He's going through a bad/difficult/rough 'patch' [='spell'] right now.
The chair's original paint is still visible 'in patches'. [=in spots]
The doctor 'patched' him 'up', so he's going to be as good as new.
(..) The travellers are hampered by dangerous dust storms. Females and calves can easily get separated from the main herd. For this pair sanctuary lies in the patch of woodland a few miles ahead. They can't rest until they reach it. The main has already got there safely. Finally, the stragglers (..)2006 TvShow: Planet Earth Title: From Pole to Pole Season: 1 Episode 1