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

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

    Return transformPattern

End Function 'GetTransformPattern

'''--------------------------------------------------------------------
''' <summary>
''' Calls the TransformPattern.Rotate() method for an associated 
''' automation element.
''' </summary>
''' <param name="transformPattern">
''' The TransformPattern control pattern obtained from
''' an automation element.
''' </param>
''' <param name="degrees">
''' The amount of degrees to rotate the automation element.
''' </param>
'''--------------------------------------------------------------------
Private Sub RotateElement( _
ByVal transformPattern As TransformPattern, ByVal degrees As Double)
    Try
        If transformPattern.Current.CanRotate Then
            transformPattern.Rotate(degrees)
        End If
    Catch
        ' object is not able to perform the requested action
        Return
    End Try

End Sub