170  into hole  166  extending beyond an outer surface  28 ′ of flag tube  169 . Spring  168  disposed within flag carrying tube  169  has upper end  174  bearing against the inside of a closed terminal end  23 ′ while lower end  175  of spring  168  bears against terminal end  23  of mast  18  or roll pin  167 . Upon release of flag tube  169 , tube  169  moves upwardly under pressure of spring  168  engaging roll pin  167  against bottom  173  of slot  170 . A portion  21 ′ of upper end  19 ′ of flag tube  169  may then be coated with a phosphorescent or luminescent coating  22 ′. Portion  21 ′ may comprise the entire length of tube  169  but usually a three inch long portion  21 ′ is coated near terminal end  23 ′ of upper end  19 ′. Tube  169  may also be transparent such that lighting lens  24  may be observed therethrough. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4 c , legs  37  are generally circular tubes having an outer surface  81  and a bore  97  and are at least two feet long from deployment surface engaging end  44  to pivot end  45 . Each leg  37  is fitted with a foot  48  on deployment surface engaging end  44  by inserting foot  48  into hole  189  of end cap  188  having end  199  extending outwardly of leg  37 . Foot  48  has previously had bushing  183  shrink fitted upon end  200  thereof and after insertion through end cap  188 , toe  49  is inserted into slot  187  and affixed thereto by driving pins  181  through holes  186 ,  185 . Spring  190  is inserted into bore  97  and end cap  188  screwed onto leg  37  with upper end  200  of foot  48  bearing against lower end  191  of spring  190 . In FIGS. 4 a ,  4   b  and  4   c  described above, foot  48  is inserted into bore  97  having end cap  188  screwed onto threaded end  196  but end cap  188  could, of course, be press fitted into bore  97  or internally threaded therein. 
     Now referring to FIG. 4 a , legs  37  are each assembled to support plate  38  by inserting pivot end  45  into slot  39  with deployment surface engaging end  44  extending away from base mounting plate  50  in the same direction as lower end  20  having counterweight  87  thereupon. Each leg  37  is affixed to support plate  38  by passing a leg pin  41  through one lobe  60  in ear  58 , through pivot hole  84  in one side of pivot sleeve  43 , into other lobe  60  and affixing leg pin  41  thereonto by threading nut  180  onto threaded portion  63  of leg pin  41 . Alternatively, one lobe  60  may have pivot hole  40  internally threaded for receiving threaded portion  63  of leg pin  41  thereinto. Similarly, leg pin  41  may have a smooth outer periphery and secured to ears  58  by using a roll pin driven through a cross bored hole formed through support plate  38  intersecting leg pin  41  in a notch formed in leg pin  41 . A roll pin would prevent leg pin  41  from rotating and from being removed from leg pin holes  40  thereby preserving the integrity of the leg  37  assembly with support plate  38 . After legs  37  are assembled to ears  58 , a lanyard  47  is affixed to stop  46  on each of legs  37 , lanyard  47  having a length between each stop  46  to allow each of legs  37  to generally be deployed at an angle of forty-five (45) degrees from centerline  53 . Thus, referring now to FIG. 2, multiple hazard marker  10  is adapted to be deployed upon deployment surface  90  in a triangular configuration with legs  37  forming a tripod base from support plate  38  to deployment surface  90  with mast  18  extending upwardly from support plate  38 . As mast  18  is rotatably disposed in support plate  38  and base mounting plate  50  by gimbal  51 , mast  18  assumes a vertical orientation without regard to the configuration of deployment surface  90 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 2,  4   a  and  4   c , legs  37  have means for expanding  12  associated therewith and hence are biased in an outward orientation by a biasing element  95  such as a leaf or torsion spring  96  to assist legs  37  in deploying outwardly to form tripod base for multiple hazard marker  10 . A spring coupler  193  having a shaft hole  194  in the center thereof is disposed about leg  37  having spring holes  195  facing upwardly toward base mounting plate  50 . Torsion springs  96  are then disposed on both sides of leg  37  having one end  201  inserted into spring hole  195  in spring coupler  193 . Spring coupler  193  is then moved upwardly toward release plate  50  with spring  96  biased toward a deployment position until other end  202  of torsion spring  96  may be inserted into a spring hole  203  in sides  69  of base mounting plate  50 . Spring coupler  193  may then be secured to leg  37  by a set screw through the minor diameter thereof engaging an outer surface  81  of leg  37 . Thus, leg  37  is biased outwardly upon deployment. 
     Stop  46  may be disposed at any point along leg  37  from deployment surface engaging end  44  to pivot end  45  but is best placed approximately midway therebetween. Finally, end cap  85  may be affixed to pivot end  45  by inserting same within bore  97  or encircling outer surface  81  therewith and securing end cap  85  thereto or by threading onto threaded end  45  of leg  37 . 
