ground passes through a conventional tensioning device 4 comprising discs and then optionally passes through a monitor 5 which detects the presence of yarn for example of the triplite type the path of only one yarn has been represented in fig1 it being understood that on a machine there are as many devices according to the invention as there are feeders likewise only one creel 3 has been represented but depending on the type of machine this creel can be formed from several separate parts surrounding the machine or from a single combination carried by the top of the machine umbrella creel the optional yarn detector 5 which checks for the presence of the yarn and in its absence causes the machine to stop by acting on the control box 14 can be placed either before or after the feed device 8 however the safety of the combination is improved by placing it on the creel 3 on issuing from the detector 5 the yarn is conveyed on the arm 7 of the micro contact breaker 17 see fig3 and 4 and then reaches the feed device 8 which is placed above the circular knitting machine 9 there is always one feed device per feeder.