///--------------------------------------------------------------------
/// <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 TransformPattern GetTransformPattern(
    AutomationElement targetControl)
{
    TransformPattern transformPattern = null;

    try
    {
        transformPattern =
            targetControl.GetCurrentPattern(TransformPattern.Pattern)
            as TransformPattern;
    }
    catch (InvalidOperationException)
    {
        // object doesn't support the TransformPattern control pattern
        return null;
    }

    return transformPattern;
}

///--------------------------------------------------------------------
/// <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 void RotateElement(
    TransformPattern transformPattern, double degrees)
{
    try
    {
        if (transformPattern.Current.CanRotate)
        {
            transformPattern.Rotate(degrees);
        }
    }
    catch (InvalidOperationException)
    {
        // object is not able to perform the requested action
        return;
    }
}