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

    Try
        valuePattern = DirectCast( _
        targetControl.GetCurrentPattern(valuePattern.Pattern), _
        ValuePattern)
    Catch
        Return Nothing
    End Try

    Return valuePattern

End Function 'GetValuePattern