All summer, the device perfectly opened and closed the window in the greenhouse. The device is quite simple and does not require electricity. It works on temperature, when it is hot, the piston extends, when the temperature drops, then the piston retracts.
Bottles are used to close the window, as the window opens from the top and one spring is not enough to close it. The device can lift up to 7 kilograms, which is enough to lift bottles. The bottles are a counterweight. When it gets hot the device opens the window the bottles go up. I wrote a short review. Hope this will be helpful.
I feel for your struggle and am so sad. Blueberry farms are my favorite farm and we go every year and pick 120+ pounds at the local farm in Michigan. We pick patriot blues and they are the best blueberries I have ever had. I would reach out to local brewing companies and see if any are interested in creating a collaboration. I would also start looking for someone to manage the farm if you want to keep it in the family but can't handle the workload. Depending on where you are located, I could reach out to some people, we have family in Boston and Newburyport area. If we were out there I'd jump at the chance to help. Also, look at this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074JC6PL2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_H868D675ZPJW2X0WABYG For helping to pick faster, that isn't mechanical. I'd reach out to local schools and colleges (Vermont has a college with an agriculture program) and maybe they could help.
Best of luck.