Patch
Patch turns up in 2 fields: fiber optics, geosynthetics. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Patch in fiber optics
To connect two ports, usually equipment to panel or panel to panel, with a jumper.
Plugging a jumper between two ports to complete a path, the everyday move in a cross-connect or data center. Work orders read patch panel 3 port 14 to switch 2 port 22, and the tech must match connector type, polish, fiber type and polarity. Patching also means rerouting a circuit by moving jumpers rather than touching the permanent cable.
"Patch the customer from FDP 4 port 9 to the OLT card in slot 2, and update the record before you leave."
Patch in geosynthetics
Piece of geomembrane extrusion-welded over a hole, defect, destructive sample cut-out or failed seam section.
Patches are cut with rounded corners and extend past the damaged area by a set margin, commonly 150 mm, then tacked, ground and extrusion welded all the way around. Each patch is numbered, logged on the as-built drawing and tested, usually with a vacuum box or spark test. A cap strip, a long narrow patch, covers a failed length of seam.
"Patch every destruct hole with round corners and six inches past the cut, then box it."