     Multiple hazard marker  10  and/or multiple hazard marker  10 A may be used to mark a breach in a minefield after the breach is established such as with a mine plow attached to a military tank. Multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A may be deployed upon deployment surface  90  alongside either or both sides of the breach to mark a clear pathway through the minefield. When used to mark a breach through a minefield or to mark other hazards from a ground based deployment vehicle  160 , multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A is deployed from cartridge tube  120  through open lower end  121  by gravity feed assisted by spring  168  in flag carrying tube  169  when used. As best observed in FIG. 3, multiple hazard marker  10  is collapsed within cartridge tube  120  but after release therefrom, legs  37  tend to splay outwardly forming a tripod base when feet  48  engage deployment surface  90 . In a like manner, as observed in FIG. 9, multiple hazard marker  10 A is shown in a collapsed state with legs  37 A folded upon housing  31 A but after release from cartridge tube  120 , and upon alighting upon deployment surface  90 , legs  37 A are released from the folded position by release of leg catches  217  of means to expand  12 A and spring outwardly becoming substantially parallel with deployment surface  90 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A is retained within cartridge tube  120  upon a support end  128  of a catch  126  of a release mechanism  119  as support end  128  is adapted to engage bottom surface  71  of lower plate  50  or lower surface  255  of skid plate  99  of multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A respectively. Catch  126  is disposed through an aperture  125  formed through cartridge tube  120  and internal sleeve  130 , aperture  125  having a pivot edge  127  on cartridge tube  120  and pivot edge  127 ′ on internal sleeve  130  for engaging catch  126  along a slide surface  131 . Typically, three catches  126  are disposed through three apertures  125 , apertures  125  spaced at an angular displacement of one hundred twenty degrees (120°). An annular ring  132  aligned vertically along cartridge tube  120  at apertures  125  and fitted over outer peripheral surface  133  of internal sleeve  130  engages each catch  126  at a release attachment point  129  and retains each catch  126  thereupon. In the release of multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A, annular ring  132  is adapted to rotate in a direction to cause slide surface  131  to move along pivot edge  127  of aperture  125  withdrawing support end  128  from underneath lower surface  71 ,  255  thereby releasing multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A from cartridge tube  120 . In an alternate release method, internal sleeve  130  is adapted to rotate within inner surface  134  of cartridge tube  120  thereby moving pivot edge  127 ′ of internal sleeve  130  against slide surface  131  of catch  126  causing catch  126  to withdraw support from lower surface  71 ,  255  in like manner to the above description. As will be readily apparent, internal sleeve  130  rotates in a direction opposite the direction annular ring  132  would rotate. Similarly, internal sleeve  130  and annular ring  132  may cooperate but rotating simultaneously in opposite directions to provide for a more rapid release of multiple hazard marker  10 . Catch  126  may also capture support plate  38  and base mounting plate  50  in a slot in support end  128  such that multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A will not slide out through upper end  122  if cartridge  120  is inadvertently inverted. More than one multiple hazard marker  10 A may be readied for deployment in cartridge  120  by providing more than one release mechanism  119  for retaining each multiple hazard marker  10 A. 
     Although multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A may be used to mark a breach through a minefield as hereinbefore described, multiple hazard marker  10 , 10 A may also be used for biological or chemical sampling of the region around multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A as housing  31  is adapted to house sampling sensors  280  therein. While multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A may be deployed from a ground engaging deployment vehicle  160  such as a tank for the marking of a minefield, multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A may be deployed from deployment vehicles  160  in the air as well, multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A having a parachute attached thereto for deploying from an aircraft where entry into the field to be marked may be hazardous to ground based personnel or vehicles. For instance, multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A may be deployed by aircraft for marking the boundaries of a minefield wherein the mines in the field have been detected by ground penetrating radar, either mounted on a separate aircraft or combined on board with field marking system  150 . The method of detecting mines by ground penetrating radar is discussed fully in the article by Earp, et al., entitled “Ultra Wideband Ground Penetrating Radar for Detection of Buried Metallic Mines,” appearing in IEEE AES Systems, Vol. 11, No.9, September 1996. Another means of detecting mines in a minefield is described in the article “Flight Performance of an Airborne Minefield Detection and Reconnaissance Systems” by Andre G. Lareau, Photogrammetric Engineering &amp; Remote Sensing, Vol. 57, No. 2, February 1991, these articles incorporated herein by this reference thereto. In like manner, multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A may be used by law enforcement personnel to detect the presence of methamphetamine laboratories operating in remote areas by dropping a multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A from an aircraft in a suspected area and activating sensors  280  with means for activating  290  within housing  31  to sample for the odors present in the manufacture of the illicit drug. Multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A is adapted to engage deployment surface  90  in the same manner as occurs when deployed from a ground engaging vehicle as legs  37  of multiple hazard marker  10  move apart upon release from cartridge  120  from the aircraft or as legs  37 A of multiple hazard marker  10 A spring outwardly upon alighting upon deployment surface  90 . Of course, a means for preventing expansion coupled with a proximity or time release means may be employed to cause expansion of legs  37  of multiple hazard marker  10  at a time or distance above the surface  90  as desired. 
     Means for detecting, differentiating and neutralizing biological or chemical hazards have been described in numerous papers on the subject. For instance, Caffrey, et al., in the article “Chemical Warfare Agent and High Explosive Identification by Spectroscopy of Neutron-Induced Gamma Rays,” IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, Vol. 39, No. 5 present an identification algorithm for identifying and differentiating between high explosives and chemical warfare agents, the article by Caffrey, et al., incorporated herein by this reference thereto. Another biological agent detector is described by McGowan, et al., in their article “Biological Agent Detector using a Surface Transverse Wave Resonator: Preliminary Report,” 1994 IEEE MTT-S Digest, TU4D4, incorporated herein by this reference thereto. Some sensors  280  rely on molecular mass measurements to detect CW and BW agents. These include the Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM) and the Chemical and Biological Mass Spectrometer (CBMS). One proven chemical Agent Monitor is supplied by Graseby Dynamics, Ltd. Briefly, it is a portable and battery-operated hand-held unit, capable of detecting blister (HD, HN3) and nerve (GB, VX) gases at levels which are below NATO requirements. Detection of these CW agents is achieved using the very well established ion-mobility mass spectrometer (IMS) technology. This technology has not only been successfully applied to CW detection, but is used extensively for environmental monitoring and industrial process monitoring. 
