Abstract: A control device for controlling operating parameters and control functions for the operation of a laboratory centrifuge. The control device has a panel for displaying a visual representation of at least a part of the operating parameters and control functions such as speed of rotation, acceleration temperature, etc. A control switch sets the operating parameters and control functions, this switch being capable of at least two independent movements—a first movement including a rotation about an axis, the second one a displacement along the axis. One of these switch movement, e.g., rotation, provides for the selection and change in setting of one of the operating parameters and control functions, and another of the switch movement, e.g., displacement, provides for acceptance of the selection and acceptance of the setting.

Abstract: A laboratory centrifuge, whose centrifuge rotor is mounted in a bowl (6) which can be brought to the correct temperature and which is set up in particular for the setting of temperatures below the ambient temperature, is provided with a drive means comprising at least one electric motor (1) which is equipped with standstill heating means to maintain the temperature within the motor above a dew point temperature independent of a material-specific cooling temperature within the bowl (6). The standstill heating is provided by the winding system of the stator and/or of the rotor of the electric motor (1) and is connected to a control device (21). The formation of condensation within the motor and the consequential adverse effects arising from this, such as for example corrosion damage to electrical contacts as well as to the bearings of the motor shaft, can be avoided by this means. Also, no additional components are needed for the actual standstill heating.