Installing Patches in Batch mode

Hello,
I am looking for a best practices in how to install PT patches in batch mode.  And I am looking for any input on these items:

1. The install document says to do a jar -xvf on the most recent patch.  I understand that, but does the batch process unzip the jar file for rest of patches automatically.
2. Then it says to run the installer.  Do you usually use all of the switches just to be careful or not?

java -jar FileName.jar -b DirectoryPath -p PackageName InstanceName

3. Is there anything tricky about the above statement and does it run in "silent" mode or do I have to interact with it?

Thanks,
Brian