     Passive Fourier transform mid-infrared spectrometers (FT-IR); frequency agile mid-infrared carbon dioxide, ultraviolet fluorescence, 1.06 micron, and 2.0 micron lidar systems; mid-infrared Mueller matrix ellipsometers; immunoassay coated fiber-optics and hybrid active-passive mid-infrared thermoluminescence spectrometer sensors  280  rely on optical measurements to detect CW and BW agents. Whether using optical or molecular mass measurements, sampling for key indicators as described in the aforementioned articles may be accomplished within housing  31 ,  31 A, the results of the sampling being transmitted by a means for signaling  36  associated with integrated circuit boards  91 . As best shown in FIG. 6, means for signaling  36  comprises at least a switching means  135  associated with one of integrated circuit boards  91  having at least one light bulb  32  being illuminated by switching means  135  to indicate hazard or safety and may further comprise transmitting antenna  26  associated with mast  18  for transmitting to a remote station  265  the presence of the various ions detected for further analysis by personnel at the remote station  265 . A receiving antenna  25  also associated with integrated circuit boards  91  is adapted to receive signals from the remote station  265  for activation of sampling sequences within housing  31 . Receiving antenna  25  and transmitting antenna  26  are formed as a part of mast  18  and electrically isolated from each other by insulating sleeve  27  as on multiple hazard marker  10 , however may be incorporated as a part of circuit board  91  as in multiple hazard marker  10 A. Upon identification of the particular biological or chemical hazard, neutralizing agents may then be deployed in the proximity of the multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A to effect neutralization of the hazard. Multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A of course, is still available for continued monitoring of the immediate area to determine the efficacy of the countermeasures and to signal an all clear when the hazard has been eliminated. The journal article “Chemical Reactions for Neutralising Chemical Warfare Agents” by Yu-Chu Yang published in the May 1, 1995 issue of Chemistry &amp; Industry details effective countermeasures, this article incorporated herein by this reference thereto. 
     In like manner, multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A may be utilized in hostile environs to measure temperature, ground movement and gases such as emitted from a volcano. Referring back to FIG. 4, displacement sensors  136  may be made a part of support plate  38  and/or base mounting plate  50  which are positioned for contact against legs  37 . Movement of any leg  37  relative to support plate  38  or base mounting plate  50  is transmitted to a remote location  265  via transmitting antenna  26 . Similarly, temperature sensors  154  may transmit temperature information on a real time basis through integrated circuit boards  91  and transmitting antenna  26 . Identification of gases expected from a volcano may be accomplished by changing the gas identification algorithm previously described for biological or chemical warfare gases. Monitoring of a larger scale fault line may be accomplished with displacement sensors  136  as described above and the information transmitted to the remote station  265 . The locations of each of multiple hazard markers  10 ,  10 A may be achieved by geopositional satellite (GPS) identification using a signal transmitted from each of multiple hazard markers  10 ,  10 A or by an identification code established within each receiver  137  of FIG.  6 . Similarly, the magnitude of a force generated with the ground movement may be determined by using the mass of housing  31 , integrated circuit boards  91  and counterweight  87  as a pendulum mass and measuring the period of the pendulum swing associated with the movement. Thus, a displacement sensor  136  may be associated with support plate  38  and mast  18  to determine the period of the pendulum swing. A stimulant parameter may be induced into displacement sensor  136  to assist in differentiating seismic activity from ambient activity. An initialization sequence is programmed into integrated circuit boards  91  and activated by sending the initialization command through receiving antenna  25  to receiver  137  in housing  31 . Therefore, the real time information determined by multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A and transmitted to the remote station  265  removes personnel from hazardous environs while still permitting gathering of valuable information. Likewise, use of multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A in space exploration is possible by outfitting housing  31 ,  31 A with sensors  154 ,  280  to detect and/or measure desired information on space objects. Of course, multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A could be suspended by a weather balloon for measurement of atmospheric data while aloft and measurement of environmental data after returning to the earth&#39;s surface. The inclusion of GPS locators thereafter pinpoints the location of multiple hazard marker  10 . 
     Housing  31  may further house sensors  280  such as proximity or presence sensors to detect movement within the proximity of the multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A by measuring the change in capacitance of the field generated by the sensor  280 . Detecting movement has obvious connotations in military usage, however, detecting movement of personnel within a previously identified hazardous area can alert medical personnel to the location of victims of the hazard and effect removal of these victims therefrom. Sensors  280  for detecting water level in a flooded plain may be housed in legs  37 ,  37 A and other sensors may be mounted upon support plate  38 ,  38 A or base mounting plate  50 ,  50 A as desired for detecting or measuring other environmental parameters. Sensors  280  for detecting buried power and fluid transmission lines may be included in housing  31 ,  31 A for marking the locations of these systems. Furthermore, multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A may be used to mark construction zones, surveying sites, fire zones and blasting zones utilizing means for marking  16  by deploying a quantity of multiple hazard markers  10 ,  10 A as needed for indicating the presence of these hazards. Sensors  136 ,  154 ,  280  hereinbefore described as useful and other sensors which may be utilized with multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A for other purposes are fully described in the textbook  Sensors and Circuits  by Joseph J. Carr, published by Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1993, incorporated herein by this reference thereto. Gas sensors particularly useful in multiple hazard markers  10 , 10 A are Taguchi Gas Sensors manufactured by Figaro, USA, Inc. Such gas sensors can detect very low level