'''--------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <summary>
''' Obtains an ExpandCollapsePattern control pattern from an 
''' automation element.
''' </summary>
''' <param name="targetControl">
''' The automation element of interest.
''' </param>
''' <returns>
''' A ExpandCollapsePattern object.
''' </returns>
'''--------------------------------------------------------------------
Private Function GetExpandCollapsePattern( _
ByVal targetControl As AutomationElement) As ExpandCollapsePattern
    Dim expandCollapsePattern As ExpandCollapsePattern = Nothing

    Try
        expandCollapsePattern = DirectCast( _
        targetControl.GetCurrentPattern(expandCollapsePattern.Pattern), _
        ExpandCollapsePattern)
    Catch exc As InvalidOperationException
        ' Object doesn't support the ExpandCollapsePattern control pattern.
        Return Nothing
    End Try

    Return expandCollapsePattern

End Function 'GetExpandCollapsePattern