Abstract: The present invention relates generally to fabricating well performing thin-film batteries onto metallic substrates, polymeric substrates, and doped and undoped silicon substrates. More specifically, the invention may include fabricating an appropriate diffusion barrier layer between the substrate and the battery part of the present invention that separates said two parts chemically during the entire battery fabrication process and the operation and storage conditions of the electrochemical apparatus during its entire lifetime. In one embodiment of the present invention, thin-film batteries fabricated onto a thin, flexible, stainless steel foil substrate using an appropriate diffusion layer show uncompromised electrochemical performance compared to thin-film batteries fabricated onto ceramic substrates when using a 700° C. post-deposition anneal process for the LiCoO2 positive cathode.

Abstract: The fabrication of functional thin-film patterns, such as solid-state thin-film batteries on substrates having fibrous, or ribbon-like or strip-like geometry is disclosed. The present invention relates additionally to the design and manufacture of multiple-layer and multi-function thin films.

Abstract: An employee incentive program is disclosed. According to an embodiment, an employee account is credited with a first amount when a new customer account is opened. The employee account is also credited when an existing customer account is used. In a further embodiment, the employee account is credited with a third amount when an account opened by the employee is used.