concentrations of various gases present in chemical warfare systems by measuring a resistance across a metal oxide or ceramic oxide surface and will recover to original resistance upon removal of the toxic gas. The gas sensors must fulfill many exploitation requirements; the most important parameters are: sensitivity, selectivity, reading reproducibility, stability during the operation, quick response, small size, safe operation, low power consumption, ˜15 mW, and low cost. The resistance of the gas sensors used in multiple hazard markers  10 ,  10 A, is changed very quickly when exposed to a gas, and when removed from the gas, its resistance will recover to its original value after a short time. The speed of response and reversibility will vary according to the model of sensor and the gas involved, however the typical response time is within a few seconds. Referring to FIGS. 1,  3  and  7 , the multiple hazard marker system  150  of this invention comprises a means for deploying  100  mounted upon a deployment vehicle  160 , means for deploying  100  having a multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A therein. Mounting bracket  103 , generally horizontally disposed upon deployment vehicle  160 , is formed from a channel  102  having upright edges  111 ,  112  on either edge of a base  138  forming an open channel  108  therebetween, channel  102  generally formed from a five inch steel channel iron wherein upright edges  111 ,  112  are approximately one and one half inches in height. A mounting bar  101  is formed from a box channel, open channel or solid bar stock and is firmly affixed to deployment vehicle  160  by bolting or welding one side thereto. Match drilled through upright edges  111 ,  112  of mounting bracket  103  and mounting bar  101  are multiple one half inch diameter openings  105  and  106  respectively, for receiving attachment pins  104  therein. Attachment pins  104  are formed from six inch long, one half inch diameter, hardened steel cylindrical pins having a head on one end and a snap catch on the other end, however pins  104  may be half inch diameter bolts adapted to be inserted through openings  105 ,  106  and secured therein with nuts on the open thereof. Channel  102  is adapted to slide longitudinally along mounting bar  101  for extending or retracting means for deploying  100  therealong in order to place means for deploying  100  at further or closer orientations to an edge  161  of deployment vehicle  160 . Three mounting openings  105  are shown in channel  102  and at least one opening  106  is shown in mounting bar  101 , respectively, however, it is to be understood that openings  105  and/or  106  may be disposed along the entire length of channel  102  or mounting bar  101  to provide for a greater number of longitudinal orientations. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, cartridge tube  120  is preferably formed from Schedule  40  cold rolled steel tube having an inside diameter  123  of five and one half inches having a five inch inside diameter thermoplastic tube  130  inserted therein and is affixed to the terminal end  107  of channel  102  in an orientation to provide for vertical deployment of multiple hazard marker  10  therefrom. The steel tube of cartridge tube  120  is cut into two sections, one section thirty inches in length from lower end  121  to annular ring  132  and a second section at least fifteen inches in length disposed above annular ring  132  while the thermoplastic tube  130  extends from lower end  121  to upper end  122 . The thermoplastic tube  130  is a commercially available five inch inside diameter Schedule  40  thermoplastic water pipe approximately five feet in length and is frictionally fitted within the steel tube and secured thereto with bolts (not shown) extending through the steel tube into threaded holes (not shown) in the wall of the thermoplastic tube  130 . A commercially available five and one half inch inside diameter thermoplastic end cap  59  is frictionally fitted upon upper end  122  and may further be secured thereto with additional bolts (not shown). Cartridge tube  120  is generally mounted at a right angle to channel  102  and may be welded to one end  117  thereof, cartridge tube  120  having lower end  121  disposed slightly below the lower surface  158  of mounting bar  101 . Channel  102  is generally oriented downwardly and has base  138  partially removed from FIG. 7 to show mounting bar  101  therewithin; Referring also to FIG. 3, length  124  of cartridge tube  120  is generally at least the length of a collapsed multiple hazard marker  10 , 10 A such that multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A assumes a vertical orientation within cartridge  120  and is therefore, at least three feet and preferably approximately five feet from upper end  122  to lower end  121 . Upright standards  110  and angled support braces  109  are formed from one quarter inch thick, two inch wide cold rolled steel bar and welded to channel  102 , upright standards  110  extending upwardly at a right angle from each upright edge  111 ,  112  of channel  102  approximately one half the length  124  of cartridge  120 . Two inch square, one quarter inch thick steel pads  116  are welded to upright edges  111 ,  112  of channel  102  and angled support braces  109  have one end  113  welded to pads  116  at an angle of approximately 45 degrees while opposite end  115  thereof is welded to upright standards  110  having ends  115  extending alongside cartridge  120  and further welded thereto. Support plate  117  is welded to upright standards  110  at the upper ends  118  thereof, ends  115  of angled support braces  109  protruding through holes  114  in support  117  and welded thereto. Support plate  117  generally extends above upper ends  118  of upright standards  110  providing more support to cartridge  120 . Plate  117  may be welded to cartridge  120  along the length thereof but preferably, cartridge tube  120  is affixed to support  117  by U-bolts having threaded ends which pass through holes in support  117 , such holes being formed in pairs for accepting the ends of U bolts therein, some of these pairs being disposed at an angle to the vertical axis of means for deploying  100  such that multiple hazard marker  10 , 10 A may be deployed at a slight angle to the vertical to ensure that toe  49  on one leg  37  positively engages deployment surface  90  prior to any of other legs  37 . For instance, one of these pairs of holes is oriented at an angle of 15 degrees from the horizontal and yet another of these pairs of holes is oriented at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizontal to compensate for the forward speed of deployment vehicle  160  such that multiple hazard marker  10  may alight upon deployment surface  90  with a trailing leg  37  prior to leading legs  37 . It is to be understood here that a trailing leg  37  is a leg  37  disposed aft of centerline  53  in the direction of movement of deployment vehicle  160 . 
