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Toy building block with electrical contacting portions (US4552541)

http://www.patents.ibm.com/details?pn=US04552541
This is the patent that describes the clever scheme used by the input and output connectors on the RCX, the sensors, the
motors, and the wire bricks. Did you ever wonder why you can attach wires and sensors in any orientation and still make a
connection? This patent explains the system.

Mounting Methods

Homebrew Temperature Sensor

http://www.plazaearth.com/usr/gasperi/temp.htm
Michael Gasperi's temperature sensor uses the copper tubing method of sensor mounting. This page has a clear description of
the technique. Putting the tubing on diagonally opposite studs would make this sensor more generally useful. However, the
basic technique is very well illustrated.

LEGO

http://www.kabai.com/lego/lego.htm
This page has brief instructions for building a sound sensor for the RCX. It demonstrates the machine screw mounting method.
However, the screws are not mounted on diagonally opposite studs, which would make them more useful.

TFM's Lego Page - Lego Mindstorms Compatible Temperature Sensor

http://www.akasa.bc.ca/tfm/lego_temp.html
This page describes the construction of a temperature sensor using the conductor plate mounting method.

Tools

Black and Decker

http://www.blackanddecker.com/powertools.htm
Black and Decker makes a tool called the Wizard. With a cutting disk, it's useful for shaving the studs off LEGO bricks.

Welcome to Dremel International

http://www.dremel.com/
Dremel makes hand tools that are good for working with small things like LEGO bricks.