Abstract: The invention momentarily operates one or more tiny electronic semiconductor microactuator valve systems which operate a slide or flexing gate or gates disposed over the gas entrance hole or holes either on an appliance powered by a gas depolarized battery which has a sealed case or portion of a case, or disposed over an aperture in a gas depolarized battery. By such disposition, the entrance of oxygen from air (or other reacting fluid, either gaseous or liquid), to the gas (for example, air) depolarized electrochemical battery is only permitted when the battery is supplying electrical power to a load or when desired. By using two semiconductor microactuators, or a single microactuator with a ratcheting mechanism, the valve system only need be operated momentarily, usually when the appliance is turned on to open the valve system, and when it is turned off to close the valve system. Power for the valve is preferably derived from the battery itself but could be provided by a separate source.