     Cartridge tube  120  has both ends  121 ,  122  open for ease of loading and deploying of multiple hazard markers  10 ,  10 A with lower end  121  disposed approximately seven feet above deployment surface  90 . Thus, as multiple hazard marker  10  is deployed from cartridge tube  120  of means for deploying  100 , a means for expanding  12  associated with a central portion  13  of multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A forms a means for remaining erect  14  associated with a surface engaging portion  15  of multiple hazard marker  10 . Cartridge tube  120  has an annular ledge  139  formed on inner surface  134  at lower end  121  for accepting an end  140  of internal sleeve  130 , annular ledge  139  welded to inner surface  134 . End  140  of internal sleeve  130  is machined square with the longitudinal axis of internal sleeve  130  and adapted to rotate upon annular ledge  139 . In the preferred embodiment, internal sleeve  130  and tube  120  are secured together with machine screws passed through tube  120  into threaded holes in sleeve  130 , the screws terminating in sleeve  130 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, apertures  125  and  142  are formed through annular ring  132  and internal sleeve  130  respectively, and are spaced at an angular displacement of one hundred twenty degrees (120°). Apertures  125  have a pivot edges  127  in annular ring  132  and  127 ′ in internal sleeve  130  for engaging slide surface  131  of catch  126  disposed therethrough. Annular ring  132  is a three inch wide ring of steel having an inside diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter of inner sleeve  130  and is aligned vertically along inner sleeve  130  at apertures  142 . Annular ring  132  has release attachment points  129  on an upper edge  141  of a boss  149 , boss  149  affixed to the outer periphery  42  of annular ring  132 , each catch  126  retained on an attachment pin  144  at release attachment points  129 . Catches  126  are biased inwardly through apertures  125  toward inside surface  134  and into internal volume  299  of cartridge  120  to retain multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A therein upon a support end  128  of a catch  126 . Catch  126  is formed of a one and one quarter inch thick arm having a curved slide surface  131  formed on the inside surface  143  thereof, catch  126  having support end  128  on one end and release attachment point  129  on the other end thereof. Release attachment point  129  is drilled through catch  126  and reamed for receipt of attachment pin  144  of annular ring  132  therein while support end  128  is machined flat on the upper surface  145  of catch  126 . Support end  128  is adapted to engage lower surface  71  of base mounting plate  50  at apices  73  thereof, however, catch  126  may have an eleven sixteenths inch wide slot (not shown) disposed in support end  128  thereof capturing support plate  38  and base mounting plate  50  therein and thus this slot overlies upper surface  66  and engages bottom surface  71 . In the release of multiple hazard marker  10 , annular ring  132  rotates in a direction, clockwise as viewed in FIG. 5 from upper end  122  of cartridge  120 , to cause slide surface  131  to move along pivot edge  127  of aperture  125  withdrawing support end  128  from underneath lower surface  71  thereby releasing multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A from cartridge tube  120 . In an alternate release method, internal sleeve  130  is adapted to rotate counterclockwise as viewed from upper end  122  within inner surface  134  of cartridge tube  120  thereby moving pivot edge  127 ′ of internal sleeve  130  against slide surface  131  of catch  126  causing catch  126  to withdraw support from lower surface  71  in like manner to the above description. Similarly, internal sleeve  130  and annular ring  132  may cooperate by rotating simultaneously in opposite directions to provide for a more rapid release of multiple hazard marker  10 . Annular ring  132  may be rotated by a hand release mechanism  119  by pulling tangentially from one of release attachment points  129  but usually, annular ring  132  is rotated remotely having an actuating means associated with at least one release attachment point  129 . An actuating means may be a pneumatic, electric or hydraulic cylinder adapted to move release attachment point  129  in a releasing direction. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, multiple hazard marker  10  has an upper portion  17  comprising elongated mast  18  having an upper end  19  and a lower end  20 . Elongated mast  18  is formed from one half inch outside diameter, hollow aluminum or steel tube having an outside surface  28 , a bore  29  and a length  30  as measured from terminal end  23  to lower end  20 . Mast  18  may also be a telescoping tube of several sections having an extended length equal to length  30 , each section of the telescoping tube made successively smaller in diameter than the immediately preceding tube. Upper end  19  has means for marking  16  comprising at least a luminescent or phosphorescent coating  22  on a portion  21 , phosphorescent coating  22  applied to outside surface  28  of upper end  19  by dipping portion  21  in a luminescent or phosphorous paint or by wrapping an adhesive backed phosphorescent or luminescent tape therearound. Identification flag  155  formed from a weather resistant fabric or thermoplastic sheet and having indicia  156  thereupon may further be affixed to upper end  19  of mast  18  by means known in the art. Flag  155  or indicia  156  may also be made luminescent or phosphorescent. Means for marking  16  may further comprise a lighting lens  24 , shown in FIG. 6, associated with terminal end  23 , lighting lens  24  illuminated by one of electrically actuated light bulbs  32 . Lighting lens  24  may comprise separate bulbs  32  of different colors, such as red, green and yellow having separate wires connected thereto, but in the preferred embodiment, lighting lens  24  is a hemispherically polished end  35  of a fiber optic cable  33  having an opposite end  34  divided into separate strands grouped for illumination by separate light bulbs  32 , light bulbs  32  controlled by means for controlling  310  mounted on integrated circuit boards  91 . Light bulbs  32  are each a different color, one each for red, green or yellow, red signifying warning, green indicating safe, and yellow for hazard and a constant source rather than a pulsating strobe for enhanced use in limited visibility. Lighting lens  24  provides significant illumination such that the indicating lights represented by the three colors may be observed from outside a hazard warning area and therefore, when no hazard is indicated, may guide personnel and vehicles through a previously hazardous area. Of course, when a hazard is indicated by the yellow light emitted through lens  24 , personnel and vehicles are warned thereby to avoid the area marked by those multiple hazard markers  10 . Other colored lights, including white, may be added to lens  24  by further dividing fiber optic cable  33  at end  34  or by having a multiple colored wheel passing before any of light bulbs  32 . For instance, a white light may be utilized to indicate that multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A is in a sampling mode or has not yet determined the status of the area being marked. A clear, transparent thermoplastic cover  92  may be fitted into terminal end  23  of mast  18  by inserting into bore  29  or fitting over outer surface  28  and being secured in fluid tight engagement therewithin or thereonto. For instance, thermoplastic cover  92  may have a threaded exterior portion for threading into a threaded end of terminal end  23  or may have a reduced diameter end for friction fitting within bore  29  or mast  18  may have an internal diameter equal to the outside diameter of outside surface  28  of mast  18  for gluing cover  92  thereonto. Means for marking  16  may be readily observed by personnel on foot or in vehicles as terminal end  23  is adapted to be disposed at least five feet above deployment surface  90 . Optional separate lamp housing containing lighting lens  24  is a light weight two inch outside diameter, six inch long aluminum or steel can having a closed end and an open end similar to housing  31  and is affixed to terminal end  23  of mast  18  or terminal end  23 ′ of flag carrying tube  169  with another counterweight similar to counterweight  87 , however this counterweight is not a significant mass as is counterweight  87  and thus the mass of separate lamp housing and separate counterweight does not significantly affect the righting moment provided by counterweight  87  and housing  31 . The separate lamp housing contains separate light bulbs  32 , separate sensors  136 ,  154 ,  280  for environmental sampling and separate electronic circuit boards  91  all acting independently these respective components contained in housing  31 . Lighting lens  24  may be made a portion of the closed end of the separate lamp housing or may have lens apertures through the outer wall thereof for multiple hazard marker  10  or may be integral with mast  18 A of multiple hazard marker  10 A. 
