Yet a great many processes depending on such research are sought for with complete secrecy until the stage at which patents can be taken out.

【译文】

然而，依赖这种研究的很多程序是在完全保密情况下进行的，直到可以获得专利的阶段为止。

【讲解】

depending on such research作定语，修饰processes。with complete secrecy作状语，修饰are sought for。at which patents can be taken out系定语从句，修饰stage。

【单词和短语】

patent: 专利，专利权，专利证书
(a special document that gives you the right to make or sell a new invention or product that no one else is allowed to copy)，

例如：
take out a patent for an invention 取得一项发明的专利
hold a patent on 对……拥有专利权

Patents have been running out on these drugs.
这些药的专利权正在陆续到期。

patent亦可作动词（参见下句），意为“得到……的专利权（to obtain a special document giving you the right to make or sell a new invention or product）”，

例如：
The company has patented many new inventions.
这家公司得到了许多新发明的专利权。