Abstract: A device for escaping from elevated locations, particularly in an emergency, is provided. The device controls the travel of a weight, e.g., a human passenger, on an essentially 1:1 ratio of rope or cable length to the distance of travel. The invention can be employed for either vertical or horizontal travel. Further, this invention can be operated by a passenger or from a lower location such as the ground or any other place towards which the weight is to travel. The device contains at least one roller, preferably a plurality, around which the cable or rope is run. The roller is generally tapered from at least one side towards a middle location and grooved at the latter to facilitate proper operation, good braking ability, low heat generation during operation and braking, and easy release from a stationary position.