     Upper end  19  has receiving antenna  25  and transmitting antenna  26  associated therewith, receiving antenna  25  electrically isolated from transmitting antenna  26  by insulating sleeve  27 . Receiving antenna  25  is an aluminum or steel tube identical to the tube used for mast  18  and, in fact, comprises upper end  19  of mast  18  while transmitting antenna  26  is a mid portion  146  of mast  18 . Insulating sleeve  27  is formed from a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon and is greater in outside diameter than mast  18  and has a bore equal to outside diameter  78  such that receiving antenna  25  and transmitting antenna  26  are received therein. Insulating sleeve  27  has an internal ring separating receiving antenna  25  and transmitting antenna  26 . Receiving antenna  25  and transmitting antenna  26  are electrically connected to receiving and transmitting portions of integrated circuit boards  91  respectively by wires which are run downwardly through bore  29  of mast  18 . Multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A contains a command signal impulse actuator  93  associated with integrated circuit boards  91  that is capable of receiving signal, code and frequency to the multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A in the cartridge  120  to change the color of electronic light  32  to indicate hazardous material with a yellow light, to red for warning, to green for safe. Multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A has a battery that provides power to the command signal impulse actuator  93 , an integrated current receiver command module  94 , light bulbs  32  and circuit boards  91 . Command signal impulse actuator  93  and integrated current receiver command module  94  therefore, comprise a means for changing  86  to receive instructions from a remote unit or act in response to a detected hazard to modify means for signaling  36  accordingly. 
     Referring particularly now to FIG. 4 b , lower end  20  of mast  18  has counterweight  87  threaded thereonto and may also have an instrument housing  31  affixed to counterweight  87 . Counterweight  87  provides a righting moment to elongated mast  18  such that mast  18  is always substantially vertical after multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A is fully deployed upon deployment surface  90 . Housing  31  is a hollow metal container having a lower end  147  and an upper end  148 , upper end  148  having threads thereon for threading upon a threaded flange  151  of counterweight  87 . Counterweight  87  is a die cast metal, three kilogram weight having a threaded bore  89  centrally disposed therein which is affixed to lower end  20  of mast  18  by threading counterweight  87  upon a threaded portion  88  of lower end  20 . Counterweight  87  further has a threaded flange  151  at its outer periphery for accepting housing  31  thereupon. The significant mass of counterweight  87  provides the righting moment for mast  18 . Counterweight  87  has slots formed upon the lower surface  153  thereof for mounting the components of means for signaling  36 , such as electronic transmitters, circuitry, power supplies, sensing elements  136 ,  154 ,  280 , light bulbs  32 , receivers  137  and transmitters, threaded bore  89  aligning with bore  29  of mast  18  for passing wiring or sensing tubing therethrough. A battery generally supplies power to command signal impulse actuator  93 , integrated current receiver command module  94 , light bulbs  32  and integrated circuit boards  91 , however, counterweight  87  or housing  31  may additionally have a solar array mounted thereon for generating electrical power. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4 a , gimbal  51  is a preferably a brass, bronze or thermoplastic spherical bearing in a bearing assembly approximately one and one half inches in outside diameter having a one half inch hole bored therethrough for receiving mast  18  therein. Support plate  38  has mounting hole  76  bored centrally therein for receiving gimbal  51 . Mast  18  is thus pivotally supported in gimbal  51  mounted in support plate  38  and base mounting plate  50  on centerline  53  of multiple hazard marker  10 , central portion  13  joining upper portion  17  to surface engaging portion  15 . Gimbal  51  therefore, has a hole  75  substantially the same diameter as outer diameter  78  of mast  18  through its geographic center for receiving mast  18  therethrough and has mast  18  firmly affixed therein. Typically, gimbal  51  is a spherical bearing and may be expanded by heating, or mast  18  may be supercooled, prior to sliding mast  18  therein. Thus, hole  75  is expanded along with gimbal  51 , or mast  18  reduced in diameter, and after inserting mast  18  to its desired location within gimbal  51 , gimbal  51  and mast  18  are allowed to return to ambient temperature thereby rigidly affixing gimbal  51  to mast  18 . As gimbal  51  is free to rotate, mast  18  always assumes a vertical orientation without regard to the contour of deployment surface  90 . 
