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

    Try
        windowPattern = DirectCast( _
        targetControl.GetCurrentPattern(windowPattern.Pattern), _
        WindowPattern)
    Catch
        ' object doesn't support the WindowPattern control pattern
        Return Nothing
    End Try
    ' Make sure the element is usable.
    If False = windowPattern.WaitForInputIdle(10000) Then
        ' Object not responding in a timely manner
        Return Nothing
    End If
    Return windowPattern
End Function 'GetWindowPattern