///--------------------------------------------------------------------
/// <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 WindowPattern GetWindowPattern(AutomationElement targetControl)
{
    WindowPattern windowPattern = null;

    try
    {
        windowPattern =
            targetControl.GetCurrentPattern(WindowPattern.Pattern)
            as WindowPattern;
    }
    catch (InvalidOperationException)
    {
        // object doesn't support the WindowPattern control pattern
        return null;
    }
    // Make sure the element is usable.
    if (false == windowPattern.WaitForInputIdle(10000))
    {
        // Object not responding in a timely manner
        return null;
    }
    return windowPattern;
}