     As best observed in FIG. 4 a , support plate  38  is a six sided figure which is formed from a four and one half inch diameter, one half inch thick, flat metallic plate, preferably aluminum, but may be steel or another structural material and in the preferred embodiment, and has outer diameter  57  partially cut away to inner diametral surface  56  and triangular sides  83  with leg slots  39  disposed within protruding ears  58 , ears  58  centrally disposed on triangular sides  83 . Ears  58  extend from triangular sides  83 , to outer diameter  57  while leg slots  39  extend inwardly from outer diameter  57  beyond inner diametral surface  56  substantially to triangular sides  83 . Inner diametral surface  56  is approximately three and one half inches in diameter and leg slots  39  are approximately three quarters inch deep from outer diameter  57 . Triangular sides  83  meet at inner diametral surface  56  in truncated apices  68 . Support plate  38  may alternately be described as a triangular plate having ears  58  protruding from sides  83  thereof. Leg slots  39  are approximately seven eighths inch in width between lobes  60 . Leg pin holes  40  are formed perpendicular to leg slots  39  through lobes  60  of ears  58  by drilling a one quarter inch hole from one outer edge  178  of one lobe  60  through each lobe  60  and, if desired, counter boring one end of each leg pin hole  40  with a counter bore  62  for accepting head portion  64  thereinto at assembly. The opposite lobe  60  has threaded hole  65  disposed about leg pin hole  40  for receiving threaded portion  63  of leg pin  41  therein. In the preferred embodiment, threaded portion  65  is omitted and leg hole  40  is a smooth bore through both lobes  60 . Socket head cap screws  61  having mating nuts  180  threaded onto threaded portion  63  thereof have nuts  180  disposed against an outer edge  178  of one lobe  60  while head portion  64  bears against outer edge  178  of the other lobe  60 . Carriage bolts or machine bolts having a head portion  64  and a threaded portion  63  may also be used in place of socket head cap screws  61 . Upper end  19  of mast  18  may then be inserted through mounting hole  76 ,  77  from surface  71  of base mounting plate  50  having gimbal  51  aligned with mounting hole  76 ,  77  and press fitted therein. Since mast hole  75  is larger in diameter than mast  18 , mast  18  is readily rotatable therewithin after assembly of multiple hazard marker  10 . 
     Base mounting plate  50  is formed as an equilateral triangle from a five eighths inch thick, flat metallic plate, preferably aluminum but may also be steel or another structural material, and has truncated apices  73  at the juncture of each of sides  69 , the altitude from each side  69  to each opposite apex  73  being approximately two and one half inches. Apices  73  are curved surfaces  72  corresponding in diameter to inner diametral surface  56  of support plate  38 , curved surfaces  72  extending between ears  58  upon assembly of base mounting plate  50  to support plate  38 . Threaded holes  54  are drilled and tapped with #10-24 thread into each apex  73  one quarter inch inwardly from apex  73  for affixing base mounting plate  50  to support plate  38 . Base mounting plate  50  has upper surface  70  and bottom surface  71  formed on opposite sides thereof and further has a one and one half inch hole  77  bored on centerline  53  therethrough from upper surface  70  to bottom surface  71  adapted for receiving gimbal  51  therein. 
     At assembly, support plate  38  is disposed superior to base mounting plate  50  and secured thereto with #10-24 bolts  52  screwed into threaded holes  54  in base mounting plate  50 , bolts  52  disposed through holes  55  in support plate  38  with apices  73  of base mounting plate  50  rotated  60  degrees from leg slots  39 , but aligned with apices  68  of support plate  38 . Leg slots  39  are thus centrally located along each of sides  69  of base mounting plate  50 . Upper surface  70  is adapted to mate with lower surface  67  of support plate  38  and be contiguous therewith and having holes  76 ,  77  aligned for receiving gimbal  51  therein. 
     Pivot sleeves  43  are preferably brass, bronze or thermoplastic sleeves having a one quarter inch diameter hole drilled therethrough for receiving leg pin  41  therein. Thus, when assembled to support plate  38 , pivot sleeves  43  have line contact with the inside surface  152  of lobes  60  such that legs  37  may freely pivot about leg pins  41 . Preferably, end cap  85  is threaded upon pivot end  45  of leg  37  or may be force fit into pivot end  45  by inserting same within bore  97  and frictionally driving end cap  85  thereinto. End cap  85  is preferably a ¾ NPT bronze or brass pipe cap having a one sixteenth inch diameter vent  197  drilled therein which may have vent tube  198  screwed into a threaded opening therein or brazed therein. 
     Leg pins  41  may be bronze or brass cylindrical pins with a head portion  64  to be received in counter bore  62  but preferably are two inch long hardened steel socket head cap screws  61  having head portion  64  and threaded portion  63 . Each leg pin  41  is inserted into leg pin hole  40  through one lobe  60 , through pivot sleeve  43  in leg  37  having nuts  180  threaded upon threaded portion  63  or alternately, screwed into threaded hole  65  in other lobe  60  of ear  58 . 
