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

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

    Return dockPattern

End Function 'GetDockPattern