     Legs  37  may be formed from circular, square, or triangular steel or aluminum tube but are preferably cut from a length of three quarter inch steel pipe approximately three feet in length from pivot end  45  to deployment surface engaging end  44  having open ends  44 ,  45  burnished for ease of assembly of end cap  85  and foot  48 . Legs  37  are threaded upon both ends with ¾ NPT threads for receiving end caps  85 ,  188  thereupon. Deployment surface engaging end  44  has a foot  48  inserted thereinto, foot  48  formed from a three eighths inch diameter solid bar of aluminum or steel having a slot  187  cut through the terminal end  199  thereof for receiving toe  49  therein and having opposite end  200  slidably received in bore  97  of leg  37 . Shrink fit upon foot  48  is a polytetrafluoroethylene sleeve  183  having an outside diameter equal to the inside diameter of bore  97  and slidably engaged therewith upon assembly. End  200  may further have a polytetrafluoroethylene bushing  183 ′ also the same diameter as bore  97  mounted thereon providing additional support for foot  48 . Foot  48  is received in bore  189  of end cap  188  prior to threading end cap  188  upon leg  37 . End cap  188  is a ¾ NPT bronze or brass pipe cap having a three eighths inch diameter bore  189  therethrough for receiving foot  48  therein. 
     End  199  of foot  48  has roll pin holes  186  drilled through intersecting slot  187  centrally therein. Toe  49  is formed in an equilateral triangle from a one sixteenth inch thick steel plate having each side approximately one inch in length. Two of the sides are sharpened terminating in a pointed end  98  adapted for positive engagement with deployment surface  90 . Roll pin holes  185  are drilled through toe  49  near the end opposite pointed end  98  for receiving roll pins  181  therein at assembly. Toe  49  thereby penetrates deployment surface  90  establishing a firm base for multiple hazard marker  10 . Springs  190  for biasing foot  48  downwardly and for absorbing shock when deployed and spring  168  for biasing flag carrying tube  169  upwardly are conventional compression springs cut to length to provide for the functions hereinbefore described. Foot  48  may alternatively be fashioned from a gas filled shock absorber which is press fit into leg  37  having a rod extending therefrom for attaching toe  49 . 
     Spring coupler  193  is cut from a two inch diameter, one inch thick steel bar stock and formed into an elliptical shape having a shaft hole  194  in the center thereof and torsion spring holes  195  drilled through the thickness thereof centered on the major axis and equidistantly spaced from hole  194  on either side thereof. Shaft hole  194  is approximately the same diameter as outer surface  81  of leg  37  for a loose running fit thereupon. Torsion springs  96  may then be disposed on both sides of leg  37  having one end  201  inserted into spring hole  195  in spring coupler  193 . Torsion springs  96  are formed from one eighth inch diameter spring steel wire having one end  201  disposed at a right angle to other end  202  and having at least one full turn therebetween. Spring coupler  193  may then be secured to leg  37  by a set screw through the minor diameter thereof or by press fitting spring coupler  193  thereonto engaging outer surface  81 . Thus, leg  37  is biased outwardly upon deployment. 
     While a single means for deploying  100  has been described above in detail, multiple means for deploying  100  are possible. For instance in FIG. 1, the embodiment shown on the left of deployment vehicle  160  is an automated deployment device  165  having multiple means for deploying  100  arranged in a circular fashion about a central point  157  spaced by an angular distance between the centerlines  162  of each means for deploying  100  forming a carousel  164  which is employed to deploy a plurality of multiple hazard markers  10 ,  10 A in sequential fashion. Channel  102  of each means for deploying  100  is modified from central point  157  to terminal end  107  by tapering channel  102  to provide for arranging means for deploying  100  in the circular fashion hereinbefore described. Angled support braces  109  are also modified whereby only one support brace  109  is utilized for each cartridge  120  and is adapted to be welded to channel  102  near the mid point thereof with opposite end  115  welded to cartridge  120 . Adjacent cartridges  120  are arranged to be contiguous and are welded together along the touching outer peripheral surfaces  133  thereof, thus providing rigidity to carousel  164 . Carousel  164  has a control and drive mechanism  159  to control the rotation thereof and fix each sequential means for deploying  100  in a deployment position approximating the deployment position of the single means for deploying  100  shown on the right side of deployment vehicle  160 . Of course, multiple circular rows  163  of means for deploying  100  may be provided for in carousel  164  by reducing the number of means for deploying  100  for each successive inwardly disposed row  163 . 
     Each multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A is magnetically coded with an identification number and access code. The command signal impulse actuator  93  will receive an initial signal prior to deployment to initialize the ABC sensors and electronic means for signaling  36 . Means for signaling  36  may be set to white (sampling or unknown mode), yellow (low level hazard), red (high level hazard) but should not be set to green (safe) unless the conditions are known. Preferably, means for signaling  36  will be set to yellow signifying caution. Upon deployment of multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A onto deployment surface  90  command signal impulse actuator  93  will begin a sampling sequence to determine the presence of ABC hazards and transmit a data stream to remote receivers at remote station  265 . Command signal impulse actuator  93  will change the color of means for signaling  36  depending upon the results of the sampling sequence. Personnel at the remote station  265  may transmit information to any multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A by addressing same with the coded identification number and access code to resubmit sampling data, restart the sampling sequence, change the identification code or access code, change means for signaling  36  or switch off that multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A. As each multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A is visible from a distance of at least one hundred meters in both day and night conditions, ground based personnel may also access any multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A utilizing a small pocket transceiver. Coating  22 ,  22 A of multiple hazard markers  10 ,  10 A may also comprise thermal absorbent material  279 , and/or thermal absorbent material  279  may be attached to a portion of legs  37 ,  37 A or mast  18 ,  18 A or both, for nighttime sighting of the multiple hazard marker  10 ,  10 A utilizing night vision goggles. Multiple hazard markers  10 ,  10 A are adapted to be used in hostile environments with temperatures ranging from −20 to 140° F. and winds of 30 mph without turning over and are also adapted to withstand the shock of being dropped from heights of at least 10 ft. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to the above described preferred embodiments and alternate embodiments, it should be noted that various other embodiments and modifications may .be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the drawings appended hereto are merely illustrative of the features of the invention and should not be construed to be the only variants thereof nor